D Young & Co LLP

Patents

Charles represents academic organisations, SMEs and blue chip companies before the UKIPO and the EPO in patent matters in the life sciences sector. His portfolio covers various technologies such as molecular biology, immunology, biotechnology, virology, veterinary science and food science, through to protein chemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceuticals and devices.

After more than 35 years in the sector, he is still passionate about working with innovative clients who are breaking new ground and making a genuine difference.

Charles has an extensive practice in EPO oppositions and appeals, with over 25 years' advocacy experience including representation before the EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal. He has been involved in litigation (including at first instance and appellate level) in the UK, France, Germany, USA, South Africa and Japan and has also attended interviews at the US Patent Office.

Charles has frequently chaired and lectured at numerous international conferences and conventions on issues concerning patents in the life sciences. He has been giving lectures at Queen Mary, University of London to candidates wishing to become European patent attorneys since the 1990s.

European patent attorney 1991; Chartered patent attorney 1990. Representative before the Unified Patent Court 2024. D Young & Co, partner 1995.

Legal 500 UK Hall of Fame Partner, 2026. Elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his contributions to the chemical and biological sciences, 2024. Appointed Honorary Professor of the Centre for Commercial Studies of Queen Mary University of London, 2021.

Prior to joining D Young & Co Charles worked as a patent and trade mark attorney in the chemical and biotechnological industry with Rohm & Haas Company after having gained valuable work experience at Arnersham International, Hammersmith Hospital and the Gray Cancer Institute.

Publications of note

World IP Review 2008 ‘Patentable Inventions’ European Patent Office’s Eposium 1992 Genetic Engineering – The New Challenge Special Recognition Award ‘Of rodents and elephants (a week in the life of the European patent in the name of A. Shrew Co.)’ CIPA article on exhaustion of rights. Runner-up Daily Telegraph Young Science Writer of the Year Award. Bligh SW, Harding CT, Sadler PJ, Bulman RA, Bydder GM, Pennock JM, Kelly JD, Latham IA, Marriott JA ‘Use of paramagnetic chelated metal derivatives of polysaccharides and spin-labelled polysaccharides as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging.’ Magn Reson Med 1991 Feb;17(2):516-32. Named inventor on at least the following patents: EP patent No 0210043, EP patent No 0236411, EP patent No 0183760, US patent No 4880007, US patent No 5250672 and US patent No 5401491. Former contributor to the CIPA Guide to the Patents Act.

Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) European Patent Institute (epi) Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

Imperial College (BSc (Hons) Chemistry and Biochemistry) University of London (PhD in medical research, MRI contrast agents).