The Appleyard Lees team is well-placed to assist its portfolio of clients with the variety of patent matters, across sectors including chemistry, biotech, pharma and energy. Bobby Smithson heads up the team from the firm’s Leeds office and manages global patent portfolios as part of his practice. Dick Waddington is a name to note at the same office, while in Cambridge Barbara Fleck has notable expertise in life sciences and biotech. Team changes include the January 2025 arrival of patent disputes specialist Arnie Francis, the December 2024 departure of Simon Bradbury, and the April 2025 promotions to partnership of Manchester’s James Myatt and Paul Roscoe, and Leeds-based Sarah Gibbs.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team have an incredible breadth of knowledge that has supported us on patents relating to areas as diverse as software and microbiome-based therapeutics. These are challenging areas, but the team guide our strategy and fully implement it.'
'I can't imagine trusting another firm to deliver this so comprehensively.’
‘Barbara Fleck has developed a deep understanding and knowledge of our area of science over several years supporting us. This means her advice, guidance and patent drafting are of the highest possible standard, and have a unique appreciation of the complexities of this area.’
‘Bobby Smithson is well-prepared, knowledgeable, and a strong advocate for his clients. He always has excellent knowledge of the relevant subject matter and legal issues, presenting his case in a good fashion, but with a pragmatic view to achieve his clients’ goals.’
‘Breadth and depth of skills.’
‘Bobby Smithson is highly skilled and a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
- FeTu
- Viasat
- CO2 Sustain
- Benevolent AI
- Syngensis
- Mimetrix
- Pelsis
- Samsung UK
- JTI
- Quantum base
- Oxa Autonomy
- Jemmtec (Magma)
Work highlights
Serving Benevolent AI that uses advanced AI to transform drug discovery and development.
Remaining committed to helping the client achieving their mission of revolutionising the biomedicine landscape.
Acted as Mimetrik's exclusive IP provider since their inception, maintaining a relationship that was initially formed when the company was still part of the University of Leeds.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Bobby Smithson
Other key lawyers
Barbara Fleck; Julia Gwilt; David Clark; Dick Waddington; Parminder Lally; Paul Beynon; Paul Roscoe; Richard Bray