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People » Dr James Legg

Dr James Legg

Partner

Cambridge

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Memberships
  • CIPA
  • EPI
Qualifications
  • Registered UPC Representative
  • European Patent Attorney
  • Chartered Patent Attorney
  • Certificate in Intellectual Property Law, Queen Mary University of London
  • PhD Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge
  • MA (Cantab) Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge

I am a Partner at Boult, with extensive experience of a wide range of IP matters. I specialise in preparing and prosecuting UK, European and PCT patent applications, and in representing clients in European Opposition and Appeal proceedings. I am also experienced in due diligence matters, providing freedom to operate (FTO) advice and advising clients involved in patent litigation.

I have particular expertise in handling patent and technology matters relating to molecular biology and biological therapeutics, acting in matters regarding diagnostic assays, genetic analysis, genetic engineering and gene silencing, stem cell technology, drug delivery, antibody therapeutics and vaccines. My practice is currently focused on technology platforms based on CRISPR/Cas gene editing, DNA synthesis, immune profiling for diagnosis and monitoring of disease, next-generation sequencing and single-cell sequencing.

I advise a wide range of clients, from start-ups (with just one inventor) to multinational biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. I particularly enjoy working with my clients to devise IP strategies that maximise the strength of their IP and are specifically tailored to their commercial objectives.

I am also an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust. I enjoy the practical nature of this role which challenges me in very different ways from my patent work.

Recent experience

Assisting CS Genetics Limited with the development of its extensive patent portfolio in the field of single cell genomics.

Assisting 4basebio to develop an extensive patent portfolio covering the company’s technology in the fields of synthetic DNA and nanoparticle delivery solutions. On 29 July 2024, 4basebio announced a major equity issuance and secondary sale, raising a total of £69.4 million (see here). I assisted the 4basebio management team during investor-led due diligence that led to the transaction.

Testimonials and recognitions

IP is a crucial element in the value proposition of 4basebio. James Legg and his team have been instrumental in protecting 4basebio innovations and developing our ever expanding and robust IP estate! It has been a pleasure to work with James, Olga and the wider team and we look forward continuing our exciting partnership as we build the company.” – Dr Heikki Lanckriet (CEO and CSO), 4basebio, 2024

“James and his team have been critical in the development of our comprehensive IP portfolio, and are an extension of the 4basebio R&D groups with respect to capturing our continued innovation. James, Olga and their wider team have a deep understanding of our core technology platforms and are fantastic to work with. We look forward to continuing our relationship through the company’s next phase of growth’. – Dr Amy Walker (COO), 4basebio, 2024

Publications
Relevant Search Terms
Recommended Sites
Suggested Media
Recognitions
Additional Info
Languages
“I particularly enjoy working with my clients to devise IP strategies that maximise the strength of their IP and are specifically tailored to their commercial objectives.”
Sector Experience
Biotechnology
  • Antibody engineering
  • Antibody manufacture and formulation
  • Biosimilars
  • Drug delivery
  • Gene editing (e.g. CRISPR)
  • Genomic and molecular tools and methods
  • GM crops
  • Immuno-oncology (e.g. checkpoint inhibitors; modified T cells)
  • Next generation sequencing
  • Nucleic acid synthesis
  • Personalised medicine/disease biomarkers
  • Recombinant protein production and purification
  • Stem cell therapies
  • Supplementary protection certificates (SPCs)
  • Synthetic biology
  • Therapeutic antibodies
  • Vaccinology (e.g. viral vectors; mRNA vaccines)
  • Women’s health products
Electronics and electrical devices
  • Medical devices
Energy and green technologies
  • Biofuels
Medical devices and diagnostics 
  • Devices
  • Diagnostic instruments
  • Drug delivery
  • In vitro diagnostics
  • Medtech
Pharmaceuticals
  • Drug delivery
  • Generic market entry
  • Methods of production and synthesis
  • Personalised medicine/disease biomarkers
  • Pharmaceutical formulations
  • Small molecule pharmaceuticals
  • Supplementary protection certificates (SPCs)

I am a Partner at Boult, with extensive experience of a wide range of IP matters. I specialise in preparing and prosecuting UK, European and PCT patent applications, and in representing clients in European Opposition and Appeal proceedings. I am also experienced in due diligence matters, providing freedom to operate (FTO) advice and advising clients involved in patent litigation.

I have particular expertise in handling patent and technology matters relating to molecular biology and biological therapeutics, acting in matters regarding diagnostic assays, genetic analysis, genetic engineering and gene silencing, stem cell technology, drug delivery, antibody therapeutics and vaccines. My practice is currently focused on technology platforms based on CRISPR/Cas gene editing, DNA synthesis, immune profiling for diagnosis and monitoring of disease, next-generation sequencing and single-cell sequencing.

I advise a wide range of clients, from start-ups (with just one inventor) to multinational biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. I particularly enjoy working with my clients to devise IP strategies that maximise the strength of their IP and are specifically tailored to their commercial objectives.

I am also an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust. I enjoy the practical nature of this role which challenges me in very different ways from my patent work.

Recent experience

Assisting CS Genetics Limited with the development of its extensive patent portfolio in the field of single cell genomics.

Assisting 4basebio to develop an extensive patent portfolio covering the company’s technology in the fields of synthetic DNA and nanoparticle delivery solutions. On 29 July 2024, 4basebio announced a major equity issuance and secondary sale, raising a total of £69.4 million (see here). I assisted the 4basebio management team during investor-led due diligence that led to the transaction.

Testimonials and recognitions

IP is a crucial element in the value proposition of 4basebio. James Legg and his team have been instrumental in protecting 4basebio innovations and developing our ever expanding and robust IP estate! It has been a pleasure to work with James, Olga and the wider team and we look forward continuing our exciting partnership as we build the company.” – Dr Heikki Lanckriet (CEO and CSO), 4basebio, 2024

“James and his team have been critical in the development of our comprehensive IP portfolio, and are an extension of the 4basebio R&D groups with respect to capturing our continued innovation. James, Olga and their wider team have a deep understanding of our core technology platforms and are fantastic to work with. We look forward to continuing our relationship through the company’s next phase of growth’. – Dr Amy Walker (COO), 4basebio, 2024

Publications
Relevant Search Terms
Recommended Sites
Suggested Media
Recognitions
Additional Info

Insights

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