Stephen McNeeney

Steve is one of the leading patent attorneys in Europe in the life sciences/pharmaceutical sector.

Over nearly 30 years in the profession, he has been helping a variety of clients in the pharma business realise the value of their IP assets, ranging from big pharma to SMEs, start-ups and university spin-outs, many of which are based outside the UK, especially in Sweden.   

Steve manages many client’s patent portfolios on a worldwide basis, devising patent strategies and coordinating ongoing prosecution strategy, enabling them firstly to generate and then make effective use of their IP, through legal defence, out-licensing, due diligence, helping with inward investment and in devising exit strategies. 

This has led to involvement in assisting certain SME clients in the defence of their rights in the US courts, including proceedings under the Hatch-Waxman Act (bench and jury trials), instructing and assisting US counsel with litigation strategy, argumentation and witness preparation and the like. 

Demonstrating his strength in European patents, he and fellow partner Richard Bassett successfully obtained and defended two EPO patents for AstraZeneca’s blockbuster drug Nexium® esomeprazole against opposition by 13 generic pharmaceutical companies.