Appleyard Lees

Firm overview:

Full-service, specialist IP firm Appleyard Lees is well known for its patents practice, which operates from offices within key innovation hotspots across the UK. Revenue at the firm has increased by 19% over the past five years, as it has grown its client base of IP-rich businesses and strengthened existing relationships. A client praises the team as “highly skilled and a complementary extension to our in-house capabilities”.

Patent attorneys are aligned to core industry areas, including life sciences, electronics, software, chemistry, engineering, physics, and pharmaceuticals. Samsung UK, Cambridge University and leading clinical-stage biotech company Regenxbio are among the clients who rely on the team for patent matters. The team’s breadth of technical know-how equips it to advise on everything from pre-filing matters and strategy to IP licensing agreements and post-grant disputes.

Appleyard Lees enhanced its IP litigation provision in January 2025 with the addition of Arnie Francis who joined as a principal associate. Francis is one of the few people in the UK to have qualified as a UK/European patent attorney and solicitor, and brings a diverse perspective to patent disputes, including those before the Unified Patent Court (UPC).

Team overview:

The firm’s patent practice comprises 16 partners, four consultants, two principal associates, six senior associates, four associates, eight qualified attorneys, and 16 trainee patent attorneys. The team operates from offices in Leeds, Halifax, Cambridge and Manchester.

Managing partner Bobby Smithson is “excellent at building and maintaining strong client relationships”, according to an industry counterpart. Smithson works closely with in-house patent departments of large corporations both in the UK and overseas, and manages a diverse range of international patent portfolios.

Well-regarded team members included Barbara Fleck, who is particularly known for her work in biotech and pharmaceuticals, and specialises in aligning IP strategies with business objectives. Parminder Lally is a go-to contact for drafting and prosecuting patent applications for computer-implemented inventions, and has a strong reputation for working with startups, spinouts, and SMEs in Cambridge.

An industry peer recommends senior associate Edward Rainsford as a “formidable lawyer in the preparation, process and court defence of our IP” as well as for his work in invalidating others’ patents that have been granted on insufficient grounds.

Key matters:

• Invention harvesting and strategic IP guidance—Benevolent AI

The team manages a significant portion of the IP portfolio for Benevolent AI, a pioneering company that uses advanced artificial intelligence to transform drug discovery and development. This involves drafting, filing, and prosecuting patents, ensuring robust protection for its innovations in all major jurisdictions around the world. By working closely with the client’s in-house teams, Appleyard Lees pinpoints new innovations that require protection and offers long-term, strategic IP guidance.

This work is led by partner James Myatt, with support from trainee patent attorney Emma Lyons.

• Portfolio management—Viasat

The firm manages 20 active cases and plays a key role in handling part of the European patent portfolio for Viasat, a leading global communications company specialising in satellite broadband, secure networking, and advanced communications solutions. Led by partner Paul Rosco, the team works collaboratively with Viasat’s in-house counsel, ensuring a seamless and strategic approach to IP protection.

• Strategic IP and commercial support—Syngensys

University of Sheffield spin-out Syngensys develops synthetic genetic systems aimed at creating safer and more effective next-generation biomedicines. Led by partner Sarah Gibbs, and supported by associate Richard MacClennan, the team has helped the client establish an IP protection strategy that supports its vision for the future.

• Patent prosecution and infringement advice—CO2Sustain

CO2Sustain is pioneering advanced carbonation technology that improves the stability and longevity of fizz in beverages. Its process involves micro-coating CO2 bubbles, enhancing both the consumer experience and sustainability by reducing CO2 usage and plastic waste in packaging.

In addition to providing comprehensive patent prosecution services—including filing and drafting—the team offers specialised infringement advice. This involves closely monitoring the market for potential infringement risks and offering strategic guidance. Partner James Myatt leads the effort, supported by trainees within the team.

Clients:

Benevolent AI, Biorad, Bivictrix, Cancer Research UK, Clasado Biosciences, CO2 Sustain, Crescendo Biologics, FeTu, Jemmtec (Magma), Ivy Farm, JTI, Kyron.bio, Microbiotica, Mimetrix, Owlstone Medical, Oxa Autonomy, Pelsis, Quantum Base, Regenxbio, Samsung UK, Smith & Nephew, Syngensys, Viasat, Zoetis/PetMedix