BB S212237 e1786017177345

William Dean

Senior Associate
UK & European Patent Attorney

Based in Birmingham

Tel: +44 (0)121 456 0185

Overview

William Dean has been recognised as building close working relationships with clients and has a reputation for developing and executing well-thought-through IP strategies that are aligned with commercial aims.

He routinely drafts and prosecutes patent applications across a broad range of jurisdictions, especially in the UK and Europe. In addition, Will assists clients with due diligence on patent portfolios and with post-grant matters, such as oppositions at the European Patent Office.

Will works with various clients, including SMEs and multinational companies, and has a particular interest in assisting start-up companies and universities to secure IP protection. His expertise includes protecting innovation in the fields of pharmaceuticals, materials, food and drink, catalysis, synthetic methods, industrial processes and medical devices.

Experience

  • Working alongside high-growth clients to devise and implement commercially directed IP strategies
  • Providing bespoke IP advice to individuals and start-up companies working at various incubators, and through the Library of Birmingham
  • Drafting robust patent applications for inventions relating to medical devices, pharmaceutical compositions, synthetic methods, industrial processes, and materials such as artificial tissues and polymers
  • Prosecuting patent applications through to grant in a range of jurisdictions
  • Performing commercially directed due diligence analysis on a range of patent portfolios
  • Providing freedom to operate analysis to support a client’s successful Innovate UK grant application
  • Managing a cease and desist project for a major international automotive client

“Will has been instrumental in devising and delivering an IP strategy to meet our commercial aims. His advice is clear, pragmatic and tailored. This has provided foundations on which we have received significant traction for additional investment into our company to continue its growth. I would highly recommend him.”

“Will has been assisting the University of Nottingham with a number of cases and has demonstrated impressive knowledge and aptitude in the areas of antibacterial peptides and thapsigargin/thapsigargin derivatives. His approach with University academics and TTO staff is professional and approachable, and his careful advice regarding prosecution matters ensures our University inventors feel confident with the route taken. Will has also assisted the team with formulating appropriate patent strategies in view of evolving commercialisation plans and new data. He has demonstrated an understanding of the unique processes and pressures a Research University faces and we appreciate both his quality of work and the additional support he offers.”

Expertise

  • Chemistry
  • Due Diligence
  • IP Audits
  • IP Consultancy
  • IP for Startups
  • Infringement Opinions
  • Life Sciences
  • Oppositions and Appeals
  • Patent Drafting and Prosecution
  • Patent Portfolio Planning & Management
  • Patent Validity & Freedom to Operate
  • Patents
  • Physics & Materials
  • Portfolio Planning & Management
  • SMEs
  • Validity and Freedom to Operate

Sectors

  • Cosmetics
  • Energy
  • Food & Drink
  • Life Sciences
  • MedTech
  • Universities

Technical Specialisms

  • Chemistry
  • Consumer products
  • Life Sciences
  • Medical devices
  • Nanotechnology
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Physics and materials

Credentials

  • Associate Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC)
  • CPA
  • EPA
  • Doctor of Philosophy
  • MChem (Hons) Chemistry with Industrial Experience
  • PhD Organic Chemistry

Education

  • Cardiff University and University of Nottingham

Insights from William…

Inflationary factors force UK IPO to announce first significant rise of official fees in over a decade
William Dean 4

January 15, 2026

Inflationary factors force UK IPO to announce first significant rise of official fees in over a decade

G 1/23 – See no evil: can the skilled person turn a blind eye to prior art they have in their hand?
William Dean 5

G 1/23 – See no evil: can the skilled person turn a blind eye to prior art they have in their hand?