John Leeming Email & Phone Number

I have over 30 years’ professional experience. I prosecute patent applications in the software, electronic and optical fields, with particular expertise in semiconductor device manufacturing equipment and processes. My clients range from large multinationals to smaller start-ups, including firms that have successfully progressed beyond the early stages to develop extensive foreign filing programmes. Clients appreciate my pragmatic and cost-conscious approach to prosecution as well as his ability to effectively capture the essence of an invention in drafting applications.Protection of software inventions (often referred to as computer-implemented inventions) is a particular interest. I have written several articles on the EPO’s approach to this type of invention and have given many presentations on the topic to a variety of audiences. My approach is a practical one, seeking the best way to present an invention in drafting and argument to achieve useful protection as expeditiously as possible.I also handle litigation and enforcement matters, having conducted IPEC and Patents County Court proceedings and have assisted in various Patents Court proceedings over the years. I also successfully handled, on behalf of the opponent, a reference to the European Patent Office Enlarged Board of Appeal (G0004/97) that established that it is legitimate to file an opposition in the name of a strawman. I also have a wide variety of other EPO appeal proceedings, both inter partes and ex parte.I have extensive experience in recovering lapsed patents and applications, using restoration and re-establishment procedures in the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO), the EPO and elsewhere in Europe. The crucial factor in such proceedings is correct presentation of the evidence; viewed from the appropriate perspective an apparently hopeless case can become much more promising. I am recommended by The Legal 500 as “an eminent patent attorney well versed in European computer-implemented inventions practices” and “ knowledgeable about software technology, including cutting-edge technologies such as AI”.

Listed skills include Intellectual Property, Patents, Patent Applications, Patent Prosecution, and 9 others.