Partner, Patent Attorney Southampton
Profile of Jennifer O'Farrell

I joined D Young & Co as a partner in 2020 after 14 years working as a biotechnology and life sciences patent attorney. My practice encompasses a wide range of technologies within the biotechnology and life science sectors and I feel particularly passionate when I can become fully involved in a client’s portfolio as this allows me to make a real difference to their business.

Prior to joining the firm I had been working elsewhere in private practice, at both large top tier firms and a small boutique practice. These previous appointments mean I have a wide range of experience in terms of technology area and client type, and have been exposed to a broad spectrum of patent issues.

My practice focusses on the fields of immunology, molecular biology, biotechnology and biochemistry. I also work on cross-sector patenting strategies relating to biotechnology and computational technologies (techbio). Within these fields I draft patent applications, prosecute patent applications before the EPO and UKIPO, handle oppositions and appeals at the EPO, and coordinate worldwide patent portfolios and European SPC portfolios. I have experience working with clients of all sizes, including single inventors, universities, small start-ups and large multi-nationals.

I am a regular speaker at both biotech industry and patent events on topics including antibody patenting and the availability of second medical use claims. As a member of the BioIndustry Association’s (BIA) Cell and Gene Therapy Advisory Committee I regularly advise firms working in this area on patent issues, ranging from the potential implications of the Unitary Patent Convention (UPC), the implications of Brexit on IP and the GMO Directive.

I have signed the IP Inclusive Senior Leaders' Pledge to demonstrate my personal commitment to improving diversity and inclusion (D&I) in our firm.

Awards

Recognised as a recommended individual by IAM Patent 1000 2024.

Qualifications

  • MBiochem, St John’s College, University of Oxford 2006.
  • European Patent Attorney 2010.
  • Chartered Patent Attorney 2010.
  • Registered representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) 2023.

Memberships

  • Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA).
  • European Patent Institute (epi).
  • UK BioIndustry Association’s (BIA) Cell & Gene Therapy Advisory Committee.

Publications

  • European Biotechnology Review (2018), Patentability of Biosimilars.
  • Practical Law (2017), Analysis and Impact of Actavis v Lilly.
A specialist in immunology, molecular biology, biotechnology and biochemistry.
Legal 500
O'Farrell offers her clientele skill and precision at each of stage of patent prosecution.
IAM Patent 1000
O'Farrell...is a safe pair of hands for valuable inventions.
IAM Patent 1000
Among the country’s most impressive for biotechnology prosecution.
IAM Patent 1000
Jennifer O'Farrell's desire to stay at the cutting edge of developments in the field is exemplified in her membership of the UK Bioindustry Association’s Cell & Gene Therapy Advisory Committee.
IAM Patent 1000
The biotech, chemistry and pharmaceutical practice is chock-full of talent.
IAM Patent 1000
Jennifer O’Farrell expands the team’s range in the fields of immunology, molecular biology, biotech and biochem.
IAM Patent 1000
D Young & Co stands out for its biotechnology work.
IP Stars (Managing IP)