Firm news: Leadership changes at Boult Wade Tennant

Today sees leadership changes at Boult Wade Tennant, the only UK firm to be awarded tier 1 status for the past nine years in both patent and trade mark prosecution categories by MIP and Legal 500. Claire Baldock takes on her new role as Senior Partner with the retirement of Rupert Cross and John Wallace succeeds Nick McLeish as Managing Partner.

Claire is a biotechnology and life sciences specialist with particular expertise in chemical, pharmacological and biotechnological fields, especially in relation to oppositions and appeals at the EPO. She joined the firm in 1988 when biotechnology was a fledgling discipline for patent attorneys. In twenty five years, she has transformed the practice from one person to the world renowned team that it is now. The Group’s expertise focuses on drafting original patent specifications for a range of clients including SMEs and university start-ups and providing high level IP due diligence reports in support of joint ventures, mergers, floatation’s, IPOs and other funding ventures.

As Head of the Biotechnology and Life Sciences Group, Claire has a strong growth track record and her practice spans the globe, advising clients in drug delivery systems, herbal medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, fermentation technology, DNA sequencing techniques, therapeutic antibodies, biologics and pharmaceuticals.

Claire is at the forefront of this fast developing industry. She is Chair of the AIPPI Committee responsible for Biotechnology and Plant Sciences. This prestigious international role reflects Claire’s standing as one of Europe’s leading biotechnology patent experts. Claire is also a member of the highly acclaimed CIPA Biotechnology Committee, which considers developments in the law in the field and reacts on behalf of the Institute where necessary.

Claire Baldock comments: “I have two priorities. Firstly, to ensure we exceed our clients’ expectations by providing patent and trade mark advice of the highest quality. Secondly, to build upon and promote a culture of respect so that integrity, transparency and fairness are part of every aspect of our work.”

John Wallace becomes Managing Partner with effect from 1 May 2014. As Managing Partner he will be responsible for the firm’s overall business strategy and will work closely with the Senior Partner, Partners and the management team to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the firm.

John joined Boult Wade Tennant as a trainee in 1990 and became Partner in 1996. Although Managing Partner, he will continue in his role as Head of the firm’s Trade Mark and Domain Names Group. He has substantial expertise in relation to Trade Mark portfolio reviews, rebranding programmes and advice on global protection strategies. He specialises in commercial trade mark strategy and management. John acts for many household names, from major UK retailers to food manufacturers. He also has particular experience in Trade Marks Registry hearings and regularly takes hearings in the prosecution stages of proceedings for clients of the firm.

Commenting on the appointment, John said: “I am delighted to become Managing Partner. I am ambitious for the firm and will drive the business strategy forward. The talent, professionalism and integrity of our staff gives me great confidence that we can build upon the already excellent client service that we deliver.”