Goodwin today announced that Colm Murphy will be joining the firm’s Life Sciences team as a partner in the London office to build the firm’s European patent prosecution practice.
“We are excited to welcome Colm to Goodwin,” said Mitch Bloom, Chair of Goodwin’s Life Sciences practice. “Expanding our patent prosecution capabilities in Europe and the UK is key to growing our transatlantic life sciences IP capabilities and deepening our European patent expertise. With Colm’s technical knowledge and proven track record in high-stakes patent matters in Europe, we can offer seamless cross-border IP services to our global clients navigating U.S. and EU regulatory landscapes in high-growth markets.”
“I am excited to join Goodwin’s market-leading Life Sciences practice,” said Colm. “By leveraging my experience in European patent strategy and complex EPO matters, I am looking forward to helping our clients navigate cross-border IP challenges and advance transformative innovations, particularly in the fast-growing venture and emerging companies space.”
With over 30 years of experience, Colm advises clients on complex intellectual property matters in the life sciences sector, including biochemical, pharmaceutical, and medical device patents. His practice spans the full spectrum of IP services, from drafting and prosecuting patent applications to handling European Patent Office (EPO) oppositions and appeals. He is widely recognized for his expertise in contentious matters, having successfully defended and invalidated numerous European patents for leading global companies. Colm also advises clients on freedom-to-operate clearances, IP portfolio strategies, and commercialization opportunities, with a focus on delivering proactive, commercially driven solutions.
Independently recognised as a leading practitioner by Chambers & Partners as well as Legal 500, Managing IP, and IAM Patent 1000, Colm is known for his exceptional knowledge and client-focused approach. His arrival underscores Goodwin’s continued investment in its global Life Sciences platform and commitment to providing comprehensive counsel to clients navigating IP challenges.
Colm’s appointment follows a series of strategic hires in Goodwin’s London team with the arrival of Private Equity Transactions team including partners Anu Balasubramanian, Jamie Holdoway and Chetan Sheth as well as debt finance partner Matt Ayre and technology expert Emmie Jones.
With more than 220 dedicated lawyers and patent agents across all major life sciences hubs in the US, Europe, and Asia, Goodwin works with life sciences companies throughout the corporate lifecycle – from startup and commercial-stage to maturity – as well as investors, banks, and others in the life sciences ecosystem.
The firm understands the unique challenges life science companies face in securing funding, licensing and safeguarding intellectual property, establishing partnerships, bringing new products to market, opening new revenue streams, and protecting existing product lines. The team takes a multidisciplinary approach to address clients’ challenges, drawing on deep expertise across industries – such as technology, healthcare, real estate, and private equity – as well as the full spectrum of relevant practices.