Jonathan is an IP lawyer with a particular focus on resolving innovation and brand-led disputes and achieving successful outcomes in complex, cross-border transactions.
With over 15 years of experience, Jonathan advises clients across innovation-led and brand-led industries, including consumer products and related technologies, life sciences (small molecules, biologics, and diagnostics), energy, defence, food, beverage and fashion. He handles high-stakes UK and multi-jurisdictional patent and trade secrets disputes (litigation and arbitration), strategically significant transactions, collaborations and cross-border licensing and technology transfer. Jonathan is well-versed in coordinating pan-European patent litigation and addressing market access issues, with extensive experience before all major UK forums from the UK-IPO to the Supreme Court.
Jonathan’s scientific background – a doctorate in chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology – fuels his passion for understanding the technical and legal intricacies of his cases and transactions. He is enthusiastic about the role intellectual property plays in fostering innovation.
Committed to team development, Jonathan takes pride in mentoring and nurturing talent, fostering a collaborative "one team" approach with clients and their other legal advisors and technical experts. His people-centric style ensures alignment with clients’ commercial objectives, delivering cohesive and impactful solutions.
Jonathan is recognised as a:
- Recommended Individual – JUVE Patent: Patent Litigation
- Next Generation Partner – Legal 500 UK: Intellectual Property: Trade Marks, Copyright and Design
- Key Lawyer – Legal 500 UK: Intellectual Property: Patents (contentious and non-contentious)
- Recommended Individual - IAM Patent 1000: Patents
- Recommended Individual - IAM Patent 1000: Transactions
- Recommended Individual - WTR 1000: Transactions
Jonathan Turnbull is “a great adviser. His responsiveness and commercial acumen are complemented by a profound understanding of intricate legal matters. Jonathan consistently offers creative solutions and alternatives, making him an invaluable partner for addressing any issue.” WTR 1000 2025
"Jonathan Turnbull frequently handles matters pertaining to innovation and collaboration, leveraging his expansive scientific background in chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology." Legal 500 UK 2025 (Patents)
"Jonathan Turnbull has a strong grounding in transactional mandates, ranging from collaboration and commercialisation agreements to the IP aspects of M&A." Legal 500 UK 2025 (Trademarks, Copyright & Design)
“Jonathan is a creative thinker who provides invaluable guidance on complex IP-rich deals and keeps clients well informed throughout the process. He ensures that the legal documents behind transactions address every potential situation that could arise regarding IP ownership between the parties, and that his clientele remain legally protected.” IAM Patent 1000 2024
Experience & capabilities
Selected matters
- AbbVie in United Kingdom and multi-jurisdictional patent litigation regarding its leading its blockbuster anti-TNFα antibody Humira® (adalimumab)
- Sanofi in various commercially important matters including the pan-European defence and enforcement of the SPCs protecting irbesartan
- Unilever on a unique claim for compensation by a former employee under section 40 of the Patents Act, including the subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court
- a multinational conglomerate on a number of licencing agreements to obtain access to cutting-edge renewable energy technology in several jurisdictions. The licence agreement is part of a significant project for the client in the energy field
- a global beverages business on its anti-counterfeiting strategy in the UK and Europe, involving the development of an innovative, multi-faceted brand protection strategy to tackle counterfeit products and preparing for criminal and/or civil actions in multiple European jurisdictions
- Coca-Cola HBC AG on its acquisition of Finlandia Vodka which, as well as the negotiation of the transaction documents, involved due diligence on IP assets and agreements in over 100 countries (including supply and distribution agreements) and where trade mark rights, and agreements relating to the same, were key
- a crypto investment company on various trade mark matters, including freedom to operate, trade mark portfolio strategy and in negotiating a dispute with third party over trade mark similarities
- Takeda in the pan-European defence and enforcement of patents relating to its successful multiple myeloma drug, Velcade
- Gilead in UK litigation regarding its leading blockbuster HIV therapy, Truvada® (tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine)
Background
Jonathan is a solicitor advocate with civil rights of audience in England & Wales. He is also a member of the City of London Law Society IP Committee. Prior to his legal career, he graduated with first-class honours in Chemistry from the University of Oxford and completed his doctorate in bio-organic chemistry at Oxford under the supervision of Professor Chris Schofield, publishing multiple scientific papers. He also holds the University of Bristol Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice.
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