Isobel Stone

Isobel is a UK and European patent attorney with deep expertise in mechanical and materials engineering. Her practice spans the full IP lifecycle, from original drafting and prosecution to opposition and other contentious matters before the EPO and UKIPO.

She advises a diverse client base, including leading UK universities, start-ups, SMEs, and global multinationals. Recognised for her precision and client-focused approach, Isobel was ranked in the 2024 Legal 500 directory: “Isobel Stone is very close to the detail of her clients' IP, its landscape, and objectives. She has an excellent grasp of the detail, and gives good, relevant advice.”

Technical Expertise

With a strong academic foundation in materials science and extensive professional experience across the mechanical engineering sector, Isobel brings a unique blend of expertise to her patent practice. Her work spans technologies that combine advanced materials with mechanical systems, including:

• Alloys and metallic systems for structural and functional applications
• Construction technologies, including building systems, components, and specialised materials
• Advanced materials, such as carbon nanotechnologies, ceramics, energy storage materials, and biomaterials for medical applications
• Mechanical systems and components, from precision-engineered products to medical devices including orthopaedic implants, airway management systems, and endoscopy equipment

Opposition and Contentious Work - UK, EPO, UPC

Isobel has worked on a range of post-grant proceedings in relation to patents across the engineering (mechanical & materials) and consumer products sectors, including oppositions and appeals before the EPO, as well as litigation in the UK and at the UPC.

Some highlights include:

• EP4185356, UPC_CFI_480/2025: Defence of a European patent before the UPC. 
• EP3432957: Represented the opponent in an offensive opposition concerning an electronic vapour provision system, resulting in full revocation of the patent.
• EP3467142: Successfully defended key claim scope for a patent relating to AlSc sputtering targets in opposition proceedings.
• EP3195888: Successfully defended key claim scope for a dialysis system patent in opposition proceedings

Qualifications and Career

Isobel holds an MSci (Hons) degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, where she specialised in materials science. This technical background provides an excellent foundation for her patent work across mechanical and materials engineering.

Isobel joined Mewburn Ellis in 2015 and qualified as a Chartered Patent Attorney and European Patent Attorney in 2019, before joining the Mewburn Ellis Partnership in 2024.  

Beyond client work, Isobel plays an active role in recruitment and mentoring, serving on the Mewburn Ellis interview panel for engineering roles and participating in IP Inclusive initiatives to inspire future patent attorneys.

Published Articles

Isobel has been heavily involved with creation of a number of Mewburn Ellis special reports, including:

Medical devices: Insights through IP

Femtech: a growth industry

Memberships and Affiliations

Isobel is a member of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and The Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (epi).