Katherine Collins

Katherine is a patent attorney with deep expertise in gene therapy, cell therapy, antibody therapeutics and related technologies. She is a key member of the life sciences team at Mewburn Ellis and works across all stages of the patent lifecycle, with a particular focus on drafting high-value patent applications and managing global prosecution strategies.

Katherine takes a strategic and commercially focused approach to IP. She works with clients ranging from academic institutions and spin-outs to SMEs and multinational biotech companies, partnering closely with scientists, founders, tech transfer teams and in house counsel to translate complex biology and innovations into clear and defensible patent applications and prosecution strategies. Through this she helps her clients develop robust patent portfolios that support their commercial interests, regulatory milestones, investment rounds and licensing opportunities. Her drafting experience includes foundational patents as well as strategic secondary filings designed to strengthen and expand protection.

In addition to her drafting and prosecution work, Katherine has experience in due diligence, freedom-to-operate analyses and European oppositions. Katherine is also a member of the Advanced Therapeutics group at Mewburn Ellis, observing trends and publishing commentary on issues and advancements in the field.

Areas of Expertise

• Cell and gene therapy
• Antibody therapeutics (including ADCs and bispecific molecules)
• Structural and molecular biology
• RNA-binding proteins

Background

Katherine holds a first-class BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Bristol and a PhD in Structural and Molecular Biology from University College London. Her research focused on the structural characterisation of protein-RNA and protein-protein interactions involved in gene regulation. Katherine joined Mewburn Ellis in 2018, qualifying as a Chartered Patent Attorney and a European Patent Attorney in 2023.