EIP is pleased to announce the promotion of Rob Barker to Partner, recognising his significant contribution to the firm’s Chemistry, Life Sciences, Design, Digital, and multidisciplinary patent practice since joining in 2014.
Rob is a UK and European Patent Attorney, Design Attorney, and UPC Representative with extensive experience across the chemical, pharmaceutical, energy storage, cosmetics, and food sciences sectors. His practice spans drafting, prosecution, freedom‑to‑operate and due‑diligence analyses, and he has acted in both offensive and defensive opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO.
Rob has also spent over four years on a part‑time secondment with a FTSE 100 spin‑out specialising in sustainable packaging, where he advises R&D teams and senior decision‑makers on complex IP issues. This experience has made him deeply familiar with the expectations of in‑house counsel and the commercial realities shaping innovation in the chemical and manufacturing industries.
A chemist by training, Rob holds an MChem from the University of Oxford, where he researched fluorescent organic probes for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. He also holds a Certificate in Intellectual Property Law from Queen Mary University of London. Prior to joining EIP, he worked as a biological chemist at the John Innes Centre.
In addition to his patent work, as Head of Designs, Rob specialises in the registration and enforcement of designs, and has particular experience in defending against infringement threats and takedown orders.
Rob is recognised across the profession as a “Rising Star” (Managing IP, multiple consecutive years) and has been recommended by Legal 500 for his work in chemical and life sciences patent matters.
Rob combines scientific depth with an instinctive understanding of how IP strategy drives innovation. His work across chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and materials has made him an invaluable adviser to clients and colleagues alike. We are delighted to welcome him to the partnership.
Rob is an exceptional attorney whose expertise in complex pharmaceutical matters, unrivalled experience as Head of Designs, and pragmatic, commercially focused advice has been instrumental in the continued growth of our practice. His promotion to Partner is extremely well deserved.