Jerome Spaargaren

Partner, UK and European Patent Attorney

London

jspaargaren@eip.com

Biography

Jerome Spaargaren is a distinguished patent attorney with over three decades of experience in intellectual property law. He is EIP's founder and head of the digital technology group.

At the core of Jerome's approach is a commitment to clear communication and strategic planning. He prides himself on his ability to translate intricate legal concepts into understandable advice, helping clients navigate the patent landscape with confidence. His practice areas include UK, UPC and multinational litigation, patent drafting and prosecution, EPO oppositions, portfolio management and counselling.

Jerome's dedication to excellence in patent law is one that is passed on to younger attorneys at EIP in his everyday practice. He believes in staying ahead of the curve in legal trends and technological advancements to provide the most comprehensive and forward-thinking advice to his clients.

Recent Work

From 2022 has provided pre-action and ongoing technical and legal support in relation to infringement and validity, acting for Nokia Technologies in various patent disputes.

Publications

Deletion of “claim-like” clauses: an EPO Board of Appeal allows them to remain in the granted patent (T 0438/22) - EIP News Flashes (February 2024)
A Conventional Way to Reduce Costs in the European Patent System - European Intellectual Property Review (EIPR) (1998; Volume 20; No 8)

Education

Post-Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law - Queen Mary, University of London (1992 — 1993)
MA Physics - Oxford University (1988 — 1991)
Ysgol Aberconwy - Conwy, North Wales (1983 — 1988)
Hale School - Perth, Western Australia (1981 — 1983)

Languages Spoken

English
Dutch (Proficient)

Career History

Founder at EIP (2000 — present)
Associate/Partner at RGC Jenkins & Co, London (1995 — 2000)

Specialisms

Digital: AI, Audio codecs, Automotive electronics, Computer hardware, Image and signal processing, Medical imaging, Robotics, Telecommunications, Video codecs
Dynamics: Robotics
HealthTech: Medical imaging

Awards

Chambers 2026, Ranked Band 1 : Intellectual Property: Patent Attorneys. Jerome Spaargaren is the firm's founder and head of digital. His expertise covers software design, semiconductor science, optics and medical devices. He regularly supports on litigation, patent filing and prosecution, and manages large patent portfolios.
WIPR recommended individual
Ranked as 'Patent Star 2025' IP Stars
Recommended individual, IAM Patent 2025
Recommended in JUVE Patent UK rankings 2025.
Chambers UK 2025.
IAM Global Leader 2025.
Recommended Patent Attorney, Legal 500, 2025
Recommended in Who's Who Legal, IP - Patent Agents & Attorneys 2025
IAM Patent 1000 2024: “a first-rate practitioner who is super sharp and efficient”.
Ranked as 'Patent Star 2024' IP Stars
Recommended in JUVE Patent UK rankings 2024.
Legal 500, 2024
IAM Patent 1000, 2023. 'One of its founders, Jerome Spaargaren has 30 years’ experience; he heads the ensemble’s digital practice group and takes on a wide range of technologies. His lengthy experience in the patent world makes him particularly well placed to advise on strategic implications and the enforcement landscape.'
Ranked as a 'Patent Star', IP Stars 2023
Recommended in JUVE Patent UK rankings 2023.
Recognised as IAM Global Leaders 2023
Ranked Lawyers Intellectual Property: Patent Attorneys Band 1, Chambers and Partners, 2023 "Jerome Spaargaren is so sharp. He provides solid advice quickly when time really matters. It is a relief to have someone like Jerome to call upon."
Ranked as 'Highly recommended' in Patent prosecution in UK, Leaders League 2022
Recommended in Who's Who Legal, IP - Patent Agents & Attorneys 2022
Recommended in IAM Patent 1000, 2022.
Ranked as a "Patent Star", IP Stars 2022
Recommended in JUVE Patent UK rankings 2022.
Ranked Lawyers Intellectual Property: Patent Attorneys Band 1, Chambers and Partners, 2022
Legal 500, 2022.
Recommended in Who's Who Legal: IP 2021.
Ranked as 'Highly recommended' in Patent prosecution in UK, Leaders League 2021
Recommended in IAM Patent 1000, 2021.
Ranked as a "Patent Star", IP Stars 2021
Recommended in JUVE Patent UK rankings 2021.
IAM Global Leaders, 2021
Leading Individuals Band 1, Chambers and Partners, 2021, "Jerome is a quick and deep thinker, and his ideas are full of originality."
Legal 500, 2020. Jerome ‘is readily available and always provides useful insight into complex matters.’
IAM Patent 1000, 2020. Jerome "brings personal skill and insight as an inventor to the table for clients."
Recommended in Who's Who Legal Patents, 2020.
Ranked as a "Patent Star", IP Stars 2020
Recommended in Juve Patent, 2019 for digital communications, electronics
Chambers and Partners, 2020: Jerome “is feted for his expertise in semiconductor science, optics and medical devices”.
Legal 500, 2020
Ranked as a "Patent Star", IP Stars 2019
IAM Patent 1000, 2019. "Jerome Spaargaren heads up the digital group and is renowned for his outstanding telecoms and medical technology insight."
Recommended Patent Attorney, Legal 500, 2018
Ranked as "Patent Star", IP Stars 2018
IAM Patent 1000, 2018. "Electronics whizz Spaargaren loves working with computer systems, high-tech optics and exciting new software."
Chambers & Partners, 2017: Jerome is "noted for his command of hi-tech electronics, medical device and optic technologies" and has an "innovative approach to patent prosecution."
Legal 500, 2017: Jerome "attracts praise for his ‘extensive technical capability, which enables him to understand core aspects of technical matters at hand’."
Ranked as a "Patent Star" and "highly recommended", IP Stars 2017
IAM Patent 1000, 2017. "Multinational semiconductor and software design company ARM is in safe hands under the guidance of digital practice group head Jerome Spaargaren."
IAM Patent 1000, 2016. Jerome "is an authority on computer systems, high-tech optics and various medical technologies".
Legal 500, 2015. "Jerome Spaargaren is highly recommended"
Leading Individuals Band 1, Chambers & Partners, 2015. "Jerome Spaargaren leads the firm's digital practice group and concentrates on work concerning mobile telephony, optics, computer systems and medical technology."
IAM Patent 1000, 2015. "Spaargaren shines in the strategic patenting of electronic innovations."
Legal 500, 2014.
IAM Patent 1000, 2014. "Melding style and substance, Jerome Spaargaren works his strategic magic across the contentious/non-contentious divide."
Legal 500, 2013.
Chambers & Partners, 2013. "Jerome Spaargaren is renowned for his dynamism and talent, especially with regard to communications, medical technology and software."
IAM Patent 1000, 2013. "the "superb" Jerome Spaargaren is a "maverick performer with a strong character" who shines in international prosecution."
IAM Patent 1000, 2013. "Jerome Spaargaren wins great acclaim for fostering an innovative and entrepreneurial culture."

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