Michael Marchant
Director, Patents
In the biological and chemical fields, Michael Marchant’s expertise comes in all sizes. He works on nucleic acid sequencing and profiling technologies, often at the interface of biotechnology and machine learning, as well as in the fields of immunology and antibodies. He has a wealth of experience in small molecule pharmaceuticals and cellular technology, particularly stem cell biology and modified cellular mechanisms. His work also involves advising SMEs and large multinationals in the diagnostic and medical device fields.
Michael works closely with clients to advise on European and global filing strategies, understanding how local and foreign patent law can be navigated to get the best possible protection for his clients. He is regularly involved in contentious work, including due diligence advice and infringement and validity opinions, and he is considered a specialist in EPO opposition and appeal proceedings, regularly opposing competitors’ patents and defending clients’ own IP with an impressive track record of success.
Michael also regularly provides opinions on registered and unregistered design infringement and validity, as well as being heavily involved in registered design filings. He is a member of Murgitroyd’s design group.
Michael read Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, where he specialised in plant sciences (including plant pathology and plant genetics). He joined Murgitroyd in 2008 to head the London Office patent group, having spent almost six years at a leading London firm of patent attorneys.
Michael is based in our London Croydon office.
- Core Expertise
- Memberships
- Qualifications
Sector expertise
- Diagnostic technology
- Medical Technologies
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Molecular biology
- Cellular technology
- Stem cell biology
- Immunology
- Plant sciences
- Plant pathology
- Plant genetics
- Small molecule pharmaceuticals
- Orphan drugs
- Opposition specialist
Key contributor to the team recognised as Highly Recommended by WIPR
WIPR UK Patent Rankings 2025
Key contributor to the team recognised in the Top Patent Law Firm Rankings
The Patent Lawyer Magazine - 2024 & 2025
As you know, this is very commercially important to us, so this revocation is key to our business. Thank you so much for all of your hard work on this, and take a well-earned break after that gauntlet today!
Senior Patent Counsel, Biotechnology Company
Total revocation!!! I just wanted to drop a note to say congratulations and thank you! That hearing today was certainly long and detailed, and you did great through all the twists and turns.
Senior Patent Counsel, Biotechnology Company
You’ve done an absolutely fantastic job of effectively and efficiently managing our patent portfolio. I’m thankful we will get to continue working with you on our EP cases.
Senior Patent Counsel, Global Diagnostics Company
We work with a lot of foreign counsel from around the world, and Murgitroyd is the company we enjoy working with the most.
US Agent
Key contributor to our Life Sciences & Healthcare Team awarded Gold by the Financial Times
Financial Times European Leading Patent Law Firms, combined Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Food & Healthcare awards - 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025
Oh my gosh, I want to go do cartwheels!! Though I think I would probably injure myself. I will stick to the celebratory champagne instead! Such great news, thanks for all your advice and help in getting our evidence in order. Miracles can happen.
Partner, Specialising in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, US Law Firm
Mike, Fabien, thanks for handling the twists and turns of the hearing so well. Thank you for your input at an important moment. I really appreciate it and the outcome is very good for our company.
Senior Patent Counsel, Pioneering diagnostics Company
I’ll keep recommending you internally for these Strawman cases. We’ve had some good results together over the years.
UK IP Firm
Great job at the oral hearing and with all of the preparations that went into this. This is a great outcome!
US based biotechnology Company
