Russell Thom

Russell Thom specialises in the field of biotechnology, with a focus on peptide-based therapies, nucleic acid-based therapeutics, diagnostic assays and medical devices.

He works closely and collaboratively with universities, biotechnology companies and large corporates, providing advice across all aspects of the patent process. This includes the assessment of initial ideas through to the delivery of a suitable patent strategy, optimised to achieve key business and commercial goals.

Russell’s scientific background includes a degree in medical biochemistry from the University of Glasgow and a PhD relating to the determination of the protein structure of glutathione-S-transferases to enhance herbicide selectivity.

Extensively involved with initiatives to raise IP awareness within organisations, Russell routinely provides seminars, workshops and IP surgeries to help educate academics and R&D staff on IP strategy. Having completed the Master of Intellectual Property Law and Management (MIPLM) CEIPI course, Russell also specialises in developing policies that cover all aspects of IP management, from the initial capture and review of inventions to management processes for large IP portfolios. His Master’s thesis related to IP risk management in digital business model creation.

Russell joined Murgitroyd in 2000. He was appointed Director of Patents in 2008 and led our life sciences and chemistry team for many years before taking charge of our UK patent group.

In October 2023, Russell was appointed Managing Director, Patents.