Asim Q. Akbani

Senior Associate

European Patent Attorney

UPC Representative

M.Sc. Forensic Epigenetics and Molecular Biology

Asim specializes in contentious patent proceedings, with expertise in complex, multi-party opposition and appeal proceedings before the Opposition Divisions and Boards of Appeal of the European Patent Office (EPO). He has extensive experience in developing and executing opposition and appeal strategies, navigating technically and legally challenging disputes, and addressing intricate questions of patentability in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.

In addition to his contentious practice, Asim has significant experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications and managing worldwide patent portfolios, particularly those involving extensive experimental datasets and innovative therapeutic technologies.

He also advises clients on strategic intellectual property matters, including patent due diligence, freedom-to-operate analyses, and the assessment of patent validity and infringement risks.

Asim’s legal practice is underpinned by a multidisciplinary scientific background spanning biomedical engineering, forensic epigenetics, and molecular biology. Prior to entering the patent profession, he gained research experience across epigenetics, neurobiology, biochemistry, and structural biology at leading Swiss research institutions, including ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, and the Friedrich Miescher Institute (FMI) in Basel.