Partner
Chartered Patent Attorney
European Patent Attorney
UPC Representative
UK Design Attorney
BSc Biochemistry, University College London
PhD Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of Cambridge
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Dev represents biotech and chemicals clients based in the UK, Europe, and US. He has worked in the life science and chemicals specialisms for over 25 years and has established a practice focusing on provision of strategic advice to early stage and rapid growth technology companies. Dev enjoys working with a wide variety of clients to help them develop valuable IP positions most often for companies seeking to partner or licence their technology.
He has advised companies and clients in diverse fields of biotherapeutics, gene editing, synthetic biology, speciality chemicals, medical devices, AI and computational biology. Dev's practice covers all areas of IP development and counselling including patents, designs, trade secrets and know how. His work involves the development of valuable patent positions in competitive global markets, as well as freedom-to-operate and patent landscape analysis. He advises on contentious issues and handles oppositions before the European Patent Office. In 2014 he successfully defended Freedom Innovations' Patent in an opposition referral to the EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal (G3/14).
Dev is a member of the Life Sciences Committee of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys and regularly publishes and presents in the field of biotechnology intellectual property law. He is also authorised to act as a representative before the EU Unified Patents Court (UPC).
What people think about Devanand
Dev is pleased to work in a life sciences team awarded back-to-back Gold rating by the Financial Times Best European Patent Attorney Firms in 2023 and 2024.
IAM Patent 1000 2025: “Devanand is incredibly approachable, collaborative and flexible in his work style. He is capable of meeting tight deadlines and effectively communicates complex legal and technical concepts with clarity and precision. His attention to detail and deep understanding of EPO procedures consistently ensures robust protection of his patrons' intellectual property. Devanand's reliability, professionalism and integrity shine through in every interaction, demonstrating his genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clientele.”
The IAM Patent 1000 2024 edition says: "Crease is an expert when it comes to inventions relating to AI applications to various biological and medical innovations. He understands key issues of patentability and is able to craft successful patent applications as a result."
The IAM Patent 1000 2023 edition says: "With technical expertise, commercial savvy and an indelible enthusiasm for emerging technologies, Devanand Crease is an invaluable asset to his following in the biotech, sustainable technologies and medical device fields."
The IAM Patent 1000 2022 edition says: "in the words of one happy customer: You can count on Dev to have your best interests in mind when detailing your IP, with a strong understanding of where you are as a company, your financial resources and where you want to go commercially with your idea. This balance I have struggled to find elsewhere and for me is what sets Dev apart from other IP attorneys.”
The IAM Patent 1000 2020 edition states that Dev “has made an impression on peers with his “vast understanding of biochemistry and other life science fields”. With expertise in genomics, epigenetics and medical devices, he provides shrewd strategic guidance and support to companies across the United Kingdom, the United States and Asia”.
The IAM Patent 1000 2018 states that Dev's "doctorate in molecular biology and his technical training make him an ideal advocate for effectively and efficiently obtaining key European patents for biotech clients. He is knowledgeable, diligent, responsive to clients' needs and an excellent team player. He really is a patent strategist rather than simply a filer".
Dev has also been listed in Who's Who Legal every year since 2016 and is also recognised as a key lawyer in the Legal 500 2024 edition.
01.04.2025
Protecting Inventions while preserving biodiversityInvesting in biodiversity conservation and research is not just environmentally responsible—it's medically strategic, as each species lost represents the permanent erasure of unique biochemical compounds that could hold the key to treating current and future diseases. Understanding biodiversity also impacts diverse fields such as animal and plant breeding, agritech and public health.
08.07.2025
Q&A with Richard Lawrence: Real-world IP for a fast-moving worldThe IAM Patent 1000 is a respected global guide to leading patent professionals and firms. With over two decades of experience at the forefront of intellectual property law, Richard Lawrence brings both technical depth and commercial clarity to the complex worlds of cryptography, telecoms, AI, and quantum computing.
12.03.2024
Ireland and the Unified Patent Court20.10.2023
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