John McKeon

Background

John is a UK and European Patent Attorney. He joined Dehns in 2022 and was promoted to Partner in 2025.

After training in private practice at another top tier patent firm, John spent several years in senior patent counsel roles at large multinational corporations, including working as a sole patent attorney.

Type of clients and client work

John is experienced in handling and managing a broad range of patent work, including patent drafting and prosecution, along with contentious matters such as freedom to operate and infringement/validity opinions.

He works with clients ranging from start-ups to multinationals, but is particularly sought after for the strategic advice he provides to in-house IP departments. With his blend of private practice and senior industry experience, John takes pride in thinking commercially to provide pragmatic solutions to patent issues.

Expertise

John has technical expertise across a broad range of mechanical engineering, electronics and software fields, with particular sector experience in electronic cigarettes, medical devices & digital health products and aeronautical technologies.

Qualifications and Memberships

• Authorised Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) 2023
• UK Chartered Patent Attorney, 2018 (Awarded CIPA Drafting Prize for obtaining highest mark in the Drafting Paper)
• European Patent Attorney, 2018
• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA)
• Member of the European Patent Institute

Higher Education

MA/MEng (First class), Cambridge University, Engineering

Other

John was recently recognised as a “Rising Star” in the 2024 edition of Managing IP’s IP Stars.