My work as a Partner here is very varied as, whilst I work predominantly on patents, I also handle design protection and I am Head of the Practice Committee at our firm.
I have a background in mechanical engineering with particular patent experience in medical devices, energy generation and storage, security documents, road sweepers, marine vessels and construction and mining equipment.
I particular enjoy working on sizeable, high value projects in which I use a combination of my skills in patent law and design protection, such as previous work on the launches of a new medical device and a new household drinks machine. Such projects require detailed involvement in the overall IP strategy, as well as on more focused issues in design and patent infringement analysis and in the drafting and filing new patent and design applications.
I also have taken great pleasure in watching and supporting several of my, initially small, clients grow from one or two person businesses, through multiple funding rounds and into large employers with successful products. I have seen patents I obtained for clients be used in successful funding rounds, sold or licensed out to other companies and, perhaps with a little relief (!), survive opposition at the EPO (European Patent Office).
Alongside client work, I take an active role internally as Head of Practice Committee, ensuring our staff and processes remain up-to-date as the law and practices change across the matters we handle. I have been heavily involved in our firm’s response to issues arising from, for example, Brexit, the UPC (Unified Patent Court) and the move to videoconference oral proceedings at the EPO.
I have also taken on the role of Chair of the Designs & Copyright Committee at CIPA (Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys). I’m looking forward to engaging with the UKIPO (UK Intellectual Property Office) on the myriad of upcoming issues, such as simplifying the UK design system and their significant IT transformation program.