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Dr James Short

Partner

London

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Memberships

CIPA
EPI

Qualifications

Registered UPC Representative
European Patent Attorney
Chartered Patent Attorney
Certificate in Intellectual Property Law, Queen Mary University of London
PhD Face Recognition, University of Surrey
MEng (Oxon) Engineering Science, University of Oxford

My work has a mechanical focus, but my background extends across mechanical, electrical and computing disciplines, and I am perfectly aligned to work in the artificial intelligence sector as well.

I have been very fortunate to have spent most of my career working with a major aeronautical engineering client. The great thing about the work is that the technology touches upon every aspect of engineering – including aerodynamics, of course, but also materials and manufacturing methods, sensing systems and communications, control of the cabin environment, passenger experience, satellite technology and navigation and AI. Being able to cover such a wide range of inventions is very rewarding and has given me experience that I can apply for all of my clients.

I look forward to taking on more work in the artificial intelligence sector as it grows in the UK. Artificial intelligence was the subject of my PhD, and I have enjoyed applying my experience to the latest developments. The patenting of computer-implemented inventions can be challenging because of the way the laws have developed. It’s a fascinating topic and a common area of debate with examiners at various patent offices but I am experienced in navigating the issues that can arise.

The patent process can be a complicated one for the uninitiated. I particularly enjoy working with start-ups, ensuring everything is clear and transparent to them throughout the process. I also understand that at an early stage the cost of every patent application can be significant and must be justified by a broad scope of protection.

My main area of expertise is inter partes proceedings before the European Patent Office. I am regularly involved in contentious proceedings before the Opposition Divisions and Boards of Appeal and have contributed to the Opposition and Appeals chapter of The Patent Litigation Law Review for several years. I take great satisfaction in achieving successful results for my clients, especially if the stakes are high.

Recent work that I am proud of has included drafting and prosecuting to grant a UK patent for a virtual reality system that provides haptic feedback using muscle stimulation signals learnt by machine learning algorithms. Additionally, I recently achieved the grant of a European patent for a visual tracking system robust to occlusion, at oral proceedings by video conference.

Having previously been a member of the firm’s Practice Committee, I enjoy maintaining my understanding of patent office procedural law. I have a deep knowledge of European Patent Office (EPO) procedures, and am always delighted to be able to advise my colleagues and overseas experts on those matters.

Recent experience

Assisting Move.AI with the creation of a global patent portfolio, including accelerating the prosecution of UK priority applications to achieve four granted patents for volumetric motion capture and virtual advertising.

Significantly narrowing the scope of European patent EP3234298 for the oil and gas tubing industry on the ground of lack of inventive step.

Defending a European patent relating to satellite technology opposed by an European Space Agency, resulting in the opposition being rejected in its entirety.

Testimonials and recognitions
  • Recommended individual, JUVE, 2024, 2023
  • Recommended individual, IAM Patent 1000, 2023, 2021
  • World Leading Patent Professional, IAM Patent 1000, 2022
Relevant Search Terms
Recommended Sites
Suggested Media
Recognitions
Additional Info
Languages
“I have worked extensively across a range of computer vision applications, from motion capture to creating the perfect slice of toast.”
Sector Experience
Aerospace
  • Commercial aviation
  • Defence and security
  • Space and satellites
  • Unmanned aerial vehicles
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Automotive
  • Autonomous vehicles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Engines
Communications and networks
  • Internet of things (IOT)
Computing and software
Consumer goods and retail
  • Health, fitness and sport
Electronics and electrical devices
  • Medical devices
  • Robotics
  • Scientific instruments
  • Testing systems, control systems, signal processing
  • Wearable tech and human interfaces
Energy and green technologies
  • Fuel cells and battery technology
  • Renewables and recycling
  • Water, oil and gas, nuclear, fusion, fission
Industrial manufacturing and processing
  • Additive manufacturing
Medical devices and diagnostics 
  • Devices
  • Diagnostic instruments
  • Digital health
  • Medtech

My work has a mechanical focus, but my background extends across mechanical, electrical and computing disciplines, and I am perfectly aligned to work in the artificial intelligence sector as well.

I have been very fortunate to have spent most of my career working with a major aeronautical engineering client. The great thing about the work is that the technology touches upon every aspect of engineering – including aerodynamics, of course, but also materials and manufacturing methods, sensing systems and communications, control of the cabin environment, passenger experience, satellite technology and navigation and AI. Being able to cover such a wide range of inventions is very rewarding and has given me experience that I can apply for all of my clients.

I look forward to taking on more work in the artificial intelligence sector as it grows in the UK. Artificial intelligence was the subject of my PhD, and I have enjoyed applying my experience to the latest developments. The patenting of computer-implemented inventions can be challenging because of the way the laws have developed. It’s a fascinating topic and a common area of debate with examiners at various patent offices but I am experienced in navigating the issues that can arise.

The patent process can be a complicated one for the uninitiated. I particularly enjoy working with start-ups, ensuring everything is clear and transparent to them throughout the process. I also understand that at an early stage the cost of every patent application can be significant and must be justified by a broad scope of protection.

My main area of expertise is inter partes proceedings before the European Patent Office. I am regularly involved in contentious proceedings before the Opposition Divisions and Boards of Appeal and have contributed to the Opposition and Appeals chapter of The Patent Litigation Law Review for several years. I take great satisfaction in achieving successful results for my clients, especially if the stakes are high.

Recent work that I am proud of has included drafting and prosecuting to grant a UK patent for a virtual reality system that provides haptic feedback using muscle stimulation signals learnt by machine learning algorithms. Additionally, I recently achieved the grant of a European patent for a visual tracking system robust to occlusion, at oral proceedings by video conference.

Having previously been a member of the firm’s Practice Committee, I enjoy maintaining my understanding of patent office procedural law. I have a deep knowledge of European Patent Office (EPO) procedures, and am always delighted to be able to advise my colleagues and overseas experts on those matters.

Recent experience

Assisting Move.AI with the creation of a global patent portfolio, including accelerating the prosecution of UK priority applications to achieve four granted patents for volumetric motion capture and virtual advertising.

Significantly narrowing the scope of European patent EP3234298 for the oil and gas tubing industry on the ground of lack of inventive step.

Defending a European patent relating to satellite technology opposed by an European Space Agency, resulting in the opposition being rejected in its entirety.

Testimonials and recognitions
  • Recommended individual, JUVE, 2024, 2023
  • Recommended individual, IAM Patent 1000, 2023, 2021
  • World Leading Patent Professional, IAM Patent 1000, 2022
Relevant Search Terms
Recommended Sites
Suggested Media
Recognitions
Additional Info

Insights

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Bulletin

T56/21 – No legal basis for requiring description amendments

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Bulletin

Priority following consolidated cases G1/22 and G2/22

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Bulletin

EPO Board of Appeal highlights difficulties in establishing inventive step in machine learning cases

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Bulletin

Patentability of simulations – Decision of the Enlarged Board of Appeal for G1/19.

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INSIGHTS