Where Science Meets Patent Searching

Meet the IP Professional: Geraint James – Senior IP Manager at PatWorld

At PatWorld, our team of analysts are the engine behind the high-quality searches our clients rely on. This week, we’re spotlighting Geraint James, one of our Senior IP Managers, who has been with us since the very beginning. With over 11 years of experience in patent searching — and a specialism in biotechnology — Geraint is as comfortable navigating the complexities of gene therapies as he is brewing a craft IPA in his garage. 

From Biology to Biotech IP 

Geraint admits he never had a set career plan. Instead, he followed what fascinated him: “I’ve always chosen subjects I enjoyed — biology and biotechnology — and that naturally led me here.” After studying biology at university, he discovered the world of patent searching almost by accident. But it turned out to be the perfect fit: a role where he could combine his love of science with his analytical mind and endless curiosity about how things work. 

The Searcher’s Challenge 

Patent searching in biotechnology is anything but straightforward. Geraint explains: 
“In biotech, you’re dealing with secondary medical use claims, supplementary protection certificates, and terminology that shifts over time. The original patents might not use today’s accepted terms, so you have to think laterally to uncover everything that matters.” 

This detective work is what makes his role rewarding. Whether it’s navigating freedom-to-operate searches or helping a client map their competitive landscape, Geraint thrives on finding clarity in complexity. 

Supporting Innovators 

For Geraint, one of the best parts of the job is working closely with innovators and their attorneys: 
“Hearing people’s stories is inspiring. Start-ups, in particular, bring so much passion to their inventions. Our searches help them understand the landscape, their competitors, and the opportunities ahead. That insight can make all the difference.” 

One standout moment was helping an attorney provide a biotech start-up with a tailored landscape search. The client walked away with a clear view of their competitors — and a strategy for moving forward. “Knowing you’ve played a part in that journey is really rewarding,” he says. 

Looking Ahead 

Biotech never stands still, and neither does patent searching. Geraint points to gene therapies and CRISPR technologies as areas with enormous potential: “Personalised treatments open up innovative cures we never thought would be possible. It’s an incredibly exciting space.” 

At the same time, he recognises the growing challenges posed by AI in IP — from questions of inventorship to the speed at which research is evolving. “It’s going to be one of the defining issues of the next five years,” he notes. 

Beyond the Patent Files 

When he’s not unravelling biotech patents, Geraint is outdoors with a fishing rod, walking his puppy Roger, or brewing his own beer. He laughs that brewing isn’t so different from his old lab days: sterilising equipment, monitoring yeast, and carefully tracking processes. “It’s all microbiology at the end of the day,” he says — though the end product is much tastier. 

His other passions include cooking, cycling, and exploring the Welsh countryside. If he weren’t in IP? Geraint imagines himself as a food writer, a brewer, or even a fishing guide — though he jokes clients would need to sign a waiver promising not to expect too many fish. 

Why Geraint Matters at PatWorld 

At PatWorld, we believe in putting a face to the searches that underpin vital IP decisions. Geraint’s blend of biotech expertise, curiosity, and people-first approach embodies what makes our team stand out. Behind every report we deliver, there’s someone like Geraint ensuring it’s accurate, insightful, and tailored to the client’s needs. 

✅ Next time you read a PatWorld search report, remember: it’s not just data — it’s the result of professionals like Geraint turning complex science into clear answers. 

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