Maille (pronounced “molly”) Lyons never planned a career in intellectual property. A scientist, researcher and educator, she knew little about patents when a move to Washington DC led a friend to suggest applying for a role at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Fourteen years later, she left a career she loved with a wealth of experience from inside the US patent system. Today, through her own consultancy, she is using that examiner’s perspective to help others better understand and navigate the patent process.
Quick profile
Name:Mary Maille (Molly) Lyons. Background: Scientist, researcher and educator; former USPTO Patent Examiner. Current focus: Independent IP consultancy, SeaLyons LLC. Specialist area: Biotechnology and the US patent examination process. Something you might not know: Maille combines her consultancy with a life of travel and plans to return to living and working aboard a 44-foot sailboat when her new vessel is ready.
An unexpected route into IP
For Maille, a career in intellectual property was never part of a carefully mapped-out plan.
Her background was in science. She had worked in both research and education, developing a deep knowledge of biotechnology and, just as importantly, an appetite for learning.
A change in circumstances provided the unexpected route into patents. As a military wife, Maille had moved regularly, and when her husband’s career took them to Washington DC, finding a suitable scientific research position proved difficult.
A friend suggested that she apply to the USPTO.
At the time, Maille knew very little about intellectual property or what being a patent examiner involved. Nevertheless, the combination of science, research and the opportunity to explore new ideas quickly proved a natural fit.
She was hooked.
Over the next 14 years, Maille built a successful career at the USPTO. Receiving accolades for her work and discovering a profession that brought together many of the things she enjoyed most.
“I loved reading about new innovations every day and speaking to innovators who were passionate about their inventions.”
Her previous experience proved particularly valuable. A background in biotechnology gave her the technical understanding required to examine complex inventions.While years spent researching meant that reading, investigating and continually acquiring new knowledge already came naturally.
There was, however, one aspect of the job that surprised her.
“You need to know a lot of law.”
For someone entering the profession from a scientific background, understanding the legal framework surrounding patents represented a significant learning curve. Over time, that combination of scientific and legal knowledge became an important part of her expertise.
Life on the other side of a patent application
For patent applicants and their representatives, interaction with an examiner may be just one stage of a much longer journey. For Maille, spending 14 years on the other side of that interaction has given her a very different perspective on the process.
One point she is particularly keen to emphasise is that many examiners want applicants to succeed.
Having spoken with innovators throughout her USPTO career, she understands how much time, knowledge and enthusiasm can sit behind an invention. The examiner’s job is not simply to find reasons to reject an application, but to assess it within the framework they are required to follow.
Maille describes the examiner’s role using the analogy of putting a fence around an invention. An inventor will naturally want that fence to extend as far as possible, maximising the scope of their protection. The examiner’s role is to determine where that fence can fairly be placed, balancing appropriate protection for the inventor with the interests of the wider public and the need to leave room for further innovation.
That makes presenting information clearly particularly important. For Maille, that clarity starts with the claims. Examiners will often read these first because they establish the legal boundaries of the protection being sought, meaning every word matters. Clear, well-written claims can make the examiner’s task easier and often give a good indication of how clearly the rest of the application has been prepared.
Maille points to the guidance provided by the USPTO for patent applications. While not every element of that guidance is mandatory, following the recommended structure can make it considerably easier for an examiner to understand an application and locate the information they need.
From her experience, departing from that guidance unnecessarily can create problems.
If information is difficult to identify or understand, there is greater potential for something important to be missed. That can make the examination process more difficult and potentially contribute to an application being rejected.
It is a simple insight, but one that reflects Maille’s broader philosophy: understanding the process from the examiner’s perspective can make navigating it much easier.
Turning examiner experience into a consultancy
Leaving the USPTO was not driven by a desire to leave patent examination behind. Maille thoroughly enjoyed her work.
Instead, a very different life decision prompted the next stage of her career.
Maille and her husband had decided to live aboard a sailboat and travel. Establishing her own consultancy offered a way to retain her connection with intellectual property. While creating the freedom to work wherever their travels took them.
It also gave her an opportunity to put 14 years of examiner experience to work in a new way.
Today, that experience is central to what she offers.
Having sat on the examiner’s side of the process, Maille understands what an examiner is looking for in an application and the issues that can arise during examination and subsequent responses or appeals. She can look at a situation through a lens that applicants themselves may never have experienced.
That perspective is particularly useful because she also understands the human side of the process.
Years of conversations with applicants have given her an appreciation of the passion people have for their ideas. Combining that understanding with practical knowledge of how examiners work allows her to help clients approach the process more effectively.
It is a role that brings together the different strands of her career: scientist, researcher, educator and former patent examiner.
The deliberately provocative title reflects one of the messages she wants applicants to understand: the relationship between applicant and examiner does not need to be adversarial.
Maille believes it is important not to let patent examination become an “us versus them” contest between examiners and IP practitioners. Instead, she encourages both sides to keep the inventor at the centre of the process. Behind an application is usually someone who genuinely believes they have created something important.The shared aim should be to help establish a strong, defensible patent with an appropriate scope of protection.
The book is intended to help inventors and those supporting them better understand how to work with patent examiners and make their way through the USPTO process more smoothly.
Although firmly rooted in the US patent system, Maille believes the lessons are relevant beyond the United States, particularly for overseas applicants seeking US patent protection.
That international relevance has become even more significant following a USPTO rule change effective from 20 July 2026. The rule change concerning representation for applicants located outside the United States. For overseas innovators navigating the US system, understanding how the USPTO and its examiners operate remains an important part of the process.
Maille’s experience also gives her an appreciation of just how complex patent examination can become. Patentability is not simply a matter of understanding the science behind an invention. Examiners must apply detailed legal and procedural guidance, including rules around issues such as subject matter eligibility.
For innovators encountering the system for the first time, that complexity can be daunting. Maille’s aim is to make what happens on the examiner’s side less mysterious.
A career built on curiosity
There is another thread connecting the different stages of Maille’s career: curiosity.
Research, teaching and patent examination all require a willingness to keep learning. For Maille, that is one of the great attractions of working with intellectual property.
Every application can introduce a new technology, discovery or idea.
It is also why she believes someone does not necessarily need to discover intellectual property at the beginning of their career to find their place within it. Maille herself came to IP relatively late, bringing experience and qualifications from elsewhere that ultimately helped her succeed.
Her advice to others considering a similar move is reassuringly straightforward: you can start at any time.
A research background can be particularly useful because researchers are already accustomed to reading extensively, investigating unfamiliar subjects and continually developing their knowledge.
There is, however, one caveat.
If spending large amounts of time reading scientific and technical literature sounds tedious, patent examination may not be the career for you.
For Maille, it was precisely the opposite. The opportunity to encounter something new every day was part of what kept the role interesting throughout her 14 years at the USPTO.
Wherever the winds take her
Maille’s working life today looks rather different from her years in Washington DC.
She previously lived and travelled aboard a catamaran, which has since been sold while she waits for a new boat to be built. In the meantime, her travels continue on dry land, with plans to be back on the water later this year.
The ambition is to combine both sides of her life. Developing her consultancy and sharing the knowledge accumulated during her USPTO career while continuing to travel the world.
It is perhaps an appropriate next chapter for a career that was never planned in the first place.
What began with a friend’s suggestion to apply for an unfamiliar job became a 14-year career at the heart of the US patent system. Now, Maille is taking everything she learned on the examiner’s side and using it to help others see the patent process from a different perspective. Wherever in the world she happens to be.
Connect with Maille
To learn more about Maille’s consultancy, her experience at the USPTO and her adventures as she takes her work around the world, connect with her on LinkedIn, visit IP at Sea or email.[email protected]
For more of Maille’s insights from the examiner’s side of the patent process, her book, There are NO Bad Patent Examiners: The unofficial guide to working with the “good” ones, offers a practical look at working with USPTO patent examiners and navigating the examination process. Find out more about Maille’s book.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld, a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions, on our About Us page.
Michelle Catto is a Senior Associate at FB Rice in Australia, specialising in medical technology and engineering. With a background in medical device development, she brings an engineer’s perspective to intellectual property, helping innovators consider patents alongside regulatory, investment and commercial objectives as they build businesses with ambitions extending beyond Australia.
Quick Profile
Name:Michelle Catto Role: Senior Associate Firm / organisation:FB Rice Location: Australia – Sydney Areas of expertise: Medical technology, medical devices, engineering, patent drafting and prosecution, IP strategy, portfolio management and freedom to operate
A happy accident: from engineering to IP
Michelle describes her move into intellectual property as a “happy accident”.
She began her career at Cochlear, joining its graduate programme before moving into production engineering. The programme gave her experience across manufacturing, quality, regulatory, design, new product industrialisation and returned device analysis.
One department she never experienced was IP. “I didn’t even really think about it as an option back then,” she says.
That changed through a colleague at Cochlear who was a patent attorney but had spent time working in the regulatory team. The two stayed in touch. Several years later, when Michelle mentioned she was looking for a change, her former colleague suggested something completely different: joining her team as a trainee attorney.
Michelle started asking questions about the profession and quickly saw its appeal.
“IP is at this really interesting intersection between technology and law and business strategy,” she explains. “I really love problem solving and strategic thinking, and I’m a skilled communicator, so it really felt like a natural fit for me.”
Her engineering experience remains fundamental to the way she works. It helps her understand complex technologies quickly and connect with inventors and technical teams. In fact, Michelle jokes that she probably uses her engineering skills more as a patent attorney than she did as an engineer.
Finding a home in MedTech
Today, Michelle works within FB Rice’s broader engineering team, focusing predominantly on medical technology. It is an area particularly close to her heart.
“There’s such a tangible link to making a positive impact in people’s lives,” she says.
Her clients range from small start-ups to multinational businesses, but the common thread is solving real problems in healthcare.
For Michelle, MedTech is also intellectually fascinating because so many disciplines intersect. Science, engineering and medicine meet regulatory requirements and commercial considerations.
“Every project is interesting and different,” she says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that journey and know that the work I’m doing is feeding into something that’s actually going to help people.”
Australian innovation with global ambitions
Michelle believes Australia produces world-class research and innovation, particularly in MedTech and healthcare. “We’re a relatively small country, but in this area we often say that we punch above our weight.”
Australia benefits from a strong academic research environment. Michelle also points to the country’s growing appeal as a destination for clinical trials. Together, these factors create opportunities to develop ideas, generate evidence and validate technologies.
The greater challenge can come in moving from an innovative idea to a successful global business.
Access to capital can be more limited than in larger markets. Australian companies also often need to consider international expansion much earlier in their development. That makes joined-up strategic thinking particularly important.
Michelle believes businesses that align their IP, regulatory and commercialisation strategies early are generally better positioned for long-term success.
The relatively small domestic market also means even early-stage Australian businesses may see themselves as global companies from the outset.
“Long-term growth often means looking beyond our shores,” she explains.
Manufacturing capability, international partnerships and global networks can all influence where a company goes next. In turn, those choices have implications for IP.
Michelle therefore encourages clients to think early about where they intend to develop, manufacture and sell their products. Those decisions influence both protection strategies and the third-party risks they may encounter.
“Having that global perspective from the beginning really helps to ensure that the decisions they’re making now will support that journey as they expand.”
Looking beyond the patent
As Michelle’s career has developed, so has the nature of the advice she provides.
Early in a patent attorney’s career, she explains, much of the focus is naturally on drafting and prosecution. Deep technical and legal expertise takes years to build, often with guidance from experienced practitioners and mentors.
Those skills remain fundamental. However, Michelle’s own work increasingly involves helping clients navigate a much broader innovation ecosystem.
“In MedTech particularly, IP is one important piece of a much larger puzzle.”
Regulatory strategy, reimbursement, investment, manufacturing, market entry and commercial partnerships can all influence whether a technology ultimately succeeds.
For Michelle, an important part of her role is helping clients understand where IP fits within that bigger picture. “It’s about how you can use IP, not just to tick a box and say, ‘we’ve got a patent’, but to support your broader business objectives.”
Those conversations often start with two deceptively simple questions: where is the client now, and where do they want to go?
The answer may depend on whether a business is raising capital, building value ahead of an acquisition, seeking strategic partnerships or pursuing another commercial objective. Some clients arrive with a clear strategy. Others are still working it out.
Michelle sees her role as working alongside her clients. She cannot determine their business strategy for them, but she can help them understand the IP component and how it connects with their wider plans.
When IP unlocks something bigger
For Michelle, some of the most satisfying moments are when IP contributes to a wider commercial milestone. “I love those moments where you see IP working to help unlock something bigger.”
That could mean supporting a funding round, progress towards an IPO or a commercial partnership. The value comes from knowing that protecting important aspects of a technology is helping the client move towards a larger goal.
With established organisations, the relationship can look very different. Michelle enjoys working with in-house counsel and business leaders to understand how individual technologies fit within much larger portfolios.
This might involve tailoring prosecution strategies to broader commercial objectives. It can also involve freedom to operate work to help businesses understand and navigate third-party risks.
In both cases, the patent attorney becomes part of executing a wider strategy rather than working on IP in isolation.
Asking why nobody has done it before
There is one question Michelle particularly likes asking engineers at an early stage of developing a new medical device:
“Why hasn’t anyone done this before?”
The answer can reveal far more than might initially be expected.
If nobody has thought of the idea before, that is interesting. But Michelle finds it even more revealing when others have tried and failed.
Understanding why previous approaches did not gain traction can expose critical points of innovation. It can identify commercial risks and unexplored opportunities. It may also reveal which elements of a new technology are most important to protect.
Sometimes the previous barrier was technical. At other times, the problem was a failure to understand what the eventual users actually needed.
For Michelle, understanding the end user is an important part of looking at an innovation more broadly. Considering who will use a technology, what they need and why previous approaches may have fallen short can reveal valuable insights into both the innovation and its commercial potential.
It can also help identify which aspects of a new technology may be particularly important to protect.
Supporting the next generation in STEM
Michelle is passionate about STEM education and diversity, partly because she remembers the support she received from others.
“I really see the benefit that I’ve gained from other people investing in me, particularly other women who are more senior in the profession.”
She now wants to offer that same encouragement to others.
Michelle also believes perceptions of STEM careers can be unnecessarily narrow. Engineering and science can lead in many different directions, as her own career demonstrates.
She is involved in supporting early-stage accelerators within the MedTech sector, including through IP education and early-stage due diligence. She enjoys helping young companies understand IP while they are still finding their feet.
There is also a personal motivation.
Michelle has three daughters and wants them to grow up seeing STEM as somewhere they can fully belong, should they choose that path. As they get older, she has become increasingly interested in engaging with girls at school level.
“I’ve got a lot of good stories to tell and I’d like to share those, I think, with the next generation.”
Building careers for the long term
Michelle’s perspective on careers has also been shaped by balancing professional development with family life.
Her biggest lesson is that people have different levels of capacity at different stages of their lives. “The best workplaces are ones that are flexible enough to see someone’s value, not just in the moment, but over the long term.”
She credits FB Rice with providing the flexibility that has helped her build a sustainable career alongside raising her family. Parental leave has been particularly important. Michelle believes equitable parental leave matters not only for mothers, but for their partners too.
The leave available to her partner gave Michelle greater capacity to concentrate on returning to work. It also allowed him time to focus on family.
She would like to see more organisations offer, and encourage people to take, equitable parental leave, allowing caring responsibilities to be shared more evenly.
Life beyond IP
Outside work, family naturally occupies much of Michelle’s time. But she also enjoys finding new ways to challenge herself.
Around five years ago, she took up the cello as an adult beginner. She had learned piano growing up but had always wanted to play cello. When her eldest daughter began learning, Michelle decided to join her.
Learning together has been rewarding, although Michelle suspects her daughter may soon overtake her. Her second daughter has now started too, meaning there are currently three cellos in the family home. Her eldest has ambitions to add a double bass, creating what Michelle laughingly describes as a potential logistical problem for the car.
She also loves being outdoors. Living around an hour west of Sydney in the Blue Mountains gives her plenty of opportunities for hiking, trail running and swimming in the creeks during summer.
Her favourite local walk is Mount Solitary. Rising from the Jamison Valley, it offers expansive views back towards Katoomba and the Three Sisters, and across the surrounding landscape.
Further afield, Tasmania is somewhere she returns to repeatedly. She particularly recommends the Three Capes Track, describing Tasmania as “the most magical place I’ve ever been”.
Whether learning an instrument or heading into the mountains, stepping away from work gives Michelle a chance to use her mind differently. “I always find when I return that I’ve got new perspectives and new ideas.”
Staying open to unexpected opportunities
For engineers considering IP, Michelle’s advice reflects her own unconventional route into the profession: find mentors, talk to people and remain open to opportunities that were never part of the original plan.
She also recommends trying to understand what the work really involves before committing to it. “Find a patent attorney and ask them out for coffee,” she suggests. Ask them to explain the fundamentals of patent drafting. “It’ll either really fascinate you or you’ll quickly realise it’s not for you.”
If it is fascinating, Michelle encourages people not to assume they need to fit a particular mould. The profession combines technical expertise with communication, strategy and commercial thinking. That creates room for different backgrounds and different ways of approaching problems.
“If you’re curious and you enjoy learning and solving problems, then it can be a really rewarding career.”
For Michelle, that curiosity has taken her from engineering into a profession she had never originally considered. It now allows her to combine the technical thinking she enjoys with a much wider view of innovation, helping businesses understand not simply how to obtain IP, but how it can support the journey from an idea to commercial success.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld, a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions, on our About Us page.
Paul Renwick is a Patent Attorney at Marks & Clerk Singapore whose career has taken him from engineering in the UK to patent practice in New Zealand and Singapore. Qualified as an Australian and New Zealand Patent Attorney, he helps innovators protect commercially valuable inventions while bringing an international perspective to intellectual property.
Patent drafting and prosecution, AI and software, Semiconductor technologies, Deep technology, International patent strategy
Finding engineering, and discovering IP
Paul’s interest in engineering began long before he knew intellectual property existed.
Growing up, he was always taking things apart, fixing bicycles and motorbikes and generally wanting to understand how things worked. Engineering felt like a natural choice, helped by having an engineer as a father.
It wasn’t until university that another career path emerged.
As part of his engineering degree, a patent attorney visited to explain the profession and how engineers could apply their technical knowledge in a completely different way. That presentation planted a seed.
“I did a PhD involving some IP and my supervisor was spinning out a company, so there were patents being filed. Then I worked for a semiconductor start-up that was beginning to build its own patent portfolio.”
That combination of academic research, commercial engineering and first-hand exposure to patents made the transition into intellectual property feel like the obvious next step.
Interestingly, his former employer became one of his earliest clients after he entered private practice. “It was nice seeing both sides of it. I had worked inside the company before helping them protect their technology.”
One move that changed everything
Paul began his patent attorney career in Sheffield, where he trained for three years before taking an opportunity to work in New Zealand.
Initially intended as a one-year overseas experience, the move quickly became something much bigger. “I thought I’d spend a year in New Zealand, gain some different experience and then see what happened.”
The opportunity to stay arose naturally, and one year became almost seven. During that time, Paul qualified as an Australian and New Zealand Patent Attorney under the Trans-Tasman system, building expertise in a market where international patent filing is an integral part of daily practice.
The move to Singapore was another opportunity to broaden his experience, this time within one of Asia’s leading centres for innovation and technology. Working closer to emerging industries, fast-growing companies and international clients has given him an even broader perspective on global IP strategy.
Looking back, each move has broadened both his professional experience and his understanding of how innovation develops in different parts of the world.
Although patent law across the UK, New Zealand and Singapore shares common roots, each jurisdiction applies it slightly differently. Seeing those differences first-hand has helped shape the way he approaches complex international portfolios.
“You see how each jurisdiction has implemented the law. The outcomes are often similar, but the different approaches give you a stronger background.”
Supporting innovation across Asia
Today, Paul is a Patent Attorney with Marks & Clerk Singapore, where his work centres on helping universities, start-ups and small to medium-sized businesses protect their innovations. While many of his clients are based in Singapore, his work frequently extends across Southeast Asia, reflecting Singapore’s role as a regional gateway for technology businesses.
His technical practice focuses on artificial intelligence, software, semiconductors and deep technology, sectors that continue to evolve at an extraordinary pace.
“Singapore is a bit of a hub,” he explains. “Companies from Thailand and Malaysia, and even further afield in Korea, China and Japan, often work with Singapore firms.”
English also plays an important role. Many businesses choose to draft their first patent application in English before pursuing protection in key international markets, particularly the United States and Europe. This makes Singapore an attractive base for companies with global ambitions.
For Paul, the work remains as engaging today as it was when he first entered the profession.
“I think it’s why I got into IP in the first place. You’re constantly learning about new technology and talking to inventors about the things they’re creating. You’re involved right from the start.”
Every new invention presents another opportunity to understand a different technology and help shape how it is protected commercially.
Why Singapore continues to attract innovation
Having worked in the UK, New Zealand and now Singapore, Paul has seen how different innovation ecosystems develop. While every country has its own strengths, he believes Singapore has created an environment where technology businesses can grow rapidly.
Much of that success comes from a combination of government support, universities, private investment and venture capital.
“There seems to be a lot of support for technology and innovation, from the universities through to government institutions and VC funding.”
He has also noticed how quickly Singapore embraces emerging technologies. Whether it was blockchain several years ago or artificial intelligence today, the country’s investment priorities tend to follow the leading edge of innovation.
“They really get behind new technologies. They’re trying to upskill the whole country.”
That commitment has helped establish Singapore as a significant centre for semiconductor manufacturing while also encouraging rapid growth in AI-focused businesses.
“The IP landscape evolves alongside the technology,” Paul says. “Wherever the technology is heading, the start-ups, investors and government support tend to follow.”
Thinking globally from day one
One of the biggest changes Paul has witnessed throughout his career is the increasingly international outlook of technology businesses. For many companies in Singapore and New Zealand, expansion beyond domestic markets is expected from the outset.
“The first conversation is usually about their plans. Where are they going? Which countries matter to them?”
Those answers shape the IP strategy from the very beginning. Rather than treating patents as country-specific assets, Paul works with clients to develop filing strategies that reflect manufacturing locations, future licensing opportunities and long-term commercial ambitions.
That approach has become even more important as international trading conditions continue to evolve. Recent geopolitical uncertainty and changing global trade relationships have added new layers of complexity for technology companies planning international growth.
At the same time, Paul has noticed clients increasingly seeking advice beyond patents alone. Artificial intelligence has prompted new discussions around copyright, trade marks and the protection of data.
Working alongside colleagues across the wider Marks & Clerk group, he has become involved in advising businesses on data governance and privacy issues linked to AI technologies.
Many AI businesses collect and process information from users around the world, making compliance with international privacy legislation an important consideration.
“You can’t only think about one country. If people are accessing your technology globally, you have to think globally.”
Turning innovation into valuable IP
Among the many projects Paul has worked on, two stand out for very different reasons.
The first involved an entrepreneur in New Zealand who, after suffering a serious horse-riding accident, set out to design a safer equestrian helmet.
Starting in a workshop at home, the inventor developed the product from first principles before working with manufacturers to bring it to market. Paul helped protect both the patents and the registered designs as the business grew.
“It was really rewarding to work with him over many years as he commercialised the technology.”
At the other end of the spectrum was a major semiconductor company in Singapore undertaking an extensive intellectual property audit. The project involved identifying commercially valuable innovations before developing a coordinated patent filing programme covering multiple technologies.
“It was a huge amount of teamwork,” Paul recalls. “We became deeply involved in understanding both their technology and their commercial goals.”
Although the projects differed enormously in scale, they shared something important. Both required understanding not only the technology itself, but also how intellectual property could support each client’s wider business objectives.
That combination of technical knowledge and commercial thinking continues to be one of the aspects of patent practice Paul enjoys most.
Commercial thinking makes the difference
When asked what clients value most in a patent attorney today, Paul’s answer comes without hesitation.
Commercial awareness.
It’s a lesson he learnt early in his career from one of his first mentors, and one that still shapes every conversation he has with inventors.
“My original trainer always used to ask, ‘Where’s the money coming from?'”
At first glance, it sounds like a simple question. In reality, Paul believes it changes the entire way a patent attorney approaches drafting an application.
It’s not enough to understand how an invention works. You also need to understand how the business intends to make money from it. That might influence where protection is sought, how claims are drafted or which aspects of the technology deserve the greatest emphasis.
“Understanding the technology is important, but so is understanding how you create a commercially valuable patent.”
Sometimes that means focusing on manufacturing rather than the eventual sales market. Other times it means thinking ahead to licensing opportunities or international expansion.
For Paul, intellectual property is most effective when it supports a company’s commercial objectives rather than existing in isolation.
Outside the office
Away from work, Paul enjoys activities that offer a different kind of challenge.
Rock climbing and cycling help him switch off, while Singapore’s warm climate means much of his climbing now takes place indoors or across the border in Malaysia.
Before moving to Singapore, he climbed regularly in New Zealand and the Peak District, both places that still hold special memories.
Another favourite pastime is board games. One recent favourite is Power Grid, a strategy game that rewards planning, negotiation and adapting to changing circumstances. “I think there are probably some transferable skills,” he says. “Negotiation and dealing with potential conflicts.”
His favourite hiking memories, however, belong to New Zealand. Among the many walks he recommends, the Mercer Bay Loop and the surrounding coastal trails near Muriwai and Piha stand out for their dramatic scenery.
“They’re stunning on a good day.”
Looking ahead
Looking back over a career spanning the UK, New Zealand and Singapore, Paul sees a profession that is becoming increasingly global.
Technology moves quickly, businesses often think internationally from their earliest days and intellectual property continues to evolve alongside new developments such as artificial intelligence.
Yet despite those changes, one principle has remained constant throughout his career. Never lose sight of the commercial purpose behind the technology.
For Paul, understanding innovation is only half of the job. The real value lies in helping inventors turn good ideas into commercially successful assets that support long-term growth.
It is an approach that has guided his career from his earliest days in Sheffield to advising technology businesses across Southeast Asia today.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld, a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions, on our About Us page.
From pharmaceutical patents to international policy, Claire Gregg has built a career that combines scientific expertise, legal insight and professional leadership. As a Principal at Davies Collison Cave in Australia, she is passionate about complex patent disputes, mentoring the next generation of practitioners and strengthening Australia’s contribution to the global intellectual property community.
Areas of Expertise: Chemistry and pharmaceuticals, patent strategy, litigation support, IP policy, mentoring and professional leadership
Finding the perfect balance between science and law
Growing up, Claire Gregg imagined a very different legal career.
Inspired by the criminal law dramas she watched with her mother, she initially set out to become a lawyer. After starting a law degree, however, she found herself increasingly drawn to science instead, eventually pursuing organic chemistry and completing a PhD.
Everything changed when another researcher in her laboratory mentioned they were leaving to become a patent attorney.
“They started telling me about it and I was like, ‘Wait, so I can do law and science without being a lawyer. That’s great.’ It really spoke to me that I could combine both in one profession.”
From that point onwards, Claire knew she had found the career she’d been looking for.
More than two decades later, she says that same combination of science and law continues to keep her engaged.
“The science is always changing. The law is always changing. You learn something new every day. I love that constant intellectual stimulation.”
Drawn to the most challenging work
Today, as a Principal at Davies Collison Cave, Claire specialises in chemistry and pharmaceutical patents, with a particular focus on patent strategy, disputes and litigation support.
While many patent attorneys enter the profession as an alternative to academia, Claire’s motivation was different. She had always wanted to return to law, and intellectual property gave her the opportunity to combine legal reasoning with scientific expertise.
Litigation, in particular, appealed because of the complexity involved.
“That’s where the deepest, most challenging intellectual arguments, reasoning and opportunities come from,” she explains. “I like the depth of knowledge that’s required.”
She also enjoys knowing that her work can make a genuine difference to clients who have invested years of research and significant resources into developing innovative technologies.
One recent highlight was being part of the team that secured Australia’s first preliminary injunction in a pharmaceutical patent case for eight years for Johnson & Johnson, an achievement she describes as particularly rewarding.
Her motivation stems from the enjoyment she has found throughout her own career.
“This profession has given me so much,” she says. “I wanted to give back.”
Professional organisations provide opportunities to help shape law and policy, but just as importantly, they create opportunities to learn from others.
“Everyone you connect with, you learn something new from them and you can teach them something new as well.”
For Claire, stepping outside the immediate environment of her own firm has broadened both her thinking and her understanding of the profession.
Why Australian patent attorneys stand out
Although Australia’s patent attorney profession is relatively small, Claire believes it consistently makes a significant contribution internationally.
She describes Australian practitioners as naturally outward-looking, something shaped by the country’s need to work closely with overseas jurisdictions.
“We’re relatively sophisticated for our size,” she says. “We really have to invest in learning about other systems and being across all of that for our clients.”
That international mindset has also given Australian practitioners an important voice in global discussions.
Claire believes Australia’s patent system strikes a thoughtful balance between protecting applicants’ rights while recognising the interests of third parties. Through her work with international organisations, she has seen elements of the Australian approach recognised as valuable examples during discussions on harmonisation.
More than anything, she believes Australian practitioners understand how their jurisdiction fits into the wider international IP landscape.
Looking beyond Australia’s borders
International collaboration has become one of the most rewarding aspects of Claire’s career.
Through organisations including IPTA and FICPI, she has worked alongside practitioners from many different jurisdictions, contributing to discussions on policy while learning how different countries approach similar legal and commercial challenges.
“It teaches you the value of having a perspective that’s bigger than your own jurisdiction,” she says. “There are so many different ways of practising, different commercial problems and different historical angles on the law.”
Those experiences have reinforced her belief that Australia has much to contribute internationally. Although relatively small, she believes Australia’s patent system has developed a strong balance between the rights of applicants and third parties, and she has been encouraged to see aspects of the Australian approach considered in wider discussions around international harmonisation.
For Claire, international collaboration is most valuable when every jurisdiction has the opportunity to contribute. Different perspectives strengthen policy, improve understanding and ultimately benefit the global IP profession.
Turning great research into global success
Australia has a long history of producing world-class scientific research, and Claire believes the country’s greatest opportunity now lies in turning more of that research into commercial success.
“We’ve got world-leading universities, world-leading research and world-leading science going on here,” she says.
The challenge, in her view, is supporting innovators to take those discoveries beyond the laboratory.
She believes government policy, investment and increasing awareness of intellectual property all have important roles to play in helping Australian innovation reach global markets.
Recent initiatives focusing on commercialisation give her confidence that progress is being made, while research institutions are becoming increasingly strategic in how they manage intellectual property and build partnerships.
If that momentum continues, Claire believes Australia is well placed to strengthen its role within the international innovation landscape.
Investing in future talent
Developing future professionals is something Claire regards as both a responsibility and one of the most rewarding parts of her career.
“The ongoing viability of our profession depends on it,” she says.
She credits many of her own achievements to mentors who invested time in her development and believes supporting the next generation is simply paying that investment forward.
Mentoring also provides opportunities to learn.
“They think about things really differently,” she says when discussing younger professionals entering the IP profession.
Claire has noticed that newer generations often place greater emphasis on work-life balance and wellbeing, while seeking meaningful work much earlier in their careers. Rather than viewing those differences negatively, she believes every generation has something valuable to contribute.
“I don’t think any of those things are good or bad. It’s just different.”
Understanding people as well as patents
Alongside her legal and scientific expertise, Claire has also studied psychology and trained as a Mental Health First Aid Officer.
Rather than fundamentally changing her leadership style, she believes it has helped her better understand how people respond differently to pressure, motivation and challenging situations.
“Everyone responds differently to pressure and challenges. Everyone’s motivated differently.”
The training has also helped her recognise when colleagues may not be okay and, importantly, how to help them access appropriate support while maintaining healthy personal boundaries.
It reflects a leadership approach built on empathy, understanding and recognising that no single management style works for everyone.
Outside the office
When work allows, Claire enjoys slowing the pace.
Her three cats are, she says with a smile, “the best part of my life”, and spending time with them provides the perfect way to switch off.
She also enjoys writing, although she admits that even when she sits down to write for pleasure, she often finds herself producing articles about patent law.
Home improvement projects provide another creative outlet, from decorating to tackling practical jobs around the house.
Travel remains another passion. Although conferences regularly take her around the world, Claire always tries to extend work trips so she can experience more of the places she visits.
Europe is a favourite destination because of its history, culture and food, while countries such as Egypt, India and Cuba have left equally lasting impressions.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on her career, Claire finds it impossible to identify a single achievement that stands above the rest.
Becoming a Principal at one of Australia’s leading IP firms, contributing to a landmark pharmaceutical patent case, serving on the IPTA Council, becoming Vice President and writing for respected IP publications have all brought different kinds of satisfaction.
Yet perhaps the strongest thread running through her career is something less tangible.
She has never viewed intellectual property as simply a profession or a personal career path. Instead, she sees it as a community that benefits from curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to invest in others.
“I don’t see it as just being about me and my career,” she explains. “I love this profession and it means a lot to me. It’s part of who I am, so I want to make sure it’s in really good shape when I eventually leave it.”
Whether advising clients, mentoring future patent attorneys, helping shape policy or representing Australia internationally, Claire continues to be driven by the same curiosity that first led her to intellectual property: the opportunity to keep learning while helping others do the same.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld, a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions, on our About Us page.
Charlotte Duly is a Partner in the Trade Mark Group at D Young & Co, where she advises clients on protecting and managing global trade mark portfolios. Combining legal expertise with teaching, writing and professional leadership, she believes curiosity, commercial thinking and a passion for learning are essential to delivering better outcomes for clients.
Quick Profile
Name:Charlotte Duly Role: Partner, Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and Solicitor Firm / Organisation:D Young & Co LLP Location: London, UK Areas of expertise: Trade mark strategy, global portfolio management, clearance, prosecution, enforcement, disputes and brand protection
From science to trade marks
Charlotte’s route into intellectual property was far from conventional. Originally intending to pursue a career in science, she worked in a laboratory before exploring other options. A family friend suggested patent law, introducing her to a profession she had never previously encountered.
While studying for a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property, everything changed during a memorable lecture on trade marks.
The lecturer brought legal principles to life using real-world examples, including famous branding disputes illustrated with everyday products. More than twenty years later, Charlotte still remembers that session and the excitement it created.
Although she applied for both patent and trade mark roles, she realised the creative and commercial nature of trade marks suited her far better.
“I got my first job in trade marks and I haven’t looked back.”
Learning beyond day-to-day practice
Throughout her career, Charlotte has combined client work with writing, teaching, examining and committee roles. Rather than viewing these as separate activities, she sees them as opportunities to become a more rounded adviser.
Trade mark law spans countless industries, jurisdictions and legal systems. One day may involve pharmaceuticals, another fashion, financial services or food and drink. That variety means continual learning is part of the profession.
Charlotte believes exposure to different people, perspectives and ways of working ultimately benefits clients.
“The more you learn, the better you become in this field.”
Writing articles, presenting seminars and contributing to professional organisations have all broadened her understanding while allowing her to share knowledge with the next generation of IP professionals.
Finding the right team
Charlotte joined D Young & Co just over a year ago, moving from a large international full-service law firm to a specialist intellectual property practice.
Although the legal work remains familiar, she values being surrounded by colleagues who share the same enthusiasm for intellectual property.
She describes the firm as supportive, creative and agile, allowing the team to focus on delivering the best possible service to clients.
Perhaps most importantly, she feels she has found a team with shared values.
“I’ve found my people.”
Watching brands grow
One of the most rewarding aspects of Charlotte’s work is guiding clients from the earliest stages of brand development through to international protection.
It begins with trade mark clearance, helping clients determine whether a proposed name can be used and registered. From there, she develops filing strategies tailored to commercial ambitions, budgets and future growth.
The greatest satisfaction comes much later.
Whether spotting a client’s advertisement in an airport, seeing a product on a supermarket shelf or encountering a brand overseas, Charlotte enjoys knowing she played a small part in helping bring it to market.
There is, she says, a genuine sense of pride in watching a brand develop from an idea into something recognised around the world.
Advice that evolves with experience
Charlotte believes one of the biggest changes in any attorney’s career is moving from purely legal advice towards more commercially focused guidance.
Technical knowledge remains essential, but experience brings greater confidence in balancing legal risks with business realities.
The wider environment has also changed dramatically since she entered the profession.
Social media transformed brand protection. Domain names evolved. Artificial intelligence has introduced new challenges. Advisers must constantly reassess how businesses protect, enforce and develop their trade marks.
That means today’s advice cannot simply rely on yesterday’s experience.
Instead, Charlotte believes advisers should always be looking ahead, considering not only current risks but also how decisions made today will affect clients several years into the future.
Contributing to the wider profession
Charlotte has served on committees including CITMA and MARQUES, experiences she says have provided valuable insight into challenges facing the profession beyond individual client matters.
Committee work exposes wider issues affecting practitioners, encourages collaboration and helps shape the future direction of the profession.
It also prevents professionals becoming isolated within their own practices.
By hearing different perspectives and contributing to industry discussions, attorneys gain a broader understanding of both the legal landscape and the practical challenges facing colleagues and clients alike.
Charlotte encourages others to become involved, even for a relatively short period.
“It’s really interesting… and you get to help shape the profession going forwards.”
Why curiosity matters
Asked what qualities make the biggest difference over the long term, Charlotte highlights two.
The first is attention to detail. Trade mark practice depends heavily on dates, evidence and precise factual analysis.
The second is curiosity. Rather than answering only the immediate question, she believes good attorneys take time to explore whether there are additional issues, opportunities or risks that clients may not yet have considered.
Spending just a few extra minutes investigating can often uncover something important.
That willingness to dig deeper, she believes, leads to stronger advice and better client outcomes.
The changing face of brand protection
Charlotte sees artificial intelligence as one of the most significant developments affecting both practitioners and brand owners.
AI has made copying websites, branding and creative content faster and easier. Fake social media accounts continue to appear, while counterfeit products and imitation branding remain persistent challenges.
For many businesses, enforcement has become an ongoing balancing act.
Resources are finite, so advisers must help clients decide where time and money will have the greatest impact.
As technology continues to evolve, Charlotte believes the strategic role of trade mark attorneys will become even more valuable.
Businesses increasingly recognise that brands are among their most important commercial assets, making effective protection and enforcement more critical than ever.
Beyond legal expertise
If Charlotte could introduce one new subject into every aspiring trade mark attorney’s training, it would not be another legal module.
Instead, she would focus on management skills.
Attorneys quickly find themselves managing clients, expectations, deadlines and, later in their careers, colleagues and teams.
These conversations are often challenging, yet many professionals receive little formal preparation for them.
Charlotte believes developing these people skills early would benefit both clients and the profession.
Outside the office
Away from work, Charlotte’s life revolves around her two young sons, who keep her busy as what she jokingly describes as a “taxi service” and part-time sports coach.
When she finds time for herself, she heads out for a run.
She is quick to point out that she is neither the fastest nor the longest-distance runner, but that is beside the point.
Running gives her space to clear her mind, let thoughts come and go, and recharge before the working day begins.
Living close to Tooting Common provides the perfect setting, and she admits she particularly enjoys running in the rain.
Looking ahead
After more than two decades in trade marks, Charlotte remains as enthusiastic about the profession as when she first discovered it. She believes the legal landscape will continue to evolve, particularly as AI and new technologies reshape how brands are created, protected and enforced.
What excites her most is that there is always something new to learn. Whether advising clients, teaching future practitioners or contributing to the profession through committee work, she sees intellectual property as a career that never stands still. For Charlotte, curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to keep learning are what make the profession both rewarding and enduring.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld, a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions, on our About Us page.
For Tom Gaunt, Head of Intellectual Property at Lewis Silkin, intellectual property is about far more than filing patents. Drawing on international experience and a commercial mindset, he works with businesses to build IP strategies that support innovation, investment and long-term growth in an increasingly complex technology landscape.
Areas of expertise: Patent strategy, IP portfolio management, commercialisation, licensing, innovation strategy, software, telecommunications, automotive and clean technologies
Discovering a career through Japan
Tom’s route into intellectual property began with a desire to experience life overseas rather than a carefully mapped-out career plan.
Having completed a research master’s in materials engineering, he spotted an opportunity to work in Japan, where companies were filing large volumes of patents in consumer electronics, semiconductor manufacturing and LCD technologies. The role combined his technical background with the opportunity to live abroad, making it an easy decision.
What surprised him was how quickly he fell in love with the profession.
“After spending so long focused on one research project, suddenly I was exposed to new technology every day. I could apply science to commercial problems, think about business strategy and get paid to write arguments. It was an incredible job in an incredible place.”
Working in Japan also shaped the way he approaches clients today. Communicating with non-native English speakers taught him the importance of expressing complex ideas clearly, while long-standing client relationships demonstrated the value of trust built over time.
The experience also gave him a valuable perspective on different approaches to working. Seeing first-hand how dedicated and hardworking his colleagues were reinforced his own belief that sustained performance comes from balancing ambition with wellbeing.
“You can be ambitious and hardworking, but work-life balance is essential if you want to do your best work.”
That philosophy has stayed with him throughout his career and continues to influence the way he leads his team today, creating an environment where people can perform at their best while maintaining a healthy balance outside work.
Looking beyond individual IP rights
Today, as Head of Intellectual Property at Lewis Silkin, Tom leads one of the UK’s largest IP practices within a law firm. Rather than viewing patents, trade marks and litigation as separate disciplines, he believes businesses benefit most when IP advice starts with commercial objectives rather than legal processes.
“Clients don’t come to us asking for patents or trade marks in isolation. They come with business problems and business objectives.”
That shift in thinking has transformed the way his team works.
Instead of treating patent filing as a standalone service, Lewis Silkin brings together specialists from across intellectual property to develop coordinated strategies that reflect each client’s commercial ambitions, budget and long-term plans.
The result is a more integrated approach where patents, trade marks, licensing, enforcement and commercial advice all work together to support growth.
Innovation is becoming increasingly interconnected
Much of Tom’s work sits at the intersection of multiple technologies.
Software, communications, automotive engineering and clean technologies increasingly overlap, creating opportunities but also greater complexity.
“What we’re seeing is a convergence of technology. Businesses that historically had very little overlap are now colliding.”
Modern vehicles, for example, increasingly rely on software, communications and perception technologies alongside traditional engineering. That means organisations need IP strategies that help them navigate collaboration, overlapping technologies and increasingly competitive markets.
Rather than focusing solely on protecting inventions, Tom helps businesses build portfolios that give them options for future commercial negotiations, partnerships and growth.
Thinking strategically from the outset
One of the biggest changes Tom has seen over the past decade is the growing recognition that intellectual property extends far beyond patents.
When working with innovative businesses, particularly those establishing R&D functions for the first time, he encourages them to think about all forms of intellectual property together.
“Businesses often see innovation as producing patent applications. We encourage them to think about a whole thicket of IP.”
That wider perspective includes trade secrets, confidential know-how, design rights, employment arrangements and governance processes alongside patents.
By considering these elements from the beginning of an innovation project, businesses retain greater flexibility as technologies develop and commercial opportunities evolve.
Importantly, every conversation starts with the same question.
“What is the business trying to achieve?”
For Tom, the answer should always shape the IP strategy rather than the other way around.
Helping businesses realise the value of innovation
Protecting innovation is only one part of the process.
Tom is particularly interested in helping organisations understand how intellectual property creates commercial value, whether through licensing, investment, partnerships or direct commercialisation.
Businesses may begin with one objective before changing direction as markets evolve, making flexibility essential.
Sometimes that means deliberately choosing not to patent every innovation if retaining proprietary knowledge provides greater long-term advantage.
It also means looking beyond individual patent filings when demonstrating value to investors.
Tom describes work analysing inventor performance by examining historical grant rates, publications and commercial success, helping organisations demonstrate the strength of both their innovation and the teams behind it.
“The value isn’t just in a single patent. It’s much broader than that.”
Collaboration delivers stronger outcomes
For Tom, successful IP advice depends on collaboration across multiple disciplines.
At Lewis Silkin, patent attorneys, trade mark specialists, litigators and commercial lawyers work together throughout the innovation lifecycle, from early horizon scanning through to commercialisation.
Clients also benefit from regular strategic discussions that go beyond individual projects.
Rather than reacting to issues as they arise, these conversations explore market developments, emerging competitors and future technologies that may influence business decisions years ahead.
“It’s about partnering with clients and building the most effective long-term plan.”
The patent attorney of the future
Artificial intelligence is already changing the profession, but Tom believes its greatest value lies in helping patent attorneys spend more time where they add the greatest value.
Routine tasks can increasingly be completed more efficiently, freeing attorneys to focus on strategic thinking, commercial judgement and creative problem-solving.
“It should help you focus on what’s really valuable.”
For those entering the profession, Tom sees learning how to use AI critically and effectively as becoming just as important as developing technical expertise.
In his view, commercial awareness, strategic thinking and the confidence to bridge technical innovation with business objectives will define the next generation of patent attorneys.
Outside the office
Tom believes maintaining a healthy work-life balance is fundamental to performing well professionally.
Outside work, he enjoys hiking, snowboarding and travelling, making sure he always has at least one mountain adventure planned.
Having hiked across the Himalayas, Japan, Korea, Norway and the Alps, one destination continues to stand out.
“Scotland is honestly one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
For Tom, spending time outdoors provides the opportunity to recharge before returning to the demands of leading a large team and advising clients in a fast-moving sector.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on the profession’s evolution, Tom believes intellectual property advisers are becoming increasingly strategic.
Technical excellence remains essential, but today’s clients also need advisers who understand business, investment and commercial growth.
As innovation becomes more interconnected and technologies continue to converge, the role of the patent attorney will increasingly be to help organisations make informed strategic decisions rather than simply protect individual inventions.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld, a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions, on our About Us page.
Alex Brown and Alex Bone are Partners and Patent Attorneys at Venner Shipley, specialising in mechanical engineering inventions and MedTech innovation. Drawing on decades of combined experience, they help businesses ranging from early-stage startups to multinational organisations develop intellectual property strategies that support innovation, investment and commercial growth.
Areas of Expertise: Mechanical engineering, MedTech innovation, patent strategy, patent prosecution, opposition and appeal proceedings, startup support, Unified Patent Court matters
Different routes into the same profession
Although they now work side-by-side within Venner Shipley’s Mechanical Engineering team, Alex Brown and Alex Bone arrived in the patent profession through very different routes.
For Alex Brown, intellectual property was familiar from an early age. His father was a patent attorney, giving him an unusual insight into a profession that many people only discover after university.
After studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manchester and spending a short period in IT, he realised he wanted a career that combined technology, law and commercial strategy.
“I knew with the intersection of the technology and the law, a career in the patent profession would tick all the boxes that I was interested in.”
Nearly 25 years later, he remains with the same firm, now leading Venner Shipley’s Mechanical Engineering team.
Alex Bone’s journey was more typical of many patent attorneys. While studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge, he attended a lecture delivered by a patent attorney who happened to be recruiting.
The profession immediately appealed to him.
After qualifying in private practice, he moved in-house to Novartis, where he worked with medical device technologies before returning to private practice through A.A. Thornton, which later combined with Venner Shipley.
Together, their different backgrounds provide clients with a blend of private practice, in-house and leadership experience.
Why MedTech continues to inspire
Both attorneys have spent much of their careers working with mechanical inventions and MedTech technologies.
For Alex Brown, mechanical engineering has always held a particular fascination because inventions can be seen, touched and understood through physical interactions.
He points out that despite predictions that software and electronics would dominate innovation, mechanical engineering remains highly active and competitive.
This is especially true in MedTech, where seemingly simple devices often contain highly sophisticated engineering.
Drug delivery systems, safety syringes and inhalers may appear straightforward, but tiny mechanical differences can determine whether a device performs reliably and gains acceptance from healthcare professionals and patients.
Alex Bone shares a similar enthusiasm.
He remains fascinated by the ingenuity required to create mechanical solutions to complex healthcare challenges.
Particularly rewarding are the stories behind many MedTech startups.
Often, innovation begins when an entrepreneur encounters a real-world healthcare problem affecting a family member or friend and decides to solve it.
“They go away and come up with a widget that makes their family member’s life better in some small way, and then they try to make that into a product.”
The changing face of MedTech innovation
Over the course of their careers, both attorneys have witnessed significant changes within the MedTech sector.
One of the most notable developments has been the growing integration of engineering, software, electronics and healthcare data.
Alex Bone highlights the rise of personalised medicine, where treatments and delivery systems are increasingly tailored to individual patients rather than broad populations.
Modern devices often combine mechanical delivery systems with sensors, monitoring technologies and connected applications that track patient compliance and treatment outcomes.
At the same time, the availability of health data generated through wearable technologies has opened new opportunities for innovation.
Alex Brown has seen a similar convergence of disciplines.
Where patent matters were once separated into distinct technical areas, many modern innovations now require collaboration between mechanical, software and life sciences specialists.
Artificial intelligence is also beginning to influence product development, intellectual property management and innovation processes across the healthcare sector.
Helping startups avoid costly mistakes
Supporting startups and spin-outs is a significant part of both attorneys’ work.
While innovation may begin with a strong technical idea, both emphasise that intellectual property should be considered from the earliest stages of business development.
According to Alex Bone, one of the most common mistakes is postponing IP discussions until significant time and money have already been invested.
By that stage, businesses may discover third-party patent barriers or realise they have inadvertently disclosed valuable innovations before obtaining protection.
Alex Brown sees similar challenges, particularly among university spin-outs and academic founders.
Researchers are often accustomed to publishing their findings as quickly as possible. However, public disclosure before filing a patent application can seriously undermine protection opportunities.
Ownership issues can also create difficulties.
Without clear agreements regarding who owns newly developed intellectual property, problems may emerge later when businesses seek investment or commercial partnerships.
Both attorneys stress the importance of establishing a clear IP strategy early, even if formal filings come later.
Building confidence for investors and partners
A well-developed IP strategy does more than protect innovation. It can also play a crucial role in attracting investment.
Investors want confidence that the technology they are supporting can be protected and commercialised successfully.
“If there isn’t IP protection around the technology, it’s difficult to persuade someone to invest in something that someone else could easily copy,” explains Alex Brown.
Alex Bone adds that a strong strategy can also reduce uncertainty.
Freedom-to-operate reviews, competitor monitoring and ongoing IP planning help demonstrate that risks have been assessed and managed appropriately.
For startups seeking funding, partnerships or acquisition opportunities, that reassurance can be invaluable.
Navigating a changing patent landscape
The introduction of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) has added another dimension to European patent strategy.
According to Alex Brown, the UPC offers significant opportunities through centralised enforcement across multiple jurisdictions. However, it also introduces strategic decisions regarding risk and protection.
Some businesses embrace unitary patents and central enforcement, while others prefer a more cautious approach using traditional national validations.
Alex Bone notes that many smaller companies are attracted by the cost-effectiveness of obtaining broad European coverage through a unitary patent.
For larger organisations, strategic considerations around enforcement and revocation often play a greater role.
As with many aspects of intellectual property, there is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution.
What makes the profession rewarding
Despite decades in the profession, both attorneys remain enthusiastic about their work.
For Alex Bone, much of the enjoyment comes from problem solving.
Patent prosecution, oppositions and hearings often involve finding creative solutions within strict legal and technical constraints.
Every case presents a new puzzle.
He also enjoys working closely with smaller businesses where intellectual property can have a direct and significant impact on commercial success.
Alex Brown values the trusted relationships he has built with clients over many years.
Being involved early in the innovation process and working alongside research, development and commercial teams provides a deeper understanding of the technologies and businesses he supports.
He also continues to enjoy opposition and appeal work, where high-stakes disputes bring additional challenge and excitement.
Beyond client work, he finds fulfilment in helping to grow teams, develop people and contribute to the strategic direction of the firm.
Outside the office
Away from intellectual property, both attorneys enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors. But perhaps their most obvious shared interest is a passion for cars and motorsport.
For Alex Brown, much of his free time revolves around his three children and their activities. He also plays squash and enjoys track days, combining his engineering background with a love of driving. Over the years he has owned and driven a variety of performance and track-focused cars. Although these days he particularly enjoys extracting the maximum performance from smaller, lighter vehicles.
Alex Bone shares a similar enthusiasm for cars and track driving. While he jokes that some of his automotive adventures have not always gone entirely to plan, including the loss of a TVR during a particularly wet track day, he remains on the lookout for his next classic car project.
Beyond motorsport, Alex Bone enjoys running, walking and spending time outdoors. Regular walks along the South Downs and the Seven Sisters coastline provide a welcome opportunity to switch off. While running offers a chance to clear his mind away from the demands of client work.
Their shared enthusiasm for engineering extends well beyond the office. Reflecting the curiosity and problem-solving mindset that first drew both of them into the patent profession.
Looking ahead
When asked for one piece of advice for MedTech startups, both attorneys returned to a common theme: think about intellectual property early.
Understanding what makes an innovation valuable, identifying the true “crown jewels” of a business and creating a clear IP strategy from the outset can prevent costly mistakes later.
As MedTech continues to evolve through advances in engineering, data, software and artificial intelligence, those foundations are likely to become even more important.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld, a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions, on our About Us page.
Daniel March is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and consultant at Two IP. Having worked across private practice, major law firms and global brand portfolios, he brings a practical and client-focused approach to trade mark protection, helping businesses understand the value of their brands and navigate an increasingly complex intellectual property landscape.
Quick Profile
Name:Daniel March Role: Consultant and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney Firm / Organisation:Two IP Location: London, UK Areas of expertise: Trade marks, brand protection, trade mark strategy, portfolio management, client advisory work
A profession few people plan for
Daniel is the first to admit that few people grow up wanting to become a trade mark attorney.
“Most people haven’t even heard of a trade mark attorney,” he says. Like many in the profession, his route into IP was not planned from the outset. While studying law at university, he took an intellectual property module that introduced him to trade marks, patents, copyright and design rights.
The subject sparked an interest that eventually led him away from a traditional legal career path and into the world of trade marks.
What appealed most was the connection to innovation, technology and the products people encounter every day. Rather than focusing solely on legal process, Daniel was drawn to a profession that sits close to product development, branding and commercial decision-making.
Seeing brands come to life
Throughout his career, Daniel has worked with a wide variety of clients, from multinational technology companies to household consumer brands.
Among the organisations he has supported are Nokia, Huawei and Unilever. These experiences gave him a front-row seat to the evolution of technology and the importance of brand protection in highly competitive markets.
Working with mobile phone manufacturers allowed him to witness rapid innovation first-hand. Devices that were once primarily used for making calls have evolved into powerful all-in-one communication and computing platforms, creating increasingly complex trade mark considerations.
His work with Unilever provided a different perspective. Supporting brands such as Hellmann’s, Dove, Lynx, Persil, Domestos and Vaseline offered insight into the extensive work involved in bringing products to market.
One of the aspects Daniel enjoys most is seeing a project progress from an early concept to a product on supermarket shelves or featured in national advertising campaigns.
“There’s a lot of background work that goes into it,” he explains. “When you see the finished product, you know you were involved in helping it get there.”
The importance of understanding clients
A recurring theme throughout Daniel’s career has been the importance of tailoring advice to the client.
One of the most valuable lessons he learned early on was that clients are not simply looking for a list of options. They want guidance.
Rather than presenting every possible route equally, he believes the role of an attorney is to understand the client’s objectives and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
That means adapting communication styles depending on the audience. An in-house counsel may require detailed legal analysis, while a business owner may simply need a clear answer about whether a proposed brand can move forward.
Daniel believes effective advice should be straightforward and accessible.
“You don’t have to use legal language to show expertise,” he says. “The best advice is often the simplest and easiest to understand.”
A new chapter at Two IP
After many years in traditional private practice and large law firms, Daniel recently joined Two IP as a consultant.
The move represented a significant career change. Shifting from an established role to a consultancy environment brought both excitement and uncertainty.
“It’s very daunting,” he says. “The buck stops with you.”
What attracted him to Two IP was the opportunity to build stronger client relationships while enjoying greater flexibility and autonomy.
He values the supportive culture he has found within the firm and appreciates the ability to focus on client service without some of the distractions that can come with larger organisations.
For Daniel, one of the biggest attractions is the ability to focus on client service. The consultancy model allows him to build relationships in his own way, work more flexibly and spend more time on the aspects of the profession he finds most rewarding.
Brands are much more than registrations
One of Daniel’s strongest messages for businesses is that trade marks should not be viewed simply as registrations.
Instead, they should be treated as valuable commercial assets.
A trade mark helps consumers identify the products and services they trust. Over time, that recognition creates loyalty, reputation and commercial value.
“The registration itself may cost a few hundred pounds,” he explains, “but the value of the brand can be enormous.”
For that reason, he encourages businesses to think strategically about brand protection from the outset. That includes conducting proper clearance searches, understanding future growth plans and developing an enforcement strategy to protect rights once they are established.
As online commerce continues to expand globally, these considerations have become increasingly important.
Daniel has also observed how technological developments are changing the profession. While artificial intelligence and automation can speed up tasks such as searching and reporting, he believes human expertise remains essential.
“AI is a tool,” he says. “It can help you work more efficiently, but clients still need advice, judgement and experience.”
Learning from others and paying it forward
Throughout his career, Daniel has benefited from the guidance of mentors and colleagues who helped shape his approach.
One experience that left a lasting impression involved a senior barrister who helped him prepare for professional examinations. When Daniel enquired about payment for the support, the barrister declined.
Instead, he asked for one thing: help the next generation.
That lesson has stayed with Daniel throughout his career and continues to influence the way he works with trainees and junior colleagues today.
He believes professional development extends far beyond formal qualifications.
“Every day is a school day,” he says. “There is always something new to learn.”
Outside the office
Away from work, Daniel enjoys travelling, classic cars and keeping active.
Since moving into consultancy, he has found more flexibility to focus on health and wellbeing and has recently returned to running.
Travel is another passion. Having visited destinations across Europe, the United States, China and the Middle East, he enjoys exploring different cultures, architecture and histories. His next adventure is a trip to Panama.
Daniel is also a keen enthusiast of classic cars, particularly traditional British sports cars. He appreciates the character and styling of older vehicles and enjoys attending car shows whenever time allows.
More recently, he added surfing to the list of activities he has tried, taking to the waves during a trip to Morocco.
Closer to home, he recommends the countryside around Hampstead Heath and Kenwood House, as well as the South Downs near Eastbourne, where he spent time walking with family while growing up.
For those looking for a more challenging walk, Scafell Pike remains one of his favourite hiking experiences.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on a career that has spanned major brands, global clients and significant changes within the profession, Daniel remains enthusiastic about the future of trade marks.
While technology will continue to reshape how attorneys work, he believes the fundamentals remain unchanged.
Successful trade mark practice is built on understanding people, communicating clearly and helping businesses protect the brands that matter most to them.
For Daniel, the key is simple: understand the client, provide practical advice and build relationships based on trust.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld — a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions — on our About Us page.
Saiful Khan is an Owner at Potter Clarkson with more than 25 years of experience in intellectual property. Working across a diverse range of technologies and international markets, he combines technical expertise with a strong commitment to education, diversity and inclusion, and helping clients make informed strategic decisions.
Name:Saiful Khan Role: Owner, Patent Attorney Firm / Organisation:Potter Clarkson Location: United Kingdom Areas of expertise: Patent strategy, software and AI inventions, telecommunications, international patent prosecution, licensing, diversity and inclusion
Finding the right path into IP
Like many people in the profession, Saiful’s route into intellectual property was not entirely planned.
After completing a PhD, he explored a number of possible career options, including academic research and management consultancy. One opportunity even involved research into spray technologies that reminded him of the needleless injections featured in Star Trek, a programme he readily admits being a fan of.
Ultimately, IP appealed because it brought together technical, commercial and legal thinking. It also played to one of his strengths: translating complex concepts into something others can understand.
“I’ve always been at the interface where I can work with people who are really smart and bring things down to something that can be understood by a wider audience,” he explains.
What convinced him he had found the right profession was the people. Early in his career, he recognised a shared way of thinking and problem-solving among his peers, and that gave him confidence that he belonged in the profession.
Leading through service
Saiful has been an Owner at Potter Clarkson for nearing two decades and previously served on the firm’s Board during a period of significant growth and transformation.
Looking back, he describes leadership as both a privilege and a responsibility. Rather than focusing on personal achievement, he sees leadership as an opportunity to serve others and help create the conditions for collective success.
“It is all about service,” he says. “How do you best serve, given the talents that each person has?”
His approach combines attention to detail with an understanding of the bigger picture. Whether advising clients or helping shape business strategy, he believes successful decision-making requires a deep understanding of people, systems and long-term objectives.
The attraction of variety
One of the aspects Saiful enjoys most about his work is the sheer breadth of technologies he encounters.
His background in engineering and materials science provided a foundation that has allowed him to work across disciplines ranging from medical devices and nanotechnology to telecommunications, software and artificial intelligence.
For Saiful, the appeal lies in the opportunity to continually learn.
“I’ve enjoyed knowing a little bit about this and a little bit about that,” he says. “It’s about understanding.”
That curiosity remains central to his work today and is something he believes is essential for anyone considering a career in patents.
Technology, AI and the importance of critical thinking
Having worked extensively with software-related inventions throughout his career, Saiful has observed first-hand how approaches to patenting software and AI continue to evolve across different jurisdictions.
While examination practices differ between patent offices around the world, he believes many of the established principles used for software inventions will continue to shape the treatment of AI-related technologies.
Beyond the legal and technical questions, however, he is particularly interested in the wider societal impact of AI.
For Saiful, access to information has never been greater, but information alone is not enough.
“Knowledge is at our fingertips, but it is not a substitute for critical thinking,” he says.
He believes education remains as important as ever and is concerned that overreliance on technology could reduce opportunities for people to develop the experience and judgement that come from solving problems themselves.
Rather than replacing human capability, he hopes AI will enhance it.
“What I’d like is for AI to make us smarter and better, not replace our capabilities.”
Understanding what matters to clients
Saiful’s client base ranges from multinational corporations managing extensive patent portfolios to SMEs and individual inventors making critical early-stage decisions.
While the scale may differ, his approach remains consistent: understand what the client is trying to achieve and provide advice that reflects their circumstances.
One question he frequently asks smaller businesses is simple but revealing: “Why is this important to you?”
For larger organisations, conversations often focus on how a particular patent fits within broader commercial and technology strategies. For smaller clients, each decision can carry greater significance.
What he enjoys most is helping clients navigate those choices and becoming a trusted adviser rather than simply a service provider.
The value of an international perspective
International collaboration has been a defining feature of Saiful’s career. Through his work with organisations including CIPA, AIPPI and IP Inclusive, he has developed a global perspective on both the profession and the issues shaping it.
He believes international engagement is fundamental to modern IP practice.
Although patent systems are not fully harmonised, he sees significant commonality across jurisdictions and believes understanding different perspectives leads to better outcomes for clients and the profession alike.
Perhaps more importantly, he says international collaboration reinforces a shared sense of humanity.
“What I find in the IP profession is that there are very, very many like-minded people in the international domain.”
Creating opportunities through diversity and inclusion
Alongside his client work, Saiful is widely recognised for his commitment to diversity and inclusion.
His motivation is straightforward: talent exists everywhere, and the profession should do everything possible to ensure people have the opportunity to succeed.
“For me, it’s always been about talent,” he explains.
Having progressed from what he describes as a position of low privilege to one of significant professional privilege, he feels a responsibility to help others access similar opportunities.
He is particularly passionate about ensuring people are judged on their abilities and potential, rather than their background or personal characteristics.
“What I’d like is for everybody who’s outstanding to be given that opportunity to progress.”
Supporting the next generation
Education and mentoring are also important parts of Saiful’s professional life.
As a tutor and international workshop leader, he values the opportunity not only to share knowledge but also to learn from others.
Teaching reinforces his own understanding while exposing him to different perspectives and approaches.
For those considering a career in patents, he highlights curiosity, analytical thinking and strong communication skills as essential attributes. Technical expertise matters, but so does the ability to understand complex information and confidently defend your own position.
Ultimately, he believes professionals must take responsibility for developing their own judgement rather than relying on others, or technology, to provide the answers.
Outside the office
Away from work, walking has become one of Saiful’s favourite ways to unwind.
Whether enjoying local walks with friends or taking part in guided walking holidays with his wife, he values the combination of exercise, conversation and time outdoors.
Travel also plays a role in helping him recharge. Recent highlights have included walking in Switzerland and exploring the Canadian Rockies, while future plans include a guided walking holiday in Jordan.
Although he admits he does not play as often as he would like, tennis remains another long-standing passion. Given the choice of an alternative career, he jokes that becoming an international tennis player might have been an attractive option.
Looking ahead
When asked what he hopes to see from technology over the next decade, Saiful returns to a theme that runs throughout both his career and his outlook on life: connection.
Drawing on his experience working in telecommunications, he believes the best technologies bring people together rather than drive them apart.
His hope is that future innovations, particularly in AI, will help people become more informed, thoughtful and capable, while maintaining appropriate safeguards and accountability.
“I’d like to see technology make us better human beings.”
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld, a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions, on our About Us page.
Launching a new product without understanding the patent landscape can expose your business to unnecessary risk. A Freedom to Operate (FTO) search helps identify whether existing patents could affect your ability to manufacture, use, import, or sell your product in your chosen markets.
An FTO search gives businesses a clearer picture of potential patent risks before major investment is made in development, manufacturing, distribution, or launch.
Why and When Would You Need an FTO Search?
A Freedom to Operate (FTO) search is typically carried out before important commercial or technical decisions are made — particularly when launching a new product, entering new markets, beginning manufacture, seeking investment, or developing existing technology further.
The purpose is to identify potential patent risks at an early stage, helping businesses avoid unnecessary delays, disputes, or costly redesigns later in the process.
An FTO search can help businesses:
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Speak to Our Team
To discuss your Freedom to Operate requirements or request a quotation, contact [email protected] or complete the contact form.
John-Paul Rooney is a partner at Withers & Rogers LLP, based in Sheffield. With a background that began with an engineering apprenticeship, he has built a career in patent law focused on client relationships, firm leadership, and the growth of one of the firm’s most successful regional offices.
Quick Profile
Name:John-Paul Rooney Role: Partner Firm / Organisation:Withers & Rogers LLP Location: Sheffield, UK Areas of expertise: European and UK patents, client relationship management, electronics, video coding, IP strategy, Unified Patent Court matters, AI in IP practice
From apprentice technician to patent attorney
John-Paul Rooney’s route into the IP profession was far from conventional. He began his career as an apprentice technician at ICI Pharmaceuticals, now part of AstraZeneca, with no expectation that patent law would eventually become his career.
“I had absolutely zero idea that I would get into the IP profession,” he says.
During his apprenticeship, he studied part-time while working, eventually progressing from college to university. His early experience in industry exposed him to the commercial importance of patents, particularly within the pharmaceutical sector.
“We could see that when one of the blockbuster drugs that we made went off patent, the profit margin went down massively,” he explains. “That gave me a signpost to the existence of the IP profession and how important it was.”
After deciding to pursue university full-time, John-Paul studied electronics before completing a PhD involving a large-scale research project. It was towards the end of that doctorate that patent law first became a serious option.
Following his PhD viva, his supervisor suggested he would make a strong patent attorney because he could understand complex technology while communicating clearly with both engineers and business leaders.
“That was a great piece of career advice from him,” says John-Paul.
Finding the right culture
John-Paul joined Withers & Rogers LLP after applying to firms across the UK. He believes the firm’s openness to different backgrounds played a major role in that decision.
Today, as a partner, his responsibilities extend beyond client work. He serves on internal committees covering finance, quality, and risk management, while also leading several major client teams, including large US and UK accounts. He additionally runs the firm’s China desk, helping to build relationships with Chinese clients and associates, with particular success in new energy and biotech/pharmaceuticals sectors.
For John-Paul, culture has remained central throughout his career.
“Finding your people and a culture that fits you is really important,” he says. “Every patent attorney firm has a different culture, and I’m lucky to have found a great fit with Withers & Rogers.”
Building the Sheffield office
One of the defining parts of John-Paul’s career has been helping grow the Sheffield office of Withers & Rogers LLP over the last 15 years.
When he moved to Yorkshire to start a family, the firm did not yet have a regional office there. After spending time with another firm, he returned when the opportunity arose to help establish the Sheffield presence from the ground up.
“It was an opportunity I couldn’t resist,” he says.
What began as a small office with only a handful of people has since grown into a substantial regional operation employing over 40 people.
John-Paul believes two things made that growth possible: culture and energy.
“We developed a culture that could breed success,” he explains. “Being open, sharing information, supporting one another — that was really important. Then having the energy and desire to go out and communicate that to the world.”
He also highlights the importance of support from the wider firm.
“The rest of the firm really wanted the office to succeed,” he says. “That support was hugely important.”
Although hybrid working has changed office life, he believes in-person collaboration still plays a vital role in building strong teams and maintaining culture.
Technical understanding and client relationships
John-Paul’s engineering background continues to shape the way he works with clients today.
He recalls visiting a Sheffield-based client and immediately recognising elements of their equipment from his apprenticeship days.
“I knew exactly what I was looking at,” he says. “Their confidence in me went through the roof.”
That ability to understand technology quickly and communicate naturally with technical teams has become a key strength throughout his career.
He places particular importance on long-term client relationships.
“We really like building those long-term trusted relationships with our clients,” he says. “I enjoy seeing clients able to pick up the phone to discuss something difficult and for us to find a solution together.”
The changing IP landscape
Like many in the profession, John-Paul sees artificial intelligence as one of the biggest current shifts affecting IP practice.
“We are beginning to deploy AI more widely,” he explains, “but only as an assistant, not to do the work.”
He believes careful and responsible use of AI will become increasingly important across the profession.
Alongside AI, he also points to the growing influence of the Unified Patent Court in Europe.
“We’re involved in four litigations in that court at the moment,” he says. “It has definitely changed how IP is used.”
Later this year, John-Paul will also be speaking at the CIPA Congress in Manchester on the sustainability challenges facing the patent profession and its future direction.
Outside the office
Away from work, John-Paul enjoys spending time with his partner and three children. Living in the Peak District gives him plenty of opportunity for walking, particularly around Kinder Scout and Bamford Edge.
He is also a keen gardener with a growing interest in climbing roses.
“I think when I retire, I’ll be pottering around the garden most days,” he says.
Golf is another long-standing hobby. He plays competitively at his local course, which he jokes is close enough to see from his window.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on his career so far, John-Paul returns to the importance of finding the right environment and the right people.
“You’ve got to find a place with a culture that fits you, and vice-versa” he says.
His own path into the profession may not have been traditional, but he believes the industry is becoming more open to different backgrounds and experiences. Through internships and outreach initiatives, he hopes more people will discover opportunities in IP that they may never previously have considered.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld, a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions, on our About Us page.
This week marks the International Day of Light, a global initiative led by UNESCO that recognises the importance of light and light-based technologies in science, innovation, medicine, communications, and sustainable development.
Light-driven innovation continues to influence some of the world’s most exciting technological advances, with new developments emerging across renewable energy, healthcare, AI infrastructure, and advanced materials. These innovations not only demonstrate scientific progress but also highlight the increasing importance of intellectual property protection and technology intelligence within rapidly evolving sectors.
Here are three recent innovations that demonstrate how light-based technologies are helping shape the future.
Solar technology moving beyond traditional efficiency limits
Researchers at Kyushu University recently announced a breakthrough in solar energy research using a process known as singlet fission. The technology reportedly achieved energy carrier generation efficiencies above traditional theoretical limits by converting light into usable energy more effectively.
If commercialised successfully, this approach could significantly improve the efficiency of future solar panels and renewable energy systems, supporting global sustainability goals while creating substantial opportunities for patent activity and competitive innovation.
Lens-free infrared imaging for healthcare and diagnostics
Scientists have also developed a new lens-free mid-infrared imaging system capable of converting infrared light into visible signals using nonlinear crystals. The innovation could help reduce the size, complexity, and cost of advanced imaging systems used within healthcare, diagnostics, industrial inspection, and scientific research.
By removing the need for traditional bulky lenses, this technology has the potential to make advanced imaging more accessible while opening new opportunities for product development and IP generation within photonics and medical technology sectors.
Optical chips supporting the future of AI and communications
Researchers at Monash University recently developed a multifunction optical chip capable of processing multiple light-based functions simultaneously through a “mosaic metasurface” design.
Photonic chips such as these are attracting significant global interest as industries seek faster and more energy-efficient ways to support AI processing, telecommunications, and high-speed data transfer. Replacing traditional bulky optical hardware with compact photonic systems could transform future computing infrastructure and broadband technologies.
As innovation accelerates across photonics, renewable energy, healthcare, and AI infrastructure, protecting intellectual property and understanding the competitive landscape becomes increasingly important.
PatWorld works with organisations innovating in these and related technology areas, supporting research and development through professional patent, trademark, technology landscape, and competitor search services. If you would like to learn how our IP search services can support your innovation strategy, contact the team for further information.
Ana Vesperinas is an associate and European Patent Attorney at Barker Brettell, specialising in chemistry and materials innovation. With a career spanning academia, industry, and private practice, she brings a broad scientific perspective to IP, combining technical expertise with a strong focus on client understanding and tailored advice.
Name:Ana Vesperinas Role: European Patent Attorney Organisation:Barker Brettell Location: Birmingham, UK Areas of expertise: Chemistry, functional formulations, materials, cosmetics, patent prosecution
A career shaped by exploration
Ana’s path into intellectual property was far from conventional. After completing a PhD and gaining experience across academia and industry, she only discovered IP later in her career. While working in industry, exposure to patent processes sparked her curiosity. Conversations with in house attorneys led her to explore the field further, ultimately prompting her to undertake a postgraduate course in intellectual property. That decision marked a turning point. Ana moved into an in house IP role before transitioning to private practice, where she felt she could broaden her experience and deepen her legal expertise. Today, she reflects positively on her varied journey, seeing it as a strength that shapes how she works.
A role grounded in chemistry and strategy
Now part of the chemistry team at Barker Brettell, Ana’s work focuses heavily on patent prosecution, alongside drafting and strategic advisory work. She particularly enjoys the challenge of prosecution developing arguments, understanding inventions in depth, and working towards broad and meaningful protection for her clients. Her technical expertise spans functional formulations, cosmetics, and increasingly, innovative materials. Recent work has included developments in construction materials and environmentally focused technologies, reflecting a wider industry shift towards sustainability and efficiency. Staying close to innovation is important to her. She actively keeps up with scientific developments to ensure she remains connected to the technologies behind the patents she works on.
Putting clients at the centre
A defining feature of Ana’s approach is her emphasis on understanding her clients’ needs. Her experience across different sectors allows her to relate to clients from a variety of backgrounds and tailor her advice accordingly. She believes strong relationships are built on clear communication from the outset setting expectations, explaining processes, and being transparent about challenges. Responsiveness is also key. Ana makes a conscious effort to respond quickly to client queries, recognising the urgency that often underpins IP decisions. Ultimately, she aims to make the patent process feel less daunting, ensuring clients feel informed, supported, and confident throughout.
Navigating international perspectives
A significant part of Ana’s career has involved working closely with US based clients. Many of her clients are located in the United States, requiring her to adapt strategies to fit European patent practice. This often involves managing expectations where approaches differ between jurisdictions. A strategy that succeeds in the US may not translate directly to Europe, requiring careful adjustment and clear communication. Through this experience, Ana has developed a strong understanding of both systems, enabling her to bridge the gap and deliver practical, effective advice.
Alongside her work with US clients, Ana’s UK‑based client base has grown steadily, ranging from individual inventors and universities to middle and large corporations. Ana takes a tailored approach, adapting her advice to each client’s level of intellectual property knowledge and experience. She places particular emphasis on transparency, ensuring clients have a clear understanding of anticipated next steps, expected timescales, and associated costs.
Keeping pace with innovation
Ana is particularly interested in the rise of functional materials and environmentally conscious innovation. Developments in areas such as construction materials, CO₂ reduction, and battery technologies are shaping her current work. She sees a clear trend towards sustainability, with many new inventions designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining or improving performance. For Ana, staying informed about these changes is essential not just for technical understanding, but to provide relevant and forward thinking advice to clients.
Lessons in balance and perspective
Working in IP has also influenced how Ana approaches challenges. Early in her career, she felt pressure to address everything immediately. Over time, she has learned the importance of prioritisation and organisation. Managing a dynamic workload requires flexibility. Unexpected tasks can quickly reshape a carefully planned day, making adaptability a key skill. This shift in mindset has helped her approach her work more calmly and effectively, balancing urgency with structure.
Outside the office
Away from work, Ana enjoys staying active. Tennis and padel are regular pursuits, offering a way to unwind and reset after busy days. She also has a passion for skiing, often travelling to France or Switzerland with her family. When she cannot get to the mountains, she makes use of Birmingham’s indoor ski facilities. For Ana, these activities provide an important balance, helping her recharge and maintain focus in her professional life.
Encouraging different paths into IP
Reflecting on her own journey, Ana is keen to highlight that there is no single route into the profession. Entering IP later in a career can bring valuable experience and perspective. She encourages those considering a move into IP not to feel discouraged if they did not follow a traditional path. Experience gained in other roles particularly in science or industry can be a significant asset. Her own career stands as an example of how diverse experiences can lead to a fulfilling role in IP, combining technical knowledge with a strong understanding of client needs.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld, a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions, on our About Us page.
As the IP landscape becomes increasingly complex, the ability to interpret patent information and translate it into meaningful, commercial advice is more important than ever. At Mewburn Ellis, this is not the work of one individual, but a collaborative effort, bringing together different technical backgrounds, perspectives and approaches.
Following their contribution to an upcoming feature in The Global IP Magazine, published to coincide with INTA, we spoke to members of the Mewburn Ellis team to explore how they approach their work, what drives them, and how their individual expertise shapes the advice they provide to clients.
The team featured in this article includes:
William Hey– Patent Attorney and Senior Associate, Engineering Dan Thornton – Partner and Patent Attorney, Engineering Fran Salisbury – Partner and Patent Attorney, Life Sciences Paul Dunne – Partner and Patent Attorney, Chemistry
Together, they represent a cross-section of expertise across engineering and life sciences, working collaboratively to support clients navigating complex third party rights.
Different perspectives, one shared goal
Across engineering, chemistry and life sciences, the team at Mewburn Ellis works with patent data in different ways, but with a shared objective: to provide clarity in complex situations and support informed decision making.
Whether advising on freedom to operate, analysing technical and commercial landscapes or supporting strategic planning, the emphasis is always on interpretation. Understanding not just what the data shows, but what it means in practice.
That shared mindset is reflected in how each individual approaches their work.
William Hey – structuring complexity
Working extensively with patent landscapes and large datasets, William Hey focusses on bringing structure to complexity.
For him, the critical part is how the patent data found is organised and interpreted. By grouping and analysing information in a structured way, William helps turn large sets of search results into something meaningful, enabling both the team and their clients to identify patterns, trends and areas of focus more clearly.
He particularly enjoys the variety that comes with working in intellectual property.
“Working in private practice offers small windows into lots of different businesses,” he explains. “You often gain a real sense of a client’s company culture, along with an appreciation of their business strategy and the wider industry they operate in. With those insights, our team’s work is so much more useful to those clients..”
Outside of work, William enjoys practical, hands-on pursuits. Having completed a house renovation, he is now turning his attention to transforming an empty field into a new allotment. He also enjoys walking in the Peak District with his wife, occasionally flying his drone, and playing the piano.
For Dan, the most rewarding part of the role is working closely with clients and understanding how intellectual property fits into their broader commercial plans.
“I love working directly with clients,” he explains. “Sitting quietly and drafting a spec or a response is only part of the job. Learning about a client’s commercial plans and strategising together to ensure that their IP activities serve their goals is what I enjoy the most.”
Dan’s work focuses on helping clients navigate third party rights and creating and pursuing patent portfolios with real relevance in context. He approaches his work with an open mind. This has led him to bring an element of creativity to client work.
His approach is grounded in understanding the bigger picture, ensuring that analysis is aligned with the decision a client ultimately needs to make. Many of the most interesting client projects need the team approach; Dan enjoys working with his colleagues on planning and delivering these projects.
Outside work, Dan spends much of his time with his family. Living close to the hills, he enjoys getting outdoors with his three children and their new puppy, Peggy, often combining walks with a keen eye out for steam trains for his youngest.
Fran Salisbury – navigating life sciences complexity
For Fran Salisbury, working in life sciences brings a different dimension to patent analysis, one shaped by long development timelines and evolving technologies.
“In life sciences, you are often dealing with technologies that are still developing,” she explains. “You might be assessing risk before a product is fully defined.”
This requires a careful balance. Too much detail too early can be as unhelpful as too little, particularly when technologies may change over time.
Fran particularly enjoys the problem solving aspect of her role.
“I enjoy taking a jumble of information and ideas and bringing them together into a coherent strategy, or pulling the threads together to form an argument.”
She also values the international nature of IP work, working with attorneys, clients and patent offices globally.
Outside of work, Fran enjoys being outdoors, skiing, swimming and hiking, as well as quieter creative pursuits such as painting and drawing.
Paul’s work focusses on contentious matters, helping clients understand their options for clearing the way of competitors’ rights and defending their own patents.
A recurring theme in his work is distilling a large mix of documents into sharp and impactful arguments, cutting out unnecessary complexity. For smaller clients, Paul highlights that many assume that holding a patent gives them the right to use a technology, when in reality it provides the right to prevent others from doing so.
His approach is centred on clarity, ensuring that clients understand both the risks they face and the options available to them, so they can make informed, pragmatic decisions. He particularly enjoys working closely with clients in a collaborative way, feeling embedded within in house teams rather than operating as a separate external adviser.
“The joy of private practice is getting to work with lots of interesting, enthusiastic clients on a variety of tech,” he says. “The thing I enjoy most is feeling properly embedded with an in-house team, when the work feels like a collaboration instead of a transaction.”
Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife, two children and spaniel Archie. Whether walking through the woods or visiting the beaches of Somerset, he values time outdoors with his family. He also enjoys carving out time to play the piano and go swimming.
While each team member brings a different perspective, it is the combination of these approaches that enables Mewburn Ellis to deliver well-rounded, commercially relevant advice.
Strategic thinking, structured analysis, technical depth and clear communication all play a role, supported by collaboration both within the team and with external partners.
Meeting the team at INTA
Fran, along with many of the Mewburn Ellis team, will be in London during INTA. If you are attending and would like to meet, they would be very happy to connect and continue the conversation in person.
Mewburn Ellis works closely with specialist search providers such as PatWorld to ensure that searches are aligned with how the results will be used in practice. By tailoring search outputs to the firm’s analytical approach, PatWorld provides datasets that support structured analysis and enable the team to focus on interpretation, insight and client advice.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld, a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions, on our About Us page
Pamela Bryer is a Partner and Patent Attorney at Marks & Clerk, based in Edinburgh. With a background in physics and photonics, she specialises in supporting innovation across emerging technologies, with a particular focus on design protection and the strategic use of intellectual property in fast-moving sectors.
Name:Pamela Bryer Role: Partner and Patent Attorney Firm:Marks & Clerk Location: Edinburgh, UK Areas of expertise: Patent and design protection, emerging technologies, IP strategy
From research to intellectual property
Pamela’s path into intellectual property began during her studies in physics and photonics at the University of St Andrews. Initially considering a career in research, she joined Marconi to work on tunable lasers for telecommunications systems.
However, she quickly realised that specialising in a single technology was not the right fit. Instead, she was drawn to the broader perspective offered by intellectual property.
“I didn’t necessarily want to know everything about one specific device. I’d much rather understand a wider range of technologies and how they work.”
Her exposure to patent strategy during this time, particularly designing around existing patents, sparked a lasting interest in the field.
A collaborative approach to innovation
At Marks & Clerk, Pamela values the firm’s collaborative and forward-thinking culture. She highlights the importance of working across disciplines and supporting both clients and colleagues.
“There’s always someone willing to listen, share ideas and help you think through problems in a different way,” she explains.
This collaborative environment allows her to work closely with clients, not only understanding the legal aspects of their innovations but also the commercial and technological context behind them.
Curiosity driving expertise
Pamela’s work spans a wide range of technologies, including AI, medtech and connectivity. Her interest in these areas is driven by curiosity and their real-world impact.
“What excites me most are technologies sitting at the intersection of innovation and impact,” she says.
From a patent perspective, these technologies present both opportunities and challenges. They often evolve rapidly and cross traditional boundaries, requiring flexible and forward-thinking protection strategies.
The strategic value of design protection
A key area of Pamela’s expertise is design protection, which she sees as central to product success.
“Design sits at the intersection of technology, usability, branding and customer experience,” she explains.
She believes that design rights can provide a valuable additional layer of protection, particularly in fast-moving sectors where user experience and product differentiation are critical.
Clients, however, often face challenges in deciding how and when to protect their innovations. With rapid development cycles and evolving technologies, early decisions must be made with limited information.
Pamela advises a proactive, portfolio-based approach, aligning patent and design strategies with product development to maximise long-term value.
Supporting innovation through diversity and collaboration
Pamela is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the IP profession. She believes that a broader range of perspectives leads to better outcomes for both clients and innovation.
“Innovation itself is inherently diverse,” she notes, emphasising that different viewpoints help ensure that technologies are understood in their full context.
Her approach to mentorship reflects this belief. Having benefited from supportive mentors throughout her career, she now focuses on helping others build confidence and navigate what can be a complex profession.
“I try to be approachable and encouraging… supporting the next generation is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”
Turning ideas into valuable IP
Working closely with clients is central to Pamela’s approach. She begins by understanding their objectives and the problems their technology solves.
“It’s about translating complex ideas into an appropriate combination of IP protection that is robust but also commercially meaningful,” she explains.
By distilling inventions down to their core concepts and aligning protection strategies with business goals, she helps clients create IP that supports growth, investment and long-term innovation.
Looking ahead: evolving technologies and IP practice
Pamela is particularly interested in developments in design law, including current reform in the EU and proposed reform in the UK. Some of these changes aim to better accommodate digital and dynamic designs, reflecting the evolving nature of modern products.
She also sees the integration of artificial intelligence within IP practice as both a challenge and an opportunity.
“We need to think about how to responsibly incorporate AI into our daily practice to produce better outcomes for clients,” she says.
Outside the office
Outside of work, Pamela enjoys activities that provide a different kind of mental challenge or allow her to switch off completely. Travel and photography are key interests, alongside quizzes, board games and time spent with family.
She also enjoys exploring new places and restaurants, and walking remains a favourite way to unwind. Close to home, Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh is a regular destination, offering views across the city and coastline.
Further afield, she has completed a 500-mile section of the Appalachian Trail — an experience she describes as unforgettable.
One of her favourite travel destinations is Hoi An in Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historic architecture and vibrant food scene. It’s a place she particularly enjoys for its atmosphere, culture and distinctive character.
A balanced perspective on innovation
Reflecting on her career, Pamela emphasises the importance of curiosity, collaboration and adaptability. As technologies continue to evolve, she believes the role of IP professionals will become even more strategic. By combining technical understanding with commercial insight, they can help shape how innovation is protected and brought to market.
Her advice is simple: stay curious, remain open to new ideas, and never underestimate the value of collaboration in solving complex problems.
Pamela and members of the Marks & Clerk team will be in London for the International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting this May. If you’re also planning to be there and would like to connect, feel free to get in touch to arrange a meeting.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld — a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions — on our About Us page.
Gerard Byrne is a part-qualified patent attorney at Knights, with a background spanning patent examination, searching, and in-house analysis. His experience across the IP lifecycle gives him a distinctive perspective, particularly on how patent information can be used more strategically to support innovation and commercial decision-making.
Name:Gerard Byrne Role: Part-Qualified Patent Attorney Organisation:Knights Location: UK Areas of expertise: Patent drafting and prosecution, patent analysis, IP strategy, freedom-to-operate
A career shaped by perspective
Gerard’s route into IP began at the UK Intellectual Property Office, where he joined as a patent examiner after completing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. It wasn’t a carefully mapped decision, but it was the most interesting opportunity at the time, and one that quickly proved to be a strong fit.
From there, his career evolved steadily. After moving into private practice patent searching, he went on to work as an in-house analyst supporting engineering-led businesses, before securing a trainee patent attorney role. While the early steps were not always intentional, the direction became clearer over time.
“I always kind of wanted to be an attorney after entering the profession,” he reflects, noting that breaking into the profession can be challenging. His varied experience, however, has provided a strong foundation.
Seeing IP through different lenses
Few patent attorneys begin their careers across such a wide range of roles. For Gerard, each stage has shaped how he approaches his work today.
As a searcher, he developed a broad technical awareness, reviewing large volumes of patent literature across multiple fields. This gave him a practical understanding of how patent landscapes evolve and what makes a strong application.
His time as an in-house analyst shifted that perspective further. Patents became more than legal tools; they became part of the innovation process itself. “You start to see patents not just as legal instruments but as tools for driving and mapping innovation,” he explains.
Now, as a part-qualified attorney, those perspectives come together. His role involves balancing technical detail, strategic thinking, and commercial realities to deliver outcomes that align with client objectives.
From analysis to application
Gerard’s current role spans drafting applications, prosecuting cases before the UK and European patent offices, and advising on freedom-to-operate questions. The variety is a key part of its appeal.
“No two days look the same,” he says, describing work that ranges from drafting claims for mechanical inventions to advising clients on competitor activity.
His background in analysis continues to influence how he approaches drafting. In particular, it has made him more aware of the risks posed by prior art. Rather than treating drafting as a purely technical exercise, he sees it as a purposeful process, shaped by what may emerge during examination.
Patents as strategic tools
A consistent theme in Gerard’s experience is the idea that patents are often underused as strategic assets.
He points to the practical barriers that prevent wider engagement. Patent databases can be difficult to navigate, and the documents themselves are dense and technical. For many engineers, extracting meaningful insight from patent literature is not straightforward.
Yet the value is clear. Patent information can guide product development, highlight competitive activity, and inform commercial decisions at every stage of a project. Without that foundation, decisions risk being made without a full understanding of the landscape.
For Gerard, the future lies in better integration, embedding analytical thinking throughout the innovation process, rather than treating it as a standalone step.
Bridging roles and improving collaboration
Having worked both in-house and in private practice, Gerard has seen how differently IP can be approached. In-house roles bring a closer connection to commercial outcomes, while private practice offers broader exposure to technologies and industries.
“The ideal, honestly, is to have experienced both,” he notes, highlighting how each perspective helps to correct the blind spots of the other.
Collaboration plays a central role in making that work effectively. Whether working with inventors, litigators, or commercial teams, success often comes down to clear communication and mutual understanding. Translating between technical, legal, and business language is a key skill.
Developing as a patent attorney
Working towards qualification brings its own challenges. The exams are demanding, and success often depends on understanding exactly what is being asked.
For Gerard, managing that process comes down to consistency. “It’s just doing a little bit every day quite regularly,” he explains.
He also highlights the importance of a supportive training environment, with access to a varied caseload and structured guidance. Without that, candidates can find themselves struggling on multiple fronts.
His advice to others is practical: make full use of past papers and available resources and focus on understanding how to answer the question being asked.
Outside the office
Away from work, Gerard prefers to stay active. Skiing, scuba diving and hiking all feature, although the time of year often dictates which takes priority.
More recently, cooking has become a favourite way to unwind, particularly during the winter months when outdoor activities are less accessible. He enjoys experimenting with different cuisines, with a current focus on French cooking. It offers a creative contrast to the structure of his day-to-day work.
He also picked up the saxophone during the COVID pandemic, initially as a challenge and a long-term project. Largely self-taught, it remains a personal pursuit rather than a public one, but one that offers a different kind of focus outside the demands of IP work.
Looking ahead
As Gerard continues towards full qualification, his focus is on building a well-rounded practice that draws on all aspects of his experience. His journey highlights the value of seeing IP from multiple angles, and the benefits that brings to both clients and the profession.
With a growing emphasis on strategy, collaboration, and integration, he sees the role of the patent attorney continuing to evolve into something broader: not just a legal advisor, but a partner in innovation.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld — a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions — on our About Us page.
Rhianna Faye is an IP Paralegal at Strachan IP, based near Oxford. With around 13 years’ experience, she supports patent and trade mark work across multiple jurisdictions. Her role focuses on managing deadlines, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring the smooth running of IP processes within a small, agile firm.
Name:Rhianna Faye Role: IP Paralegal Organisation:Strachan IP Location: Hereford, UK Areas of expertise: Patent and trade mark support, deadline management, international filing coordination, renewals, IP administration
A career discovered by chance
Rhianna did not set out to work in intellectual property. After leaving education, she began her career in criminal defence law. While she initially enjoyed the work, the nature of the cases became difficult to manage emotionally. She found it hard to switch off outside work and began looking for a different path.
Her next move into bid management introduced her to deadline-driven work and structured processes. She found similarities with legal case preparation, but the role required extensive travel. Wanting something more stable, she explored new opportunities and was introduced to IP through a recruitment agency.
It was during her first interview that she realised how well her skills aligned with the role. She joined as a patent secretary, later qualifying as a paralegal and progressing into a more senior position.
A central role in IP practice
Rhianna describes the paralegal role as the operational counterpart to the patent attorney. While attorneys focus on technical and legal aspects, such as drafting specifications and advising clients, her role ensures that everything around those activities runs smoothly.
This includes preparing filing documents, instructing foreign attorneys, managing deadlines, and handling formalities. In a small firm like Strachan IP, her responsibilities extend further. She is involved in renewals, invoicing, records management, and even marketing activities.
“I see it as trying to lighten the attorney’s workload as much as possible,” she explains.
Managing complexity and deadlines
A key part of Rhianna’s work is tracking and managing deadlines. Every case involves multiple time-sensitive actions, often across different jurisdictions. She logs deadlines in multiple systems and reviews them weekly to prioritise tasks.
This structured approach helps ensure nothing is missed. It also allows her to anticipate pressure points and prepare work in advance where possible.
International work adds another layer of complexity. Different countries have different requirements, from notarised documents to certified copies and translations. These variations must be understood early so that timelines can be planned effectively.
“It’s important that you understand those requirements at the start so that you can work backwards,” she says.
Working at the heart of a wider network
Working in a small firm means Rhianna’s role extends beyond an internal team. She regularly coordinates with multiple external attorneys, foreign associates, translators and service providers, each working to their own processes and timescales.
This makes communication and organisation critical. While each external partner manages their own work, Rhianna maintains oversight of deadlines and ensures everything stays aligned. She often has visibility across all moving parts, even when others are only focused on their individual tasks.
Because of this, her role becomes one of coordination as much as administration. She balances competing priorities, keeps work progressing across jurisdictions, and ensures that no deadlines are missed despite the complexity.
Developing towards trade mark qualification
Alongside her role, Rhianna is training to become a trade mark attorney. Career progression has always been important to her, and she has consistently combined work with study.
Encouraged by a colleague, she began the qualification process while working full time and raising her young son. She completed a degree through the Open University in four years, followed by a postgraduate certificate in intellectual property law.
She is now preparing for the next stage of qualification. While her current firm does not have an in-house trade mark attorney, she continues to build her knowledge independently and remains committed to seeing the process through.
“It’s been a long journey, but one I’m determined to finish,” she says.
Seeing the bigger IP picture
Studying trade mark law has broadened Rhianna’s perspective on intellectual property. Earlier in her career, her focus was mainly on patents and designs. Now, she has a clearer understanding of how different IP rights work together.
This includes how trade marks protect brand identity and reputation, complementing the protection offered by patents and designs. The result is a more complete view of how businesses safeguard their innovations and market position.
The evolving role of the IP paralegal
Over the course of her career, Rhianna has seen the paralegal role change significantly. Earlier roles involved more traditional administrative tasks, such as audio typing.
Today, paralegals are more involved in case management and play a more active role in supporting legal work. This shift reflects both technological changes and the need to use attorney time more efficiently.
In smaller firms, the role can be even broader. Rhianna’s position combines multiple functions that would typically be spread across several departments in a larger organisation.
Skills for success
Organisation and time management are essential in Rhianna’s role. She regularly handles multiple cases at different stages, with deadlines that often overlap.
Clear communication is equally important. She must manage expectations across attorneys and clients, often explaining complex processes in simple terms.
Attention to detail is another key skill. Even small errors can have significant consequences in IP work, particularly when dealing with legal rights and formal documentation.
Outside the office
Outside work, Rhianna’s time is largely shaped by her eight-year-old son. Weekends are often spent at football matches or swimming lessons, and she regularly travels to Manchester to watch games.
She also enjoys long walks with her Romanian rescue dog, who she describes as her “shadow”. Cooking and trying new restaurants are another passion, balanced with weight training and playing netball in a social league.
Keeping everything on track
If someone were to shadow Rhianna for a day, she believes the best way to understand the role would be to see how deadlines are managed.
She describes the paralegal as the “central cog” that connects all parties involved in an IP case. From attorneys to clients and international partners, her role is to ensure everyone completes their part on time.
It is a position of responsibility that often goes unnoticed, but is critical to the success of any IP practice.
Looking ahead
Rhianna’s career reflects both adaptability and determination. From an unplanned entry into IP to pursuing professional qualification, she has built a role that combines structure, responsibility, and flexibility.
Her experience highlights the importance of support roles within the profession. As IP work becomes more complex and global, the contribution of skilled paralegals remains essential to keeping everything running smoothly.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld — a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions — on our About Us page.
Peter McBride is the founder of Scintilla, a UK-based patent and trade mark firm. With a background in physics and private practice, he has built a business focused on client relationships, commercial clarity, and innovation, offering a modern approach to intellectual property strategy and advisory work.
Name:Peter McBride Role: Founder Firm:Scintilla Location: United Kingdom (Glasgow, Aberdeen, Manchester) Areas of expertise: Patents, trade marks, IP strategy, deep tech, client advisory
From physics to patent law
Peter’s route into intellectual property began during his time studying physics. Like many in the profession, he had not initially been aware of the career path.
After discovering the blend of technical and legal work involved, he applied directly to firms and secured a trainee role straight out of university.
His early career saw him develop within private practice, learning the technical and client-facing aspects of the role. Along the way, he credits several influential figures and colleagues who helped shape his development.
However, the idea of running his own business had been present much earlier.
Taking the leap to found Scintilla
Peter’s entrepreneurial mindset dates back to his school years, when he set up a small gardening business with a friend. While not a long-term venture, it sparked an interest in building something of his own.
Over time, that interest grew. As his career progressed, he began to feel that traditional firm structures did not align with how he wanted to work.
“I slowly just started getting frustrated… I’ve got ideas of how I want to do things,” he explains.
After careful consideration, he took the step to establish Scintilla in 2013. Starting alone, he handled every aspect of the business, from client work to finance and business development.
Those early days were challenging but rewarding. Building relationships and meeting potential clients played a key role in establishing the firm.
Evolving from practitioner to business leader
As Scintilla has grown, Peter’s role has shifted significantly. What began as a hands-on technical role has evolved into leading and developing a business.
He describes the transition as a common challenge for founders: moving from doing the work to building the organisation.
“It’s the cliché of working on the business instead of in it,” he says.
Today, his focus is more on team development, client relationships, and strategic direction. He still enjoys client work but increasingly values the opportunity to build a strong team and create opportunities for others.
This people-focused approach is a key motivator, alongside the satisfaction of growing the business itself.
Rethinking client relationships and pricing
A defining feature of Scintilla’s approach is its move away from the traditional billable hour.
Peter has long questioned whether time-based billing reflects the true value delivered to clients. Instead, the firm has introduced a model based on agreed pricing and defined outcomes.
“We have to focus on the outcomes that we deliver for clients,” he explains.
By agreeing fees in advance, clients gain predictability and avoid unexpected costs. This approach also shifts the focus away from time tracking and towards delivering meaningful results.
Peter believes this change improves trust and reduces one of the most common sources of tension in client relationships: fees.
Translating innovation into practical IP strategy
Working with innovators requires more than technical knowledge. For Peter, the key lies in understanding each client’s needs and communication style.
Some clients want detailed explanations, while others prefer concise guidance. Adapting to these differences is essential.
He also emphasises the importance of practical advice. Rather than presenting abstract legal analysis, he focuses on helping clients make informed decisions.
“What they want is guidance and a direction for you to steer them in,” he says.
This includes balancing legal considerations with commercial realities, particularly in fast-moving and complex sectors.
Industry trends and the rise of deep tech
Peter is seeing strong growth in areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
“AI is in everything,” he notes, reflecting its widespread integration across industries.
In addition, Scintilla works extensively in what he describes as “deep tech”, covering areas such as semiconductors, photonics, and sensing technologies.
These sectors present both opportunities and challenges, particularly in terms of how innovation is protected and commercialised.
Building a culture around values and trust
As the firm has expanded across multiple offices, maintaining a strong culture has been a priority.
Peter has defined a set of core values, including being down to earth, authentic, visionary, compassionate, and resolute.
These values underpin a collaborative and supportive environment, where team members are encouraged to speak openly and learn from mistakes.
There is also a strong emphasis on long-term thinking. This applies not only to team development but also to client relationships, where flexibility and trust are key.
“We’re looking at the bigger picture all the time instead of just the short term,” he explains.
Outside the office
Away from work, Peter enjoys spending time with his family and staying active.
His hobbies include road cycling, mountain biking, running, and playing guitar. Recently, he has also added gardening to the list after moving house.
One of his favourite walks is Ben A’an, near Glasgow. It offers a rewarding climb with panoramic views, making it a popular choice for a quick escape from the city.
When it comes to downtime indoors, he admits he is not particularly drawn to board games. However, he does enjoy playing Catan with his family—especially when it avoids becoming too competitive.
Looking ahead
For Peter, the future of IP lies in combining technical expertise with commercial insight and strong client relationships.
As technology continues to evolve, the role of the adviser becomes even more important. Clients need clear guidance, practical thinking, and a trusted partner who can help them navigate complexity.
That philosophy continues to shape both his approach and the ongoing development of Scintilla.
Peter and members of the Scintilla team will be attending the International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting in London this May. If you’re also planning to be there and would like to connect, feel free to get in touch to arrange a meeting.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld — a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions — on our About Us page.
Louise Windsor is a patent and trade mark attorney and co-founder of Sweetinburgh & Windsor. With a background in physics and medical physics, she works closely with owner-led businesses and international companies to protect innovation. Her work focuses on practical IP strategies that support real commercial growth.
Quick Profile Name:Louise Windsor Role: Patent and Trade Mark Attorney Firm / Organisation:Sweetinburgh & Windsor Location: Sussex, United Kingdom Areas of expertise: Patent drafting, SME innovation support, mechanical and physics-based technologies, international patent strategy, trade mark protection
A curiosity for how things work
Louise Windsor’s path into intellectual property began with a natural curiosity about technology. With an academic background in physics and medical physics, she was drawn to a career that combined scientific thinking with communication.
“I always enjoyed working out how things worked,” she explains. “And I enjoyed writing, so I particularly like drafting patent applications.”
The profession also offered something she valued in a scientific career: variety and human interaction. Working as a patent attorney means no two days are quite the same, and the role involves meeting inventors, discussing new technologies and translating ideas into clear legal protection.
Seeing innovation develop first-hand
One of the aspects that captured Louise’s interest early in her career was the opportunity to see ideas develop into real products.
During her training, she regularly met clients throughout the development process. That exposure gave her a full view of how innovation moves from concept to commercial success.
“You get to see the full process of someone having an idea,” she says. “Then you carry on meeting with them and see the product out there and the success that they have. You see the impact on the business.”
That direct connection between IP protection and business growth remains one of the most motivating parts of the profession for her.
A role built around collaboration
Today, Louise’s work centres largely on patent drafting and strategy, with trade marks also being part of her practice.
Her typical week involves a mix of activities. There may be meetings with inventors to understand new technologies, discussions with overseas associates to coordinate international patent families, and the detailed work of drafting and responding to examination reports.
For Louise, collaboration is central to achieving the best results.
“We enjoy speaking to people, meeting in person or picking up the ‘phone,” she says. “Often the most important information comes from those conversations.”
Working closely with owner-led businesses
Much of Louise’s work focuses on owner-led businesses and SMEs. These companies often rely heavily on their innovations, and IP strategy can play a critical role in their growth.
This collaborative relationship allows her to align IP protection with broader commercial goals. It also means adapting strategies as businesses evolve, particularly as product development cycles become faster.
Clients increasingly want advice that is clear, practical and efficient.
Adapting to a faster innovation landscape
The pace of technological development continues to change the way IP professionals work. Louise has seen businesses move products from development to market more quickly, which often requires faster and more flexible IP strategies.
“Clients might be developing multiple products more quickly,” she explains. “So we have to adapt the strategy depending on what they’re trying to achieve commercially.”
Technology trends also influence the work itself. While her background includes medical physics and mechanical technologies, newer areas such as green technologies and AI-related inventions are becoming increasingly prominent.
One of the things she values most about the profession is that learning never stops. “Technology changes, the law changes, so you’re always learning,” she says.
Building confidence through experience
For Louise, confidence as a practitioner has grown through experience and through seeing the success of the businesses she supports.
“Seeing your clients succeed shows that things are moving in the right direction,” she explains.
Starting a business herself also gave her a deeper understanding of the pressures faced by many of her clients. That experience has shaped the way she approaches advice.
“Setting up a business helps you understand that IP is just one small part of what owner-led businesses are trying to achieve,” she says.
Outside the office
Away from work, Louise enjoys running and regularly takes part in longer-distance events.
“I do a lot of running,” she says. “About half marathon is as far as I get these days.”
For her, running offers both relaxation and a sense of focus. She also enjoys exploring new locations through running events, combining travel with time outdoors.
Looking ahead
Despite years in the profession, Louise remains motivated by the constant evolution of technology.
“What still excites me is that technology is always changing,” she says. “You meet inventors who are leaders in their field and they explain an ingenious way they’ve solved a problem.”
Having the opportunity to understand those innovations and help protect them continues to make the work both challenging and rewarding.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld — a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions — on our About Us page.
Katie Howe is a Senior Associate and UK and European Patent Attorney at Barker Brettell in Birmingham. Specialising in physics and engineering, she works across sectors including clean energy, aerospace and advanced transport, combining technical depth with commercially grounded IP strategy.
Name:Katie Howe Role: Senior Associate, UK and European Patent Attorney Firm:Barker Brettell Location: Birmingham, UK Areas of expertise: Physics and engineering patents, clean energy technologies, aerospace, transport innovation, IP strategy and consultancy
From research to patent strategy
Katie did not set out to become a patent attorney. During her PhD at the University of Birmingham, she was developing hydrogen fuel cell technology when she first encountered the profession.
“I’d always thought patent attorneys were lawyers,” she explains. “I didn’t realise you start with scientists and then teach them the relevant law.”
That realisation shifted her direction. While she enjoyed scientific research, she could see that a long-term academic career was not quite right for her. Patent law offered a way to stay close to innovation, while applying her scientific training in a different way.
Today, as a Senior Associate at Barker Brettell, she works as a consultant to a wide range of clients. These range from individual inventors to multinational corporations and overseas attorneys seeking UK or European protection.
The skills behind the role
Katie describes the day-to-day work as detailed and analytical. Much of it involves getting to the heart of what is truly new about an invention.
“It’s about identifying what’s special and then generalising that as much as possible to secure broad protection,” she says.
She likens discussions with examiners to “scientific spot the difference”. An examiner may cite similar prior art, and her role is to analyse the distinctions carefully and explain why they matter.
Two skills underpin this work: communication and attention to detail. Communication is essential not only with examiners, but also with clients who may have very different levels of IP knowledge. Attention to detail ensures that the technical and legal arguments are robust.
Working across fast-moving engineering sectors also requires humility. “You have to accept you’re never going to be the expert in your client’s technology,” she explains. “You need a solid scientific foundation, but also a willingness to ask questions and trust the inventors as the technical experts.”
Sustainability, regulation and real-world pressures
A significant part of Katie’s practice sits within clean energy, transport and aerospace technologies. She has a particular interest in environmentally focused innovation.
“I like feeling that I’m helping move technology forward in the right direction,” she says.
Regulation plays a major role in many of these sectors. In aerospace, even small technical changes may require extensive testing and regulatory approval. To an examiner, a modification might appear minor. In practice, it may represent years of regulatory effort.
“Sometimes you have to explain that what looks like a tiny tweak actually overturns decades of established practice,” she notes.
Public policy can also shape innovation trends. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she saw a surge in filings around sanitation technologies. Regulation and global events can rapidly shift where companies focus their research and IP investment.
Balancing technical precision with commercial reality
One of the more nuanced aspects of Katie’s role is balancing technical correctness with commercial priorities.
She recalls a recent case where she believed an examiner’s objection was wrong. From a legal perspective, she could have pushed back strongly. However, the product in question was not commercially critical to the client.
“In the end, an ‘okay’ solution that was quicker and cheaper made more sense,” she explains.
Understanding a client’s goals is therefore central. Some inventions are flagship products, deserving significant investment in prosecution. Others may warrant a lighter approach. Relationship building enables those open conversations about cost, value and strategy.
This commercial focus also informs Barker Brettell’s broader IP consultancy work. Katie has been involved in helping businesses identify what IP they own, what remains unprotected and how their portfolio aligns with their commercial objectives.
“It always comes back to why you’re spending money,” she says. “If it’s not supporting the business goals, then something needs to change.”
Confidence, clarity and client trust
Katie believes that what differentiates a strong patent attorney from a merely competent one is not just technical skill.
“It’s about understanding what the client actually needs,” she says. “Not just doing the job well, but helping them move forward.”
Since she first started as a trainee, she has consciously worked on developing greater confidence in her communication. Rather than presenting the legal options tentatively, she focuses on presenting clear, reasoned recommendations that take into account the business context.
“Clients are paying you to be a consultant,” she reflects. “They want to know what the best option is.”
She also values positivity in communication. A small shift in language, such as saying “thank you for bearing with me” rather than “sorry for the delay”, can change the tone of a relationship and build trust.
AI, innovation and emerging risks
Looking ahead, Katie is closely watching developments in battery recycling and regeneration technologies. For her, this less visible side of sustainability is vital, given the materials involved and the environmental stakes.
Artificial intelligence is another area drawing attention, though with caution.
She sees AI as a powerful tool which has potential for saving time, but also a bad habit of “hallucinating” to fill gaps and sometimes generating outputs that are actively misleading. However, she encounters clients who treat it as an authoritative consultant.
“There’s a risk people don’t understand its limitations,” she says.
She has seen invention disclosures drafted by clients with the help of generative AI that included technical-sounding but meaningless or inappropriate content, adding unnecessary complexity to the review process and increasing costs for the client. There are also confidentiality concerns where inventors input sensitive details into open systems. Because many AI models use submitted information as training data, confidential inventions could potentially enter the public domain before a patent application is filed.
For Katie, the key is informed and careful use. Technology can support the profession, but it does not replace critical thinking.
Outside the office
Away from patent drafting and examiner correspondence, Katie is an avid reader, particularly of fantasy and science fiction.
She has also taken up the harp. Not a full-sized orchestral instrument, but a smaller lap harp that offers a different kind of focus.
“It requires a completely different mindset,” she says. “And it’s quite kind as an adult learner – it is hard to make a bad sound with a harp!”
Music and reading provide a creative counterbalance to the precision of technical legal work.
Looking forward
Reflecting on her career so far, Katie highlights the importance of confidence, curiosity and collaboration. A strong scientific grounding matters, but so does the ability to adapt to different clients and commercial contexts.
As innovation accelerates in areas such as clean energy, advanced transport and AI, she sees the patent attorney’s role as both protector and translator. Someone who can bridge technical detail, regulatory complexity and business reality.
For Katie, the value lies not just in securing rights, but in helping innovators navigate the path from idea to impact.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld — a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions — on our About Us page.
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