Meet the IP Professional: Peter McBride – Building a Modern IP Practice

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.

Contact

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-mcbride-patent-attorney/
Website: https://www.scintillaip.com
Email: [email protected]

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.