Tag: Barker Brettell

Meet the IP Professional: Ana Vesperinas – A scientific journey shaping a client-focused IP career

6th May 2026

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.

Contact Ana

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-vesperinas-bb0b1211/

Website: Barker Brettell

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.

Meet the IP Professional: Nicholas Braddon – Advanced Engineering and IP Strategy at Barker Brettell

17th September 2025

From metallurgy to patents

Nicholas Braddon didn’t set out to become a patent attorney. It was during university, studying Natural Sciences and specialising in materials science and metallurgy, that he first heard of the profession. The mix of science and language appealed — and it still does.

“Words matter,” he says. “In patents, they define your client’s monopoly. That blend of precision and communication drew me in.”

After a short stint analysing steel markets, Nick joined the IP profession and hasn’t looked back. “I’ve been lucky — I genuinely enjoy what I do.”

Now, with over 20 years of experience, he’s a partner at Barker Brettell — a leading UK intellectual property firm known for its client-focused approach.

Specialising in engineering and emerging technologies

Nick is Head of the Energy Sector Group at Barker Brettell. He works closely with clients across engineering and the physical sciences — from startups to international giants.

“I enjoy direct client work,” he explains. “Listening to inventors and translating their ideas into words that protect their business — that’s the challenge.”

His broad technical grounding in materials science and metallurgy gives him an edge when handling complex innovations. But it’s the ability to pick up new concepts quickly that really counts.

Trends in advanced engineering and IP

So, what’s exciting right now?

“Innovation is increasingly driven by user experience and sustainability,” Nick says. “Clients are asking: how can we do this better, cleaner, or smarter?”

He sees the energy transition and tightening regulations as major drivers of change. “We’re seeing huge developments in energy efficiency and digital integration across sectors.”

Technologies like sustainable design and AI-led engineering are clear areas of growth. And Nick believes the IP system is more than capable of supporting that evolution.

“People often say the law can’t keep up. But in my experience, the fundamental frameworks are versatile and generally fit for purpose. It’s about how we apply them.”

Tailoring IP strategy to fit

Nick supports a wide range of clients — from agile startups to global corporations — and their needs differ.

“Larger companies often know their key markets. That can make the patent strategy more straightforward,” he says. “With startups, there’s more uncertainty. So, we focus on flexibility and cost control.”

His advice for R&D teams is simple: you probably have something worth protecting — even if it doesn’t feel groundbreaking.

“If you’ve solved a problem, there’s often something patentable. Many inventors underestimate what’s protectable.”

And his advice doesn’t stop there. “Talk to a patent attorney early. Many firms offer free initial consultations — it’s better than missing your chance.”

The value of good advice

One of Nick’s strengths is in helping clients navigate uncertain or fast-evolving areas. He points to recent high-level cases as ones to watch.

“There’s a case at the Supreme Court that is looking at whether neural networks should be excluded as computer programs. It could shape how AI inventions are treated.”

A recent case in the European Patent Office examined to what extent the description should influence claim interpretation. “It’s technical, but it could affect outcomes in patent prosecution and patent scope across Europe,” he notes.

Opportunities for UK innovators

Nick is optimistic about the opportunities for UK-based engineering firms — if they act decisively.

“The biggest risk is failing to recognise and protect your IP,” he warns. “It’s part of building competitive advantage and attracting investment.”

He believes the UK’s reputation for innovation is strong, but businesses must make IP part of their strategy early on.

Outside the office

When he’s not drafting claims or advising clients, Nick volunteers with his local cricket club — usually behind the scenes organising junior matches, umpiring or scoring. “My playing days are more limited now,” he laughs. “But I still enjoy being involved.”

He’s also a keen walker, with soft spots for North Wales and the Peak District. “I’ve gone up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) from nearly every route over the years,” he says. “And Shutlingsloe, near Macclesfield Forest, was a favourite growing up.”

Connect with Nicholas Braddon

You can connect with Nick on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and insights in advanced engineering and IP.

Nick is a Partner at Barker Brettell, a UK-based firm of patent and trade mark attorneys. Barker Brettell specialises in helping businesses protect and grow their intellectual property through expert legal advice, innovation strategy, and global IP support.

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