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 VesperinasRole: European Patent AttorneyOrganisation: Barker […]
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.
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 HoweRole: Senior Associate, UK and European Patent AttorneyFirm: Barker BrettellLocation: Birmingham, UKAreas […]
18th March 2026
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.
Matt Maitland is a UK and European patent attorney and US patent agent based just outside Boston. With experience in private practice and as in-house IP counsel at a US start-up, he brings a cross-border perspective to patent drafting, prosecution and international filing strategy. Quick Profile Name: Matt Maitland Role: UK & European Patent Attorney; US Patent Agent Organisation: Independent / formerly […]
11th March 2026
Matt Maitland is a UK and European patent attorney and US patent agent based just outside Boston. With experience in private practice and as in-house IP counsel at a US start-up, he brings a cross-border perspective to patent drafting, prosecution and international filing strategy.
Quick Profile
Name:Matt Maitland Role: UK & European Patent Attorney; US Patent Agent Organisation: Independent / formerly in private practice and in-house counsel Location: Greater Boston, USA Areas of expertise: Cross-border patent strategy, US and European prosecution, drafting, international filing strategy
From London to Boston
Matt began his career in private practice in London, later moving to the United States for family reasons. That move proved professionally transformative. Alongside qualifying as a US patent agent, he worked closely with both US and European practitioners, often acting as a bridge between the two systems.
Early in his career, he was fortunate to work with a UK-based technology client that filed widely across the world. Seeing the same inventions prosecuted in Europe, the US, China, Japan, India and Korea provided a powerful education.
“You learn a huge amount by watching how different offices treat the same application,” he explains. “Something that is not an issue in Europe might become a major hurdle in Japan or the US.”
That comparative experience shaped his understanding of how examiners operate, how prior art travels between jurisdictions, and how strategy in one country can affect another.
Understanding the Differences That Matter
For Matt, one of the most striking contrasts between systems lies in the treatment of added matter.
“The difference in approach between Europe and the US is enormous,” he says. In Europe, the ability to amend is tightly constrained. Understanding what support exists in the original filing is critical, and missteps can be fatal.
By contrast, US practice allows greater latitude in making amendments. That flexibility can help address unforeseen issues, but it does not remove the need for strong drafting from the outset.
He also highlights the US approach to obviousness. US examiners frequently combine multiple documents, sometimes from different technical fields, to support an obviousness rejection. To European practitioners, this can seem excessive, even perverse. Yet within the US legal framework, it is often entirely permissible.
Being dual-qualified allows Matt to explain these differences in practical terms. “Sometimes it’s just translating concepts,” he says. “A US colleague might be talking about enablement, while a European colleague might be talking about sufficiency, without them realizing that they are both talking about essentially the same issue”. The terminology differs, but the broad principles are the same.”
Getting It Right the First Time
When asked what absolutely needs to be right at filing, Matt is clear: the claims.
“In Europe, you can’t really fix poorly-drafted claims later,” he says. Moreover, because the claims typically act as a “blueprint” for the description, errors in the logic, terminology, and breadth of the claims tend to be replicated within the description. Consequently, finding support for curative amendments can be difficult — even under the more lenient approach applied in the US.
Where the independent claims have been drafted too broadly, the description and dependent claims will often lack sufficient technical detail to support amendments that would distinguish over the prior art.A good pre-filing search is therefore invaluable. If prior art can be found in an hour, an examiner will find it too. That knowledge helps calibrate the initial scope of the independent claim, and ensures that the dependent claims provide meaningful fallback positions.
Matt also advocates including multiple independent claims of differing scope, even in European filings. While not always common practice, he believes this approach introduces useful linguistic diversity. It forces the drafter to consider the invention from different angles and increases the chance of having suitable language available if clarity objections arise later.
Drafting as a Sales Pitch
One of Matt’s most distinctive analogies is that a patent application should function as a sales pitch.
“You’re persuading someone that this invention solves a real technical problem,” he explains. That approach is effective within the European problem-solution framework and, in the US, can resonate in litigation before a jury.
However, the scope of the “sales pitch” must match the scope of the claims. For example, if the claims cover vehicles in general, the description should not focus exclusively on motorcycles. Mismatches can cause claim interpretation issues in the US and essential element objections in Europe.
He also likens drafting to telling a joke. Timing matters. “You don’t want to give away the punchline too early,” he says. Revealing too much too soon can undermine both inventive step arguments in Europe and obviousness arguments in the US.
Choosing the Right Territories
In his recent in-house role at a start-up, Matt had to design an international filing strategy from scratch. That meant making hard choices about where to invest.
The starting point, he believes, is data. Market size statistics are often freely available and can quickly reveal which territories deliver meaningful commercial opportunity. In many cases, four or five jurisdictions may cover the majority of the global market.
Industry characteristics also matter. In highly regulated sectors, such as medical devices or autonomous vehicles, regulatory barriers can limit where competitors are likely to launch. In some cases, protection in a small number of key markets may provide sufficient leverage.
Filing in the wrong territory rarely causes immediate disaster. Failing to protect the right subject matter, however, can. If a core concept is not properly claimed at the outset, it may be impossible to recover later. For a start-up built around a small number of key technologies, that risk can be existential.
Budgets, Quality and the Role of AI
With increasing pressure on IP budgets, Matt warns against cutting corners on drafting.
“It’s a false economy,” he says. He would rather reduce the number of territories than compromise the quality of the application itself. Poor drafting can create problems that cannot be fixed.
He sees artificial intelligence as part of the solution. Law firms may be cautious, but economic pressure is driving adoption. Used responsibly, AI tools can help practitioners draft more efficiently, rephrase concepts, and identify potential clarity issues.
Ultimately, though, expertise remains central. “If you think an expert is expensive, try employing a layman,” he notes. The cost of fixing mistakes later (where that is even possible) can far exceed the upfront investment in getting it right.
Outside the Office
Away from patent practice, Matt prioritises fitness. Having played rugby for many years, he now focuses on weight training and running, weather permitting. Winters near Boston can be severe, with heavy snowfall disrupting school runs and outdoor plans.
He is also a keen cook and baker. He makes all the meals at home and has developed a particular enthusiasm for homemade pizza and bread. British-style wholemeal and granary loaves remain firm favourites, even if sourcing the right flour in the US requires some creativity.
Cooking, he says, provides a welcome contrast to the analytical demands of patent work. It is practical, creative and immediately rewarding.
Looking Ahead
For innovators filing their first international patent application, Matt offers two pieces of advice: choose the right adviser and invest in quality.
Interview potential counsel. Make sure they understand your technology and that you work well together. For early-stage companies, a single well-drafted application can shape the future of the business.
“Getting this right could be the difference between success and failure,” he says. “And it’s very hard to fix later.”
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.
Mark Sweetinburgh is a dual-qualified patent and trade mark attorney and co-founder of Sweetinburgh & Windsor. Based in Crawley, he works closely with UK businesses to provide commercially focused IP advice. His perspective reflects both long-standing technical expertise and the realities of running an independent IP firm. Quick profile Name: Mark SweetinburghRole: Partner, Patent and […]
11th February 2026
Mark Sweetinburgh is a dual-qualified patent and trade mark attorney and co-founder of Sweetinburgh & Windsor. Based in Crawley, he works closely with UK businesses to provide commercially focused IP advice. His perspective reflects both long-standing technical expertise and the realities of running an independent IP firm.
Quick profile
Name:Mark Sweetinburgh Role: Partner, Patent and Trade Mark Attorney Firm:Sweetinburgh & Windsor Location: Crawley, West Sussex, UK Areas of expertise: Patents, trade marks, registered designs, freedom to operate, commercially focused IP strategy
From biochemistry to intellectual property
Mark’s route into the IP profession was shaped by curiosity rather than a fixed career plan. After studying biochemistry at the University of Bath, he knew research was not for him long term. What appealed instead was understanding how things work and applying that knowledge in a practical way.
An advert in New Scientist introduced him to the patent profession, without the language requirements he had assumed were mandatory. The role offered variety, exposure to cutting-edge technology, and a legal dimension that appealed. He entered the profession in 2001 and trained in London before deciding that commuting and city life were not where he wanted to stay.
Shaping a commercially focused approach
Mark’s early years were spent in medium-sized firms with strong client contact. Working closely with universities and SMEs helped shape a practical, commercially minded outlook that still defines his work today.
Although trained as a biochemist, his practice quickly broadened. Mechanical inventions, trade marks and infringement matters became part of his everyday work. That breadth, he feels, benefits many of the businesses he works with, particularly those looking for joined-up advice across patents, trade marks and designs alongside their wider commercial strategy.
A consistent question has guided his career: what is the point of filing a patent? Keeping that commercial focus has influenced both the advice he gives and the type of firm he wanted to build.
Founding an independent firm
The idea of running his own firm appealed early on and Mark founded
Sweetinburgh & Windsor in 2011 with Louise Windsor. With a growing team they have expanded their technical expertise whilst keeping a focus on what is important to clients and work closely with clients who value a hands-on, almost in-house style of support.
Wearing multiple hats
Day to day, Mark balances technical work with the realities of running a small business. Client work remains central, but his role also involves marketing, training, managing the team and thinking strategically about growth.
He enjoys the variety. Working with clients on grant funding, freedom to operate and IP strategy keeps the role interesting and connected to how businesses actually operate.
Training is another important strand. Mark regularly works with inventors to help them recognise patentable ideas and understand how IP fits into their wider commercial plans. He also delivers talks to students and schools, helping demystify the profession and highlight it as a career option.
How the profession has changed
One of the biggest shifts Mark has seen is the changing structure of the profession itself. When he started, most firms were London-based and relatively large. Regional and small independent firms were far less common.
That has changed significantly, particularly over the past decade. Remote working and consultancy models have opened up more choice, both for clients and for IP professionals. Mark sees this as a positive development. Businesses can now choose advisers that better match their size, sector and way of working.
The role of the patent attorney has also evolved. It is no longer about reading and writing letters in isolation. Client contact, commercial awareness and strategic thinking are now central to the job.
Leading and supporting others
Mark describes his leadership style as leading by example. Experience has shaped his approach, but the core aim has stayed the same: creating an environment where people are supported and able to shape their roles around their interests.
Flexibility is key. In a smaller firm, roles can evolve, and that adaptability benefits both staff and clients. Mark sees this as one of the strengths of independent practice.
Outside the office
Away from work, Mark values time that helps him switch off. He enjoys spending time with family, walking, reading and DIY. Fixing and building things has been a long-standing interest, one that mirrors his professional curiosity.
Sport also plays a role. He plays football weekly when he can, enjoys golf, and likes watching a wide range of sports. Switching off work phones and creating clear boundaries is important, particularly in a world of hybrid working.
Reflections and lessons learned
Looking back, one lesson stands out. Peaks and troughs are part of professional life, especially when running a firm. Learning not to panic during quiet periods, and not to struggle in silence during busy ones, has been important.
Asking for help, outsourcing when needed, and being open about workload are lessons Mark wishes he had embraced earlier. They remain relevant at every stage of a career.
Upcoming events
Mark is planning to attend CITMA in London in March and INTA in London in May. If you’re attending either event and would like to connect, he’s always happy to hear from fellow IP professionals.
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.
Mark Jolly is a partner and patent and design attorney at Wilson Gunn, based in Manchester. With a practice spanning patents, registered designs and enforcement work, he brings a practical, people-focused approach to advising clients across automotive, medical devices and fast-moving consumer goods. Quick profile Name: Mark JollyRole: Partner, Patent and Design AttorneyFirm: Wilson GunnLocation: […]
28th January 2026
Mark Jolly is a partner and patent and design attorney at Wilson Gunn, based in Manchester. With a practice spanning patents, registered designs and enforcement work, he brings a practical, people-focused approach to advising clients across automotive, medical devices and fast-moving consumer goods.
Quick profile
Name:Mark Jolly Role: Partner, Patent and Design Attorney Firm:Wilson Gunn Location: Manchester, UK Areas of expertise: Patents, registered designs, IP enforcement, strategic IP advice
Finding a route into IP
Mark’s path into intellectual property was more deliberate than many. At school, he chose a degree that combined science with patent law, allowing him to pursue both a technical subject he enjoyed and an early interest in legal work. A sandwich year spent with a firm of patent attorneys during his studies confirmed that the profession was the right fit.
That early exposure meant Mark entered the profession with clarity about what he wanted to do. He spent around a decade at a London firm before making the move to Manchester and joining Wilson Gunn, where he has now been for over ten years.
A role shaped by people and opportunity
Today, Mark’s role as a partner combines advisory work, supervision and strategic thinking. While he is still closely involved in client matters, much of his time is spent discussing approach, reviewing work prepared by colleagues, and helping shape broader portfolio strategies.
He reflects that this is a natural shift many patent attorneys experience over time. Early career work after qualification can be solitary and document-heavy, while senior roles tend to involve far more conversation, collaboration and judgement. For Mark, that evolution has been a positive one.
Building a design-focused practice
A notable feature of Mark’s work is the volume of registered design and enforcement matters he handles. He traces this specialism back largely to chance and curiosity. Early in his career, he took an interest in design law at a time when European registered designs were brand new, and that willingness to “put his hand up” led to more work in the area.
Design work, he explains, offers a different rhythm to patents. It can be more visual, more immediate, and often allows for quicker initial views. That contrast, along with the creative thinking involved in defining what really matters in a design and working out how to protect that across the quite disparate systems of international design protection, is something he continues to enjoy.
Enforcement followed a similar path. At Wilson Gunn, there is a greater appetite for handling contentious work in-house, at least in its early stages. Over time, this has built confidence and experience, making enforcement a more routine and less intimidating part of his practice.
Working with clients who value IP
Mark works with clients across automotive, medical devices and fast-moving consumer goods, each bringing different rewards. Automotive work reflects a lifelong personal interest, while FMCG clients offer the satisfaction of working on products that are tangible, familiar and visible in the market.
He particularly values working with businesses where intellectual property is central to commercial success. In those cases, IP is not an afterthought but an integral part of product development, with advisers playing a role in shaping innovation as well as protecting it.
Across all sectors, Mark emphasises the importance of relationships. Enjoyment of the work often comes down to the people involved, both clients and colleagues, and he considers himself fortunate to work with teams that collaborate well and share common goals.
Rigour first, then commercial reality
When advising clients, Mark does not see legal and commercial considerations as competing forces. In his view, understanding the legal position is a necessary first step. Only once that groundwork is done can realistic commercial options be explored.
This approach is particularly important in enforcement matters, where time, cost and outcomes rarely align perfectly with principle. Helping clients develop realistic expectations is, he says, a key part of the advisor’s role.
A changing enforcement landscape
One of the biggest challenges Mark sees today is the shift of enforcement activity away from courts and towards online platforms. Takedown procedures on large e-commerce sites can be fast and effective, but also inconsistent, with the likes of Amazon sometimes acting on design rights that are clearly invalid.
This creates uncertainty for both rights holders and legitimate businesses who are accused of infringement. Mark has been closely involved in discussions and official consultations around these issues, drawing on his day-to-day experience to inform proposed solutions and contributing to CIPA’s submissions.
Life beyond IP
Outside work, Mark keeps busy. He spends much of his time with his young children, fitting his own interests around their activities. He enjoys backgammon, squash, cricket and skiing. And, finds that being active—particularly in the mountains—is one of the best ways to switch off.
Advice shaped by experience
For those considering a career in IP, Mark’s message is simple. It is a rewarding profession with room to shape a career around individual strengths. He encourages people to get involved, ask questions, and volunteer for work that interests them.
Just as importantly, he notes that enjoyment of the profession often depends on environment. A difficult experience in one role does not mean the career itself is wrong. Finding the right people to work with can make all the difference.
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. 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.
Simon Kremer is a Partner and European and UK Patent Attorney at Mewburn Ellis, specialising in life sciences. With nearly three decades at the firm, he brings a deeply practical perspective shaped by experience across patents, oppositions, appeals and long-standing client relationships. Quick profile Name: Simon KremerRole: Partner, European & UK Patent AttorneyFirm: Mewburn Ellis […]
21st January 2026
Simon Kremer is a Partner and European and UK Patent Attorney at Mewburn Ellis, specialising in life sciences. With nearly three decades at the firm, he brings a deeply practical perspective shaped by experience across patents, oppositions, appeals and long-standing client relationships.
Quick profile
Name:Simon Kremer Role: Partner, European & UK Patent Attorney Firm:Mewburn Ellis LLP Location: London, UK Areas of expertise: Life sciences patents, oppositions and appeals at the European Patent Office, synthetic and engineering biology, therapeutics, plant biotechnology, due diligence
Finding a route into IP
Simon’s route into intellectual property was not a planned one. After completing a PhD in biochemistry at the University of Bristol and spending time working at the laboratory bench, he realised that an academic career was not the right long-term fit. A visit to the university careers service in the early 1990s introduced him—almost by chance—to the patent attorney profession.
What appealed was the combination of science and law, and the opportunity to continue engaging deeply with new technologies without remaining in academia. That balance has remained central to his career ever since.
A broad foundation in government IP
Before joining private practice, Simon began his IP career at the UK Ministry of Defence’s Intellectual Property Rights department. The role provided unusually broad exposure, covering far more than patents alone. His work ranged from contracts and procurement to international agreements, crown use provisions and advising other government departments that lacked their own IP expertise.
That experience gave him an early appreciation of how IP operates “at the coalface”, and of the consequences when it is handled poorly. Seeing how intellectual property decisions could affect everything from basic procurement to major defence projects helped shape his practical, commercially grounded approach.
Milestones rather than turning points
Looking back over almost 30 years at Mewburn Ellis, Simon does not frame his career in terms of dramatic turning points. Instead, he sees it as a series of professional milestones: conducting his first EPO hearings, leading Board of Appeal cases, meeting long-standing clients in person after years of correspondence, and guiding clients through major due diligence exercises.
Alongside these were internal milestones—joining the partnership, contributing to the firm’s growth, and training successive generations of patent attorneys. Over time, both Simon’s role and the firm itself evolved significantly, with Mewburn Ellis growing from a small partnership into a much larger organisation.
Balancing multiple responsibilities
Today, Simon’s role spans client work, mentoring, training, management responsibilities and business development. While the scope of the role has broadened over time, he remains closely involved in day-to-day client matters and values staying connected to the practical work.
His technical focus continues to be driven largely by clients. Areas such as synthetic and engineering biology, plant-related technologies and therapeutics feature prominently, reflecting both long-standing expertise and emerging technological importance.
Translating complexity into value
A recurring theme in Simon’s approach is experience—particularly the experience of seeing patents through their full lifecycle. Having drafted applications that have later been challenged and then exploited, he has developed a strong sense of how early drafting decisions can shape outcomes decades later.
This perspective allows him to anticipate what clients may need at different stages, even when they cannot articulate it themselves. For Simon, a key part of the patent attorney’s role is understanding not just the invention, but the purpose the IP needs to serve over time, while balancing commercial realities such as funding and cost.
The reality of oppositions and appeals
Oppositions and appeals before the European Patent Office form a significant part of Simon’s practice. He is candid about the demands of this work, describing the preparation phase as intense and emotionally draining. The challenge lies in mastering every detail and ensuring there are no surprises on the day.
The reward comes from presenting a case clearly and confidently, knowing that every argument has been tested in advance. While outcomes cannot always be controlled, Simon values ensuring that clients are fully prepared for both the process and the result.
Adapting to different clients
Simon works with a wide range of clients, from individual inventors and universities to multinational companies. Adapting his approach comes down, again, to experience. Different clients require different levels of explanation and guidance. Understanding the journey each client is likely to take helps shape how advice is delivered.
For some, the process is as much educational as it is legal; for others, it is about providing targeted support within an established in-house framework.
Industry pressures and evolving standards
When it comes to broader industry trends, Simon points less to headline topics and more to practical realities. Funding environments have a direct and immediate impact on patent strategy, particularly in the life sciences, where global protection is costly and long-term.
He also notes that as technologies mature and tools become more accessible, the bar for inventiveness continues to rise. Areas such as biotechnology require increasingly creative approaches to meet patentability standards, even as the underlying science becomes more routine.
Learning from the wider profession
Beyond client work, Simon has remained active within the profession through bodies such as CIPA. He values the opportunity to engage with peers outside his own firm in a collaborative rather than adversarial setting.
These interactions provide alternative perspectives and reinforce the social and collegiate nature of the profession. While they may not directly change day-to-day practice, they have helped shape the kind of attorney Simon has become.
Passing on hard-earned lessons
In mentoring younger colleagues, Simon focuses on helping them understand what clients truly value. While clients can assess responsiveness and reliability, they cannot easily judge the quality of a patent application. That responsibility rests firmly with the attorney.
Sharing lessons learned from seeing patents challenged years after drafting is central to his approach to training, helping the next generation appreciate the long-term impact of their decisions.
Life beyond IP
Outside work, Simon is an enthusiastic walker, particularly in the Lake District, where he has been visiting since childhood and has completed all of the Wainwrights. Football also plays a big part in his life, both as a player in five-a-side matches and (with the rest of the family) as a supporter of Sunderland AFC.
These activities provide a welcome counterbalance to the demands of professional life. Even if they sometimes have to be managed carefully alongside ageing knees and ankles.
Looking ahead
What continues to motivate Simon is the constant exposure to new technologies and the depth of long-term client relationships. Whether working with a familiar client or exploring a new disclosure, there is always something new to learn.
For those considering a career in patent law, his advice is to research the profession carefully. Also, join an organisation that is actively engaging with technological change, including the growing role of AI. Adaptability, he believes, will be as important in the future as experience has been in his own career.
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. 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.
Top robotics conferences in 2026 highlight breakthroughs in AI integration, collaborative robots, autonomous systems, and industrial applications, connecting developers, researchers, investors, and manufacturers to accelerate commercialization CES 2026 (Robotics Pavilion) MD&M West / WestPack Robotics Zone 2026 NVIDIA GTC AI Conference European Robotics Forum (ERF) World Summit on Robotics, AI & Machine Learning Robotics Summit […]
15th January 2026
Top robotics conferences in 2026 highlight breakthroughs in AI integration, collaborative robots, autonomous systems, and industrial applications, connecting developers, researchers, investors, and manufacturers to accelerate commercialization
CES 2026 (Robotics Pavilion)
Date: January 6–10, 2026
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, USA
Overview: Massive showcase featuring cobots, mobile robots, industrial arms, vision systems, grippers, humanoid robots, and service robots across consumer and industrial applications. https://www.ces.tech
MD&M West / WestPack Robotics Zone 2026
Date: February 3–5, 2026
Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA, USA
Overview: Medical device and packaging robotics showcase covering cobots, mobile robots, vision systems, grippers, and end-of-arm tooling for healthcare manufacturing. https://www.mdmwest.com
NVIDIA GTC AI Conference
Date: March 16–19, 2026
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Overview: Premier AI and accelerated computing event exploring robotics applications with developers, innovators, and business leaders solving complex automation challenges. https://www.nvidia.com/gtc/
European Robotics Forum (ERF)
Date: March 23–27, 2026
Location: Stavanger, Norway
Overview: Europe’s leading robotics conference with 1,000+ researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers focusing on blue economy and space robotics applications. https://errc.eu/robotics-forum/
World Summit on Robotics, AI & Machine Learning
Date: March 26–28, 2026
Location: Rome, Italy
Overview: Global summit uniting experts for breakthroughs in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning across industrial and service applications. https://roboticsworldsummit.com
Robotics Summit & Expo
Date: May 25–27, 2026
Location: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA, USA
Overview: Comprehensive conference and expo addressing commercial robotics design, development, manufacturing, and delivery across key industries. https://www.roboticssummit.com
International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA)
Date: June 1–5, 2026
Location: Vienna, Austria
Overview: IEEE flagship robotics conference uniting top researchers and industry leaders for advancements in automation and intelligent systems. https://2026.ieee-icra.org
International Conference on Robotics & Automation
Date: May 18–20, 2026
Location: Madrid, Spain
Overview: Platform for scientists, researchers, and professionals to share findings and foster collaborations in robotics and automation technologies. https://robotics.pagesconferences.org
Automate Show & Conference
Date: June 22–25, 2026
Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, USA
Overview: Major automation event featuring industrial robots, cobots, vision systems, and AI-driven manufacturing solutions with extensive exhibits. https://www.automateshow.com
Robotics: Science and Systems (RSS)
Date: July 13–17, 2026
Location: Sydney, Australia
Overview: Premier academic robotics conference presenting cutting-edge research across all robotics disciplines and applications. https://roboticsconference.org
These conferences offer prime opportunities for robotics IP professionals to track patentable innovations in AI, autonomy, and manufacturing systems.
Please note that event dates and locations are subject to change. Check official websites for updates.
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Top biotechnology conferences in 2026 continue to drive innovation across gene therapy, precision medicine, AI analytics, and bioprocessing, attracting global leaders, investors, and researchers to forge partnerships and unveil patentable breakthroughs. Biotech Showcase 2026 BIO-Europe Spring LSX World Congress Europe 2026 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting Swiss Biotech Day 2026 SynBioBeta 2026: […]
Top biotechnology conferences in 2026 continue to drive innovation across gene therapy, precision medicine, AI analytics, and bioprocessing, attracting global leaders, investors, and researchers to forge partnerships and unveil patentable breakthroughs.
Biotech Showcase 2026
Date: January (annual, dates TBC)
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Overview: Premier life science partnering event for biopharma innovation, investor presentations, networking, and global company showcases. https://www.biotechshowcase.com
BIO-Europe Spring
Date: March 23–25, 2026 (in person) & March 31–April 1, 2026 (digital)
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Overview: Europe’s largest springtime partnering event for the global biotech and pharma industry, featuring networking opportunities and in-depth discussions on industry trends. https://informaconnect.com/bioeurope-spring/
LSX World Congress Europe 2026
Date: March 25–26, 2026
Location: Lisbon Congress Center, Lisbon, Portugal
Overview: A leading life sciences investment and partnering event that connects executives from biotech, medtech, and healthtech with global investors, pharma partners, and advisors to drive business development and financing. https://informaconnect.com/lsx-world-congress/
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting
Date: April 17–22, 2026
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Overview: Major cancer science gathering for early-stage drug mechanisms, novel modalities, and translational research, rivaling ASCO in influence for biotech innovation. https://www.aacr.org/meeting/aacr-annual-meeting-2026/
Swiss Biotech Day 2026
Date: May 4–5, 2026 (welcome reception May 3, 2026)
Location: Congress Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Overview: A premier European biotechnology conference hosting thousands of senior experts, global delegations, pitching sessions, and discussions on R&D, AI, manufacturing, and financing. https://swissbiotechday.ch/
SynBioBeta 2026: The Global Synthetic Biology Conference
Date: May 4-7, 2026
Location: San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, CA, USA
Overview: A flagship synthetic biology event featuring keynotes, technology showcases, and networking sessions that bring together scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and corporates to discuss the future of bio-based innovation. https://www.synbiobeta.com/
Bio€quity Europe 2026
Date: May 4-7 and 12-13, 2026
Location: Europe (location to be confirmed)
Overview: Now in its 26th year, this forum brings together biotech CEOs and investors to address strategic challenges, partnering, and capital allocation shaping the European and global biotech industry. https://conferences.biocentury.com/bioequity-europe
American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) Annual Meeting
Date: May 11–15, 2026
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Overview: Premier forum for cell and gene therapy advancements, featuring cutting-edge research, clinical progress, and commercialization challenges as therapies advance to market. https://www.asgct.org
Bio-IT World Conference & Expo
Date: May 19–21, 2026
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Overview: Premier global event celebrating 25 years of innovations in AI, machine learning, multimodal data, and precision medicine, convening 2,900+ leaders from biopharma, informatics, and technology for 200+ sessions on R&D acceleration. https://www.bio-itworldexpo.com
Bio-IT World Conference & Expo
Date: May 19–21, 2026
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Overview: This conference explores the intersection of IT and life sciences, focusing on data management, AI, and precision medicine, and bringing together technology providers, pharma, and biotech leaders. https://www.bio-itworldexpo.com/
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting
Date: May 29–June 2, 2026
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Overview: Global oncology showcase presenting the world’s most advanced clinical cancer studies, uniting top pharma names, researchers, and oncologists for practice-changing results. https://meetings.asco.org
London Biotechnology Show 2026
Date: June 9, 2026
Location: ExCeL London, London, UK
Overview: A major UK-based platform covering red biotechnology, including biopharmaceuticals, gene and cell therapy, diagnostics, precision medicine, vaccines, clinical trials, and biomanufacturing, with an exhibition, high-level conference, and Global Biotech Awards. https://londonbiotechshow.com
European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress
Date: June 11–14, 2026
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Overview: Leading hematology meeting featuring forefront research in leukemias, lymphomas, sickle cell, and blood disorders with global expert presentations. https://www.ehaweb.org
BIO International Convention
Date: June 22–25, 2026
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Overview: World’s largest biotech gathering for business development, partnering, and debates on sector challenges, drawing executives, investors, and policymakers for research showcases and dealmaking. https://convention.bio.org
BIO International Convention 2026
Date: June 22–25, 2026
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Overview: The world’s largest global event for biotechnology, convening industry leaders, investors, and policymakers for four days of partnering meetings, educational sessions, and showcases across the biotech ecosystem. https://convention.bio.org
BioProcess International
Date: September 22–25, 2026
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Overview: Leading bioprocessing conference highlighting cell/gene therapy manufacturing, upstream/downstream innovations, and scalable production strategies for biopharma professionals. https://www.bioprocessintl.com
ISMB 2026
Date: July 12–16, 2026
Location: Washington Hilton, Washington, DC, USA & virtual
Overview: The flagship bioinformatics and computational biology conference of ISCB, featuring hundreds of scientific talks, training workshops, and networking events focused on advanced computational methods for molecular biology. https://www.iscb.org/ismb2026/home
BioTechX Europe 2026
Date: October 6-8, 2926
Location: Messe Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Overview: Europe’s largest congress covering diagnostics, precision medicine, and digital transformation in pharma and healthcare, bringing together stakeholders from pharma, biotech, tech, and academia to drive data-enabled innovation. https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/biotechx/
ISPE Biotechnology Conference 2026
Date: October 18-21, 2026
Location: To be announced
Overview: Building on previous editions, this conference is expected to gather pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers, technology providers, academics, and regulators to discuss innovation and best practice in biomanufacturing and biotechnology product development. https://ispe.org
12th International Conference on Bioengineering and Biotechnology (ICBB 2026)
Date: Dates TBC 2026
Location: TBC
Overview: Annual forum gathering global scholars for advances in bioengineering, biotechnology fundamentals, applications, and collaborative product development. https://bbseries.org/index.html
These conferences serve as critical venues for biotech IP professionals to monitor emerging technologies and competitive patent landscapes.
Please note that event dates and locations are subject to change. Check official websites for updates.
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Top medical technology conferences in 2026 showcase breakthroughs in AI diagnostics, digital health, robotics, and regulatory compliance, connecting medtech innovators, clinicians, investors, and IP experts worldwide. These events drive partnerships and reveal patent opportunities in the rapidly evolving healthcare technology landscape CES Digital Health Summit J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference MD&M West HIMSS Global Health Conference […]
Top medical technology conferences in 2026 showcase breakthroughs in AI diagnostics, digital health, robotics, and regulatory compliance, connecting medtech innovators, clinicians, investors, and IP experts worldwide. These events drive partnerships and reveal patent opportunities in the rapidly evolving healthcare technology landscape
CES Digital Health Summit
Date: January 6–9, 2026
Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA
Overview: Exclusive summit spanning AI trends, Age Tech, IoT, and digital health advances with 12,000+ attendees, conference sessions, networking, and product demos. https://www.ces.tech
Overview: World’s largest medical design and manufacturing show covering product development lifecycle with 1,700+ suppliers in automation and materials. https://www.mdmwest.com
HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition
Date: March 9–12, 2026
Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA
Overview: Massive gathering of IT professionals, clinicians, and executives exploring digital health solutions, interoperability, and health information technology. https://www.himss.org
LSI USA Emerging Medtech Summit
Date: March 16–20, 2026
Location: Dana Point, CA, USA
Overview: High-level partnering for 1,600+ medtech executives, investors, and startups with pitches, panels, and one-on-one meetings across health tech sectors. https://lifesciencintelligence.com
The MedTech Forum
Date: May 11–13, 2026
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Overview: Largest European health technology industry event uniting executives for partnering, investment, and strategic discussions on medtech challenges. https://www.themedtechforum.eu
Med-Tech Innovation Expo
Date: June 3–4, 2026
Location: Birmingham, UK
Overview: UK’s premier med-tech trade event with live demonstrations of machines, components, and supply chain intelligence for medical device professionals. https://med-techexpo.com
The MedTech Conference
Date: October 18–21, 2026
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Overview: Leading global medtech event featuring key conversations, sessions, and networking for advancing medical device innovation and commercialization. https://themedtechconference.com
HLTH USA 2026
Date: November 15–18, 2026
Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA
Overview: Major health tech ecosystem event with 12,000+ leaders focusing on AI, diagnostics, virtual care, and digital transformation in healthcare. https://hlth.com
MEDICA 2026
Date: November 16–19, 2026
Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
Overview: World’s largest medical trade fair with 5,000+ exhibitors in imaging, health IT, diagnostics, and equipment, plus forums and innovation programs. https://www.medica-tradefair.com
These conferences provide essential platforms for medtech IP attorneys to track innovations and navigate regulatory landscapes.
Please note that event dates and locations are subject to change. Check official websites for updates.
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Medtech innovations require robust IP protection amid intense global competition. PatWorld specializes in prior art searches for medical device attorneys, identifying freedom-to-operate risks and competitive landscapes. Our experts deliver precise analysis supporting regulatory approvals and commercialization strategies.
Top agritech conferences in 2026 highlight innovations in precision farming, robotics, AI, and sustainable agriculture, uniting farmers, startups, investors, and researchers to tackle food security and climate challenges. These events showcase patentable technologies and foster partnerships essential for advancing global agri-food systems. World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit (San Francisco) Future Food-Tech Summit GreenTech Amsterdam 2026 European […]
Top agritech conferences in 2026 highlight innovations in precision farming, robotics, AI, and sustainable agriculture, uniting farmers, startups, investors, and researchers to tackle food security and climate challenges. These events showcase patentable technologies and foster partnerships essential for advancing global agri-food systems.
World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit (San Francisco)
Date: March 10–11, 2026
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Overview: Global gathering for agribusiness leaders, tech providers, investors, and startups to explore innovations in digital farming, automation, biologicals, and sustainable practices. https://worldagritechusa.com
Future Food-Tech Summit
Date: March 12–13, 2026
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Overview: Connects food-tech innovators, investors, and leaders to accelerate alternative proteins, precision fermentation, and sustainable food system solutions. https://futurefoodtechsanfrancisco.com
GreenTech Amsterdam 2026
Date: June 10–12, 2026
Location: RAI Amsterdam, Netherlands
Overview: Leading horticulture event covering automation, vertical farming, biotech, and climate-controlled agriculture with 20,000+ visitors and 600+ exhibitors. https://greentech.nl/en/
European Conference on Precision Agriculture (ECPA)
Date: June 28–July 2, 2026
Location: Barcelona, Spain (biennial pattern)
Overview: Prestigious forum showcasing cutting-edge research in precision agriculture technologies, data analytics, and sustainable crop management practices. https://www.ecpa2026.org
World AgriFood Innovation Conference (WAFI)
Date: October 11–14, 2026
Location: Beijing, China
Overview: Focuses on resilient food supply chains, agrifood systems transformation, and technologies for global food security under themes like sustainable production and supply innovation. https://en.wafiforum.com
Animal AgTech Europe
Date: October 13–14, 2026
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Overview: Innovation summit for livestock technologies, precision farming in animal husbandry, and sustainable animal protein production with 250+ decision-makers. https://animalagtecheurope.com
Expo AgriTech Málaga
Date: October 27–29, 2026
Location: Málaga, Spain
Overview: Spanish showcase for agricultural machinery, AI, IoT, water management, and CAP-compliant innovations to boost sector competitiveness. https://expoagritechmalaga.com
AgriNext Conference & Expo
Date: November 4–5, 2026
Location: Dubai, UAE
Overview: Premier event recognizing agri-tech pioneers with awards, expo, and sessions on vertical farming, precision agriculture, and regional innovations for resilient food systems. https://agrinextcon.com
AGRITECHNICA 2027(Note: Next edition; 2026 dates TBC)
Date: November 14–20, 2027
Location: Hanover, Germany
Overview: World’s leading trade fair for agricultural technology, featuring networked systems, digital efficiency, and sustainability solutions under the theme “Touch Smart Efficiency.” https://www.agritechnica.com/en/
These conferences offer prime networking for agritech IP professionals to monitor emerging patents and collaborate on sustainable farming breakthroughs.
Please note that event dates and locations are subject to change. Check official websites for updates.
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