Nonny Jones is a UK and European patent attorney and co-founder of Alembia Intellectual Property. With a background in chemistry and extensive experience in the pharmaceutical sector, he brings a practical, commercially aware approach shaped by years spent on the in-house side of the table.
Quick profile
Name:Nonny Jones Role: Patent Attorney, Co-owner and Co-founder Firm:Alembia Intellectual Property Location: United Kingdom Areas of expertise: Chemistry, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, patent drafting and prosecution, portfolio strategy, due diligence, licensing and litigation support
From chemistry to patent law
Nonny’s route into patent law was far from pre-planned. He trained as an organic chemist, completing a PhD and spending several years in academia before achieving a long-held ambition: becoming a medicinal chemist hunting new drugs. It was during this time, working within a large pharmaceutical company, that he first encountered patents at close quarters.
Rather than sparking immediate fascination, those early encounters were tinged with apprehension. Patents, he recalls, were both critical and intimidating. They underpinned everything the wider business was doing, yet felt complex and high-stakes. Over time however, that exposure, combined with conversations with friends who had moved into patent law, planted a seed.
A major turning point came when the research site where Nonny worked unfortunately closed. While challenging, redundancy opened up an unexpected opportunity: an trainee patent attorney role within the same organisation. The move proved formative.
Training inside a company meant going in at the deep end, with huge responsibility from day one. While initially intimidating, being embedded in project teams, addressing intertwined scientific, legal and commercial issues, and seeing how IP decisions played out across the full lifecycle of a product provided a unique, commercially-focussed grounding that has informed Nonny’s approach to patent work ever since.
“It was a privileged position,” he reflects. “As an in-house patent attorney, you experience everything, from early research through to commercial strategy. You see first-hand the impact of IP-related decisions and events on development, which teaches how to spot and mitigate issues early.”
Shaping a career through challenge and risk
As his career progressed, Nonny found himself repeatedly stepping into situations that felt uncomfortable at the time, but ultimately shaped how he works today. One such moment was taking on responsibility for coordinating complex litigation on a major pharmaceutical product while still relatively junior.
The experience was demanding, but rewarding. It required judgement, confidence and the ability to make decisions with imperfect information, often under extreme time pressure – all key patent attorney skills which were developed and tested in courts across Europe.
That willingness to take calculated risks eventually led to Nonny leaving industry for private practice and co-founding Alembia Intellectual Property with his business partner, Lucy. What began as a daunting idea soon felt like a logical next step.
“It wasn’t about trying to disrupt the profession,” he says. “It was more about asking whether we could build something successful that reflected how we liked to work.”
Eight years later, Alembia Intellectual Property is still growing, shaped by those early decisions and a shared set of values. The practice has even been externally recognised: “one unexpected milestone we’re very proud of is being listed since 2020 in the IAM patent 1000 alongside many other great UK and European patent firms – a huge achievement for a small boutique like ours, and particularly pleasing because it’s based on direct client feedback”.
A varied role with a familiar focus
Today, Nonny’s role combines client work with running a small business. While company management and business development are part of the picture, he spends most of his time doing what he enjoys most: working closely with clients on a wide range of IP issues.
The work spans patent drafting, strategic advice, due diligence, licensing and agreement work as well as occasional litigation support. Moving from an in-house role to private practice has increased the variety of subject matter Nonny handles, and it now extends not only across life sciences but into engineering and materials technology. It has also brought exposure to client companies of different sizes, at different stages, with very different priorities.
What hasn’t changed is the mindset. Nonny remains focused on understanding what clients are trying to achieve and tailoring IP advice accordingly, rather than treating patents as an end in themselves. In this respect, his industrial background provides a particular advantage: “having worked on in- and out-licensing for one of the world’s largest pharma companies, Lucy and I know first-hand what investors are looking for in an IP portfolio. It’s great to be able to apply that knowledge to help current clients secure funding and reach their own goals.”
Chemistry at the centre
Chemistry continues to underpin much of Nonny’s practice. He sees it as a central discipline, connecting physics on one side and biology on the other, which makes it possible for chemically-trained patent attorneys to work across multiple fields.
His background as a medicinal chemist also makes it easier to move seamlessly between small molecule chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical development inventions, a significant advantage when assisting modern clients who often use multi-modal approaches to drug discovery.
Making “pseudo in-house” practical
Alembia often describes its approach as “pseudo in-house”, a term Nonny is keen to ground in reality rather than rhetoric. For him, it comes down to accessibility.
Small and growing companies often hesitate to speak to lawyers early, particularly when budgets are tight. That hesitation can lead to avoidable problems later. Alembia’s aim is to lower that barrier by encouraging informal conversations and focusing billing on substantive work, rather than ringing up the till for every interaction.
The goal is not to replicate an in-house attorney exactly, but to create a proactive, informal environment where clients feel able to ask questions early and often.
“I’d rather spend ten minutes on the phone helping someone think something through before it becomes an issue than hours to try and fix a problem after the fact,” Nonny explains.
Balancing detail with commercial reality
For Nonny, good patent advice starts with outcomes. While technical detail and legal nuance are essential, they only matter if they serve a client’s broader goals.
He is conscious of the temptation to over-focus on the intricacies of patent law, particularly when speaking to non-specialists. Instead, he prioritises clarity, helping clients understand how IP can help clients achieve their goals, and only getting into the technical weeds when it is important to show why a particular strategy makes sense.
Navigating change in the IP landscape
Asked about recent changes in the profession, Nonny points to artificial intelligence as both an opportunity and a challenge.
Used carefully, AI can be a powerful tool for summarising information and checking thinking. Used uncritically, it carries real risks.
Machine-learning hallucinations, confidentiality concerns and over-reliance are all issues he believes the profession must manage carefully. While optimistic about AI’s long-term potential, he emphasises the continued need for judgement, diligence and accountability.
“AI users don’t just need answers,” he says. “They need confidence in those answers.”
For now, Nonny sees AI as a potentially transformative resource to be handled carefully, not delegated to blindly.
Values that guide the work
Across a varied career, one value has remained central for Nonny: taking pride in his work.
Patents are often stressful for clients, high-stakes by nature, and slow to deliver results. Helping clients navigate that process, make informed decisions, and move forward with confidence is where he finds the most satisfaction. Whether the task is large or small, the aim is always the same: to make something difficult feel more manageable, and enable clients to focus on the day-to-day business of getting their innovations to market.
Advice for those considering IP
For scientists thinking about patent law, Nonny offers an honest assessment. The career can be intellectually stimulating and rewarding, combining science, law and commercial thinking in a way few roles do.
At the same time, it carries pressure and responsibility. Deadlines are tight, decisions matter, and the work demands care.
His advice is to speak to people in the profession, seek exposure where possible, and understand what the role really involves before committing.
“It’s not for everyone,” he says. “But for the right person, it can be incredibly satisfying.”
Life beyond IP
Outside work, Nonny’s life centres on family. With a young son (and cat!) and the demands of running a business, switching off is less about hobbies and more about spending quality time together.
He also retains a strong connection to Anglesey, where he grew up. A coastal walk from Bull Bay to Porth Wen remains a favourite, offering rugged scenery, wildlife and a sense of perspective when he gets the chance to return.
Looking forward
Reflecting on his career so far, Nonny takes pride in key career milestones that include high pressure licensing deals, litigation wins and the formation of Alembia IP, but also his everyday work. While the big ticket results often get the most attention, he still finds few things as satisfying as successfully arguing against a complex patent office objection, or informing a client of a patent grant.
For him, success lies in steady progress, thoughtful, accessible advice and long-term relationships built 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.
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.
With a career spanning private practice, in-house leadership, and now consultancy, Emily Teesdale has developed a deep appreciation for how intellectual property (IP) strategy underpins commercial success. Today, through her own consultancy Pivot IP, Emily helps engineering and technology businesses navigate the complex IP landscape — ensuring that protection, collaboration, and opportunity go hand in hand.
A career combining engineering and law
Emily’s path into intellectual property began with a degree in aerospace engineering and a love of technology. “I wanted to find a way to combine my technical background with something broader,” she explains. “Becoming a patent attorney allowed me to do exactly that.” Over the next 18 years, she worked in private practice with clients of all sizes, gaining experience across a wide range of technologies. Her expertise later took her in-house — first with Airbus, where she became heavily involved in collaboration projects, and then into a Head of IP role at another global aerospace company. “In that role, I was responsible for the IP terms across every kind of contract you can imagine,” Emily recalls. “I was also raising IP awareness across the business and managing a portfolio team. It was a fantastic opportunity to see how IP strategy really works at every level.” After more than two decades in demanding corporate roles, Emily took some well-earned time off to travel — a journey that would ultimately inspire the creation of Pivot IP.
A practical approach to IP strategy
When Emily returned from her travels, she wanted to use her experience to help other businesses make sense of IP in a way that was practical, strategic, and aligned to their goals. “At Pivot IP, I effectively act as Head of IP to engineering companies on a consultancy basis,” she explains. “That means helping them navigate the IP landscape in the way that’s best for them and their objectives — whether that’s advising a start-up on early IP steps, negotiating a collaboration agreement, or unpicking a complex issue to find a pragmatic solution.” It’s an approach that reflects Emily’s view of what IP strategy really means. “Any good strategy should maximise opportunities and minimise risks,” she says. “From an IP perspective, that means reducing exposure to risks like patent infringement or misuse of confidential information, while using the IP system to create and protect opportunities. It’s about far more than just obtaining patents or trade marks — it’s about embedding IP thinking into every aspect of the business.”
Recognition and collaboration
Earlier this year, Emily was recognised as a Notable Practitioner by IP Stars, a distinction that carries particular meaning. “It honestly means so much — especially as it came just six months after setting up Pivot IP,” she says. “When you’re working independently, you don’t always have the encouragement that comes from being part of a big team, so this recognition was a real boost. It’s also an honour to know that my work — which is rather different to the traditional patent attorney role — is valued.” Emily also collaborates closely with Iain Russell of Russell IP, where she provides consultancy support alongside her own practice. “I love working with Iain and am very grateful for his support,” she says. “My work there includes providing IP strategy advice and helping clients understand what to prioritise. I also still enjoy getting involved in drafting and prosecution work — it keeps me more connected to the technical side of things.”
Making IP strategy work in practice
For Emily, helping businesses develop a strong IP strategy begins with understanding where they are and where they want to go. “It’s essential to know what assets they already have, the industry landscape they are in and what their commercial objectives are,” she explains. “Only then can you design a strategy that supports those goals.”
She also highlights the importance of IP awareness and education within organisations. “You don’t always need a big budget to improve your IP position. Building awareness among employees about what to protect, what not to disclose, and when to raise potential risk issues is one of the most effective steps a company can take.”
A key part of her role involves helping clients navigate the practical realities of IP — often under pressure. Emily recalls one instance where a careful review of collaboration terms completely changed the outcome for her client. “I reviewed the IP clauses of a potential collaboration and realised they wouldn’t give my client the access they needed once the development project ended,” she explains. “It meant going back to senior management, explaining why the terms had to change, and renegotiating them at a late stage. It was challenging, but ultimately the new agreement ensured that when the technology is commercialised, my client can move forward with a secure and effective supply chain, even if the collaboration partner doesn’t proceed.”
It’s an example that perfectly captures Emily’s approach — balancing technical insight with commercial foresight. “Patent searches and freedom-to-operate analyses also play a crucial role,” she adds. “These are vital tools to understand where you sit in the IP landscape around you. Only when you know where you are can you plan where you’re going.”
The global dimension of collaboration
Having worked extensively in the aerospace sector, Emily understands that innovation today is rarely confined to one country or organisation. “Increased global collaboration is a great thing. It allows more companies to develop technology together, particularly in emerging cross-sector areas,” she explains. “But with that comes the need to ensure your IP protection reflects the global nature of your work, that your contracts are aligned across jurisdictions, and that you’re partnering with the right organisations.”
Life beyond IP
When she’s not advising clients or speaking on IP strategy, Emily loves to explore the world — quite literally. She has visited more than 70 countries, with New Zealand, Costa Rica and Japan among her favourites. “Discovering new places, especially through food, is a real joy” she says. “I love dining out and experiencing different cultures that way. I also enjoy dancing and spending time with animals — not the most compatible combination, perhaps!”
Her travels have brought some unforgettable experiences. “Getting a helicopter onto Fox Glacier in New Zealand and scrambling through the ice caves was incredible,” Emily recalls. “And volunteering at an animal sanctuary in Namibia, where I helped feed baby baboons, was truly special.” She laughs when recalling another of her adventures — hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. “Mainly for Machu Picchu itself rather than the four-day hike! I’m not much of a camper, but the porters and chefs were incredible and made the experience truly memorable.”
The value of effective IP strategy
Emily sums up the importance of IP strategy simply but powerfully. “An effective and well-implemented IP strategy enables a business to achieve — and often exceed — its objectives,” she says. “Whether it’s growth, attracting investment, or increasing valuation, the right IP approach provides the foundation for long-term success.”
Emily also works with Iain Russell at Russell IP, providing IP strategy consultancy and patent support.
At PatWorld, we’re proud to support IP professionals like Emily. Our comprehensive patent search and intelligence reports help inform freedom-to-operate, state-of-the-art, and competitor landscape decisions. By providing accurate and timely data, we help attorneys and consultants worldwide strengthen their clients’ IP strategies and unlock greater commercial value. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can assist with your next project.
When Veronika Brázdová launched Brázdová IP in 2025, she wasn’t just starting a patent practice, she was creating a bridge between her deep-rooted scientific curiosity and the urgent need for planet-friendly innovation. Based in Hertfordshire, this boutique practice blends UK and European patent expertise with mediation skills, empowering climate-tech founders to protect breakthroughs without the drama of drawn-out disputes.
From Supercomputers to Patent Powerhouse
Veronika’s path to IP was anything but linear: a physics degree from Charles University Prague, a PhD from Humboldt University Berlin, and post-docs spanning Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science to UCLA and UCL. There, she delved into density functional theory simulations of complex materials and parallel programming, work that culminated in her proposing and co-authoring the textbook *Atomistic Computer Simulations: A Practical Guide*.
But academia’s endless grant chase left her seeking more. “I stumbled across patent law by accident,” she recalls. “I read up on it and I thought, that looks interesting. I could be good at this actually… And it’s been much more fun than academia because as a patent attorney, I don’t need to spend three years in a lab on a project that ultimately goes nowhere. I only get to hear from people who have done it and have been successful… I get to hear about all the cool stuff.”
Today, that means guiding start-ups through patents and disputes, always with a physicist’s eye for the core invention amid the noise.
Launching a Practice with Purpose
Fresh from mediation training in 2024, Veronika founded Brázdová IP to fuse patent strategy with conflict resolution. “I realised that I wanted to do both mediation and patent law and I also wanted to create my own business according to my values and vision… to have the freedom to create and also to be able to focus on things that make a difference, because I am really focusing on climate tech, sustainable technology, shipping, decarbonisation. It’s a hugely positive sector, people who are working on sustainable technologies are very enthusiastic about it and it’s a wonderful practice area.”
Her vision? A practice that’s startup-centric, commercially savvy, and globally minded. From day one, she’s zeroed in on climate tech, decarbonisation, and maritime innovations, sectors where enthusiasm runs high and the stakes for the planet are immense.
Fostering Empowerment Over Edicts
At the core of Veronika’s approach is client autonomy. “I will not say to a client, you need to file a patent application. I will tell them if you’ve got something here which you could file a patent application for. If you do, this is what is likely to happen… these are the timescales… if you don’t file, then you might want to keep it as a trade secret… I don’t tell them what to do because it is their business and their decision.”
This stems from her dual worlds: academia’s detail-dive and private practice’s business grind. “Academics can be hopeless at running a business… the business side is often a secondary thing for them… but that will not get you to a successful business.” She bridges that, helping founders pitch IP to investors. “With an IP audit report people can show investors that they have a solid IP strategy. An IP audit can get you multiples of its cost from investors – well, that’s a huge return on investment.”
The UK’s Green Tech Tide
Veronika has a particular focus on the UK’s growing sustainable sector. “Decarbonisation is a huge thing now: retrofitting sails on cargo ships, offshore wind, tidal and tidal stream energy, carbon capture. Shipping is a big thing for me.”
She sees the UK as a launchpad for interconnected innovation: “the future of sustainable technology is local solutions within a global network. Local doesn’t mean isolated but interconnected. A distributed network is far more resilient than a centralised one.”
Mediation: The Smarter Path to Settlement
Why pair patents with mediation? For Veronika, disputes are like icebergs, the stated fight is just the tip of the issue. “When two sides are in dispute, they might seem to be polar opposites, but when you look deeper into it… you can often find that there is scope to resolve the dispute. Mediation is faster and far less expensive than litigation… typical mediation is one day or two days and the latest UK data show the settlement rate is over 90%.”
Especially for start-ups: “If you fall out with your only supplier, you can take them to court. But what are you going to do afterwards, even if you win? If you negotiate a solution instead, you can agree terms that the court could never order – creative solutions that preserve the relationship. And you may still be able to work with that supplier in the future.”
A Global Horizon for Blue Innovation
Looking ahead, Veronika eyes international expansion. “The sustainable technology sector is international and interconnected and so is the IP sector. My practice is going to be international: I’ll be looking at other countries in the future because there’s a lot of collaboration going on between the UK and other countries.”
Her goal? Local expertise in a global web, mirroring the resilient systems she champions.
Advising with Humility and Clarity
Veronika’s north star? “Do not assume. You must not assume that things are a certain way, because you don’t know really, and you need to ask the client.” And: “People do business with people… it’s important to be a good human.”
For innovators: “Talk to someone early on, as early as possible. Not doing it early on can be catastrophic down the line. Having an IP strategy will make you much more credible in the eyes of an investor.”
Harmonies and Horizons Beyond the Desk
Recharging for Veronika means melody and mischief. She picked up the harp during her career switch: “I started with the harp when I switched careers because I knew it was going to be extremely stressful. The harp is great because it’s beginner friendly, so back then this was my treat… to help my sanity. It still does.” She added singing lessons during the pandemic . This year? A professional perfumery course: “most of it was about the legal and chemistry aspects, but there was a lot of experimentation as well.”
“Hobbies fuel my work,” she laughs. “Who knows, two years down the line I might be starting a perfumery business as well.”
About Brázdová IP
Hertfordshire-based and founder-focused, Brázdová IP delivers patent strategies, IP audits, and mediation for climate-tech and maritime innovators. Veronika partners with researchers, SMEs, and global counsel to craft IP that fuels growth and guards against risks.
At PatWorld, we’re proud to support IP firms like Brázdová IP with comprehensive patent search and intelligence services. From prior art and freedom-to-operate searches to competitor and landscape analysis, our tools help attorneys and their clients make informed, strategic decisions — saving time and improving the strength of every patent application. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can assist with your next project.
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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Yann Robin, is a Principal Associate and Patent Attorney at Marks & Clerk. With a career spanning over 17 years, Yann has built a reputation for his meticulous approach to intellectual property, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of client needs. We spoke to Yann about his journey through triathlons, chemistry and patents, the evolving role of foreign languages in patent law, and the importance of tailoring IP strategies to meet diverse client priorities.
Falling into IP: Yann’s Unexpected Path
Unlike some who enter the IP profession with a clear vision, Yann’s path was more serendipitous. After completing his postgraduate studies at the University of Strathclyde, Yann began his career at Thomson Derwent, working on patent classification tools. His work involved assigning codes to patents, particularly in the field of chemistry and polymers. This experience sparked his interest in patents and naturally led him to pursue a career as a patent attorney.
“I didn’t have a lifelong ambition to work in IP; I simply followed the opportunities my career presented,” Yann reflects. “But I’m glad I did. It’s a fascinating and rewarding field.”
The Power of Languages in IP Practice
As a native French speaker, Yann’s language skills have long been an asset in his practice. When he started in the profession in 2007, proficiency in a second language—particularly one of the EPO’s official languages—was highly valued. This was because access to machine-generated English translations was not as widespread as it is today.
While machine translation tools have advanced dramatically, Yann highlights that fluency in foreign languages remains invaluable in certain circumstances. “There are still instances where a precise understanding of a foreign language is essential,” he explains. For example, a recent freedom-to-operate analysis required Yann to review a French competitor’s EP patent and the associated French prior art. In this case, subtle linguistic nuances in the claims and prior art documents meant machine translations could not be solely relied upon. Yann’s fluency in French allowed him to provide his client with the clarity needed to make a sound commercial decision.
Although machine translations will likely continue to improve, Yann believes there will always be circumstances where working with the original language is indispensable. The subtleties of technical and legal terms often defy perfect translation, making human expertise a necessity.
Tailoring IP Strategies to Diverse Client Needs
Yann’s client base is diverse, ranging from individual innovators and start-ups to SMEs and multinational corporations. This breadth of experience has reinforced his belief that no two clients are the same. “The most critical point is to first understand the client’s situation and commercial goals, both short-term and long-term,” he says.
He recalls a client, a local SME specialising in cancer diagnostics, who successfully secured a significant round of funding. Their robust patent portfolio, developed with Yann’s guidance over a decade, played a key role in this achievement. This example underscores the importance of aligning IP strategy with a company’s growth trajectory and commercial objectives.
Yann emphasises that budget constraints often shape the IP strategies of start-ups and SMEs. He and his team at Marks & Clerk address this by offering tailored solutions, including a dedicated Start-up Offering and access to IP Audits to help businesses get a cost-effective start on their IP journey.
Sustainable Innovation: A Personal and Professional Interest
Sustainability is a growing area of importance in IP. I find it exciting both technologically and because it aligns with my belief that we need to find solutions to the environmental challenges we face.
Combining his professional expertise with personal values, Yann is actively involved in Marks & Clerk’s Sustainable Materials Group. This initiative focuses on supporting clients developing eco-friendly and innovative materials. “Sustainability is a growing area of importance in IP,” Yann explains. “I find it exciting both technologically and because it aligns with my belief that we need to find solutions to the environmental challenges we face.”
Building Long-Term Relationships
For Yann, building trusted, long-term relationships with clients is fundamental. “Our job is to advise as best we can, and that means understanding the people behind the businesses,” he notes. Regular dialogue and staying attuned to a client’s evolving needs enable him to deliver advice that is not only legally sound but also commercially practical.
Advice for Aspiring IP Professionals
For those considering a career in intellectual property, Yann offers honest and practical advice: “Be patient and stay humble. It takes time to develop the technical, legal, and client-facing skills needed to become truly independent as a patent attorney. You may come into the profession with an impressive academic background, but you’ll need to embrace the learning process, sometimes at a pace which may feel frustratingly slow”
Beyond the Office: Triathlons, Trail Runs, and Outdoor Adventures
Away from the world of patents, Yann is a passionate outdoor enthusiast. He enjoys trail running, cycling, open-water swimming, and competing in triathlons. “I’ve been doing triathlons for almost 10 years now,” Yann shares. “Like most people who dip into that world later in life, I started with shorter distances like Sprint or Olympic, then moved on to longer distances. I tend to do a couple of events a year. I completed my first Ironman distance last summer in Northumberland, finishing an unexpected third overall. One of the most unusual events I did was a half-ironman night race near Aviemore, starting at midnight with a swim in Loch Morlich in complete darkness, followed by biking through the night and running up Cairn Gorm at sunrise—a truly unique experience!”
He also has a lesser-known trait—a photic sneeze reflex. “I sneeze when I look at bright sunlight,” he laughs. “Apparently, it affects around 20% of people, but it still surprises my colleagues!”
Looking to the Future
Yann predicts that while machine translation tools will continue to improve, the need for human linguistic and cultural understanding will persist. The nuances of IP law and the complexity of technical inventions will always require the expertise of a skilled professional who can interpret beyond the limitations of automated tools.
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