From Filing to Enforcement: Greg Corcoran’s Approach to Smart IP Management.
Greg Corcoran founded his own practice, Greg Corcoran IP, recently in March 2025 to use his substantial commercial experience, with a clear and thoughtful philosophy: patents are business tools. When developed strategically, they can be used to mitigate risk, unlock commercial opportunity, and give clients the commercial leverage they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
Greg is a European and UK Patent Attorney, UPC Representative and former in-house counsel at one of Europe’s leading technology companies. Today, he works directly with clients to support strategic portfolio development and improvement. His practice is rooted in practical experience and built on a foundation of collaboration, commercial insight, and a deep understanding of the full patent lifecycle.
A Pathway to Patents
Greg’s journey into IP law began with a desire to combine a technical background with meaningful client relationships. After early exposure to both scientific research and legal practice, he studied physics at university with the clear intention of training as a solicitor specialising in intellectual property. That plan paid off. He trained at Taylor Joynson Garrett (now Taylor Wessing) where his first experience of patent practice was revocation proceedings before the English High Court.
Greg retrained as a patent attorney in the midst of the dot-com crash in the London office of a national patent attorney firm. Through his training he sought out a more commercially focused role where prosecution decisions were made in context of business objectives. At qualification he realised his goal of securing an in-house role, managing large patent portfolios and providing clearance advice in the context of the company’s business landscape.
Over his seventeen years in-house he worked closely with fellow in-house patent professionals, external counsel, and the company’s engineers – many of whom were the inventors of the patents in the portfolio. Ultimately, he worked with people across the entire business from product architects, colleagues in marketing, and members of the Board. Working as part of a team he needed to ensure that patent claims, for example, aligned to the chosen IP strategy to realise-the business’ real- commercial goals.
“A patent should be more than just a description of a technical solution to a technical problem – it should be prepared so it can have claims relevant for its possible application and commercial leverage in mind.”
A Bridging Practice
At the heart of Greg’s practice is a distinctive approach that brings together three crucial elements: effective drafting, practical in-house experience, and a clear understanding of its strategic use of patents for example in litigation strategy. These pillars have influenced the preparation of the program for the CIPA Congress 2025 which is themed around the intersection of IP and AI and which Greg is chairing this week. He notes that, with the support of CIPA’s current President, Bobby Mukherjee – a leading in-house practitioner – he encouraged each panel session to have an in-house speaker. The program includes a very practical patent drafting session and a UK and UPC judiciary panel session.
“To secure granted claims which a client can leverage to acquire the commercial value they seek, it is crucial to appreciate how your claims would work before a court, even before you put pen to paper and start drafting.”
Through his practice, Greg aims to help clients prepare more robust patents, that do not merely capture the invention which the inventor thinks has been invented, but are also prepared with how the patent may be applied commercially in mind – which may include enforcement. While his business is relatively new, the services which he offers are informed by years of experience both in-house and in private practice. He is actively building a client base that can benefit from this integrated approach.
“Drafting with foresight, advising the business to navigate third party patent landscapes, knowing how in-house teams work, and keeping one eye on how the patent could be used, even in the courtroom – these are the skills which I seek to bring together for my clients.”
Portfolio Improvement: An Underused Commercial Tool?
Portfolio improvement enables clients to achieve more value from their existing assets in the context of the patent landscape of their chosen markets. He works with clients identifying their filings that have potential to offer useful leverage and optimising claim scope in context of competitor positions. This means that he needs to learn about third party patent portfolios, and the client’s markets, not just the client’s own assets. Investment in a portfolio is also an investment in knowledge of the context of the client’s assets. With more knowledge, the more effectively, efficiently and deftly the patents in a patent portfolio may be used. Enhancement of portfolios take time and draws on experience and a strategic approach to IP. Portfolio improvement, he says, can be far more than mitigating the risk of litigation. Even if litigation mitigation is not a primary goal it is a valuable added benefit. A third party may hesitate or wait before using court proceedings, or even seek solely to negotiate, if a target business has invested in its IP position to develop an appropriate patent portfolio. Investment in IP can help mitigate significant costs.
“Whether you’re seeking investment, looking to license out technology, or wanting otherwise to negotiate with a third party, an improved portfolio can be a benefit to your position. A well-developed portfolio informs a third party that you’re prepared with a strategy in mind.”
This proactive approach is particularly relevant in today’s global IP landscape, where pressure on IP budgets meets rising commercial expectations. Use of older filings may serve to achieve patents which can be used to apply leverage against third parties faster and more effectively than fresh filings. Under cost pressures and good timing, improvement work can be targeted, focused and limited.
The Benefits of Litigation Mitigation
Even though clients prefer to avoid talking about litigation, it has to be considered as a part of commercial strategy according to Greg. The positive reception to the UPC since it started in 2023, makes portfolio improvement to mitigate litigation risk even more important and valuable. As we are hearing from leading US practitioners such as David Kappos, an ex-UPTO Director, the UPC is changing the global dominance of the US courts because it is faster, cheaper, and more predictable in its processes and it is also more willing to grant injunctions. Commercial leaders are now describing how these characteristics, especially in view of the size of the UPC’s jurisdiction over eighteen contracting states, often lead to settlement. The risk of a negative decision leading to an injunction can create a commercial predicament for the parties. Information the UPC suggests that the chance of a settlement, in practice, is high.
The reach of the UPC has implications for businesses of all sizes throughout the European market, including SMEs and not just global players. Before the UPC started, a business could rely on the fractured mosaic of different European jurisdictions that would limit the impact of a patent suit usually to one jurisdiction. Those days are numbered if they are not already over. Recent cases of the UPC (and even the German courts) are taking a ‘long-arm approach’ to jurisdictions under special conditions. The enforcement of patents in non-UPC states, such as Spain, or not of the EU, such as the UK, using long-arm jurisdiction, means the reach of the UPC is far further than initially expected.
All business would be advised to invest in their patent position in a prudent manner as part of good business administration. Investment consequently mitigates litigation risk. Traditionally legal fees spent for a litigation are considered as costs that are incurred only when the litigation is under way and thus as a last resort. Funds are spent very quickly following quickly made decisions. Proceedings at the UPC run too fast using this approach, demanding too many resources for a defendant to prepare an adequate defence and respond by preparing and filing its own countersuit. The alternative is to incur some of these costs in advance carefully and strategically over a period of time -such a spending strategy would be an investment. Businesses with an adequate budget could make a long-term investment by starting preparation and mitigation long in advance; yet meaningful results can be achieved with a targeted approach on a limited budget. Yet, as Greg mentioned earlier, such preparations would also improve a patent portfolio and a business’s IP position for the other purposes for example to realise new commercial opportunities.
“Litigation as a business strategy is, after all, a last resort.”
How Greg can Help: Practical, Independent, and In-House-Informed
One of the defining features of Greg’s offering is flexibility. His business’s offering includes services that are designed to plug into existing teams. He offers support to companies which may not have the resources for a full in-house function but still need senior-level strategic input. He offers assistance and advice in the development and implementation of a portfolio strategy, in helping align patent filings with business objectives, and flagging and assisting mitigation of litigation risks.
His experience also allows him to complement rather than compete with other attorneys, bringing an in-house angle and offering a resource to draw on. For example, providing a litigation-informed perspective to drafting and prosecution decisions and offering second opinions that improve the value of a portfolio without escalating cost.
“Predicting which patents of a portfolio will be challenged is a fool’s game; it’s more prudent and cheaper to prepare some of the patents so more of them hold up to scrutiny. I heard a repeating message when I spoke to litigation counsel across Europe in the months before I set up my practice: when their clients present them with their best patents, often only a very small proportion survive scrutiny. Counsel has to use the best patents their clients have – but does it have to be that way, especially now, when so much more can be at stake in Europe?”
Greg also understands the realities of international portfolio management and improvement. Having managed a global portfolio including the US, Europe, and Asia he appreciates the cultural challenges that such work may bring, and the nuances in local practice through engendering long durable relationships with local counsel. He helps clients navigate through such differences that are essential to manage effective communication with external counsel and manage the global IP assets of the client effectively.
A Photographer’s Eye for Detail
Outside the world of patents, Greg is a keen landscape photographer. His brand image is a striking photograph of Belgium’s famous bluebell wood, the Hallerbos. It reflects his international focus and his approach to IP: considered, layered, and aware of how small details contribute to the bigger picture and conversely how the big picture is dependent on the detail within it.
“An image is a whole, but it’s the sum of its parts and the parts make the whole. It’s just like a sound patent portfolio.”
A Favourite Walk?
The Gower Peninsula in Wales – a mix of clifftop paths leading to green rolling countryside, overlooking sheep dotted salt-marshes and empty expansive beaches, through bluebell woods and winding rugged windswept coastal trails. It’s an appropriate metaphor for a career spent exploring new ground while keeping a careful eye on the landscape.
Connect with Greg
Whether you’re a patent attorney, in-house counsel, or an innovator looking to strengthen your IP position, Greg is open to collaboration and conversation. You can learn more about his work and services at https://gregcorcoranip.co.uk or connect with him directly on LinkedIn.
How PatWorld Supports Strategic IP Work
For IP professionals developing commercially focused portfolios – like those Greg helps his clients build – high-quality patent search support can make a real difference. PatWorld’s team of expert analysts deliver tailored search services, including freedom-to-operate, validity, and landscape analysis, helping patent attorneys make confident, informed decisions. For firms looking to strengthen their IP strategies, this kind of insight lays the groundwork for more effective portfolio development and risk mitigation.
When you think of a patent attorney, you might picture someone firmly rooted in legal texts. But for Lewis Mullholland, the path into IP began thousands of miles from home—embedded in an R&D team at Cisco Systems in Shanghai, tackling early cloud computing challenges.
“It was a fascinating time,” Lewis recalls. “We were pushing the boundaries of what cloud computing could do. That’s where I first encountered IP—not in theory, but as a practical force shaping innovation.” What began as a hurdle—navigating standards full of patented technologies—became an inspiration. “I saw patents not as obstacles but as drivers of invention. You had to think creatively around them, and that mindset stayed with me.”
Today, Lewis is a Chartered and European Patent Attorney at WP Thompson, with a practice spanning mechanical, electrical, and software technologies. He’s also a registered representative before the Unitary Patent Court, making him one of the legal professionals shaping Europe’s evolving IP landscape.
Serendipity and Strategy
Lewis’s route into the profession wasn’t entirely planned. “After returning from China, I had a potential opportunity to train as a patent attorney in Japan. But a conversation with my grandad led to a different route—a chance meeting with a Liverpool-based firm that ultimately launched my career.”
That was over a decade ago, and Lewis has stayed with WP Thompson ever since. “It just felt right,” he says.
His engineering background remains central to how he works. “Engineers solve problems. Patent law, especially at the EPO, is also about solving problems—framing arguments with clarity. I always try to describe an invention as though I’m talking to my nan. If she can understand it, it’s probably a good specification.”
Listening to Clients, Staying on the Front Line
Lewis’s approach to staying current isn’t just about journals or legal updates. “I like to visit clients, talk to their R&D teams, see what’s happening on the ground. That’s often where you get the best insights—seeing what innovations are bubbling up before they hit the headlines.”
This on-the-ground approach also helps tailor strategies for clients of all sizes. “For startups, it’s about making every penny count. Tools like the UKIPO’s IP Audit scheme can be game changers. For multinationals, it’s about managing large portfolios and aligning strategy with business goals.”
On AI, Ownership, and the Wild West
AI is an unavoidable topic in IP law—and Lewis doesn’t shy away from its challenges. “It’s a quagmire,” he admits, pointing to thorny issues like authorship of AI-generated works and ownership rights over training data. “The UK needs a more robust framework. The tech’s evolving fast, and the UK’s principles-based approach to AI regulation has to keep pace.”
Lewis is pragmatic about AI’s place in his own profession. “AI won’t replace patent attorneys—but it can enhance us. We are incorporating AI into our practice, enhancing and streamlining its normal operation. However, there’s a big caveat: it only works well in the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing. You need expertise to ask the right questions and spot the hallucinations.”
High Stakes, Higher Standards
Lewis also has an insider’s view of the UPC, Europe’s new patent enforcement regime. “It’s faster and cheaper—but also higher risk. If a core piece of IP is critical to your business, you need to tread carefully. Many clients are cautiously sticking with the national systems, at least for now.”
His attention to detail has paid off in difficult cases. He recounts one where the client’s own journal publication was blocking a grant. “It came down to a date in the metadata. I challenged the examiner’s assumption and found the proof. That was the turning point. Once we removed that document from consideration, all the related objections fell away.” The lesson? “Never assume the examiner is right—go back to first principles.”
Beyond the Desk
Outside the office, Lewis has a few unexpected pursuits. He’s currently tackling the Couch to 5K programme and recently walked 35 miles of the Wirral Way. “It’s not quite a marathon yet,” he laughs, “but I’m enjoying the journey.” He’s also revisiting classic Stephen King novels. “I read ‘Thinner’ recently—his early stuff has a certain edge to it.”
These interests, Lewis says, help him connect with clients. “It’s about more than just law. Clients are people. If you can relate to them, they’re more likely to trust you with their ideas.”
Looking Ahead
As for the future of IP law? “All eyes are on AI. It’ll reshape how we examine, register, and enforce IP. But we need to stay human in how we use those tools. There will always be a place for patent attorneys—so long as we evolve with the technology.”
PatWorld supports patent attorneys like Lewis Mullholland with professional, reliable IP search services that underpin smart, strategic decision-making. Whether you’re preparing to file, evaluating prior art, or advising clients on freedom to operate, our search solutions are built to support your success.
Khushbu Solanki is a Chartered and European Patent Attorney and Associate at Cleveland Scott York, where she has built an impressive career over the past eight and a half years. With a background in biochemistry and a deep interest in the intersection of science and law, Khushbu’s path into intellectual property (IP) law was sparked by a unique blend of curiosity and ambition.
“I was intrigued by the combination of science and law,” she reflects. “It was quite unique in itself. When I began studying IP through a postgraduate certificate course, I realised the commercial power of intellectual property and how it helps inventors and companies bring their innovations to market. It’s not just rewarding for them, but it benefits mankind and advances science and technology.”
Her daily work focuses on drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the UK, Europe, and globally. Particularly within the life sciences, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and biotech sectors. She also handles opposition and design matters.
Breaking New Ground with the UPC
One of the major highlights of Khushbu’s career has been becoming one of the first UK patent attorneys to qualify as a representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC).Following Brexit, she was not eligible for the “grandfather clause,” which allowed some attorneys automatic qualification. Rather than be left behind, she chose to undertake the European Patent Litigation Certificate course. The course is an intensive program jointly run by the Academy of European Law and a European university.
“I was the only one in my firm who had to obtain the qualification separately,” she says. “It was important to me to be on that list of UPC representatives.”
The UPC, she explains, is a new pan-European court established to adjudicate on infringement and validity matters of European and Unitary Patents across 18 participating countries. Prior to its creation, litigation had to be conducted in each individual country, which was costly and inefficient. Now, a single decision applies across all member states, improving accessibility and reducing costs.
“Perhaps the most exciting part,” Khushbu adds, “is that European Patent Attorneys—traditionally excluded from litigation—can now act in this space. It opens up huge opportunities for us.”
Her hands-on experience through the course, including moot trials that simulated UPC proceedings, gave her a strong grasp of this new legal landscape. “I now have a deeper understanding of the new court and its processes, which I believe gives me an edge, especially in combination with the litigation experience of more senior colleagues at my firm.”
Preparing for the Future
At Cleveland Scott York, the team is well-prepared for the UPC era. With a mix of qualified UPC representatives and a track record in handling both UK and European patent litigation, the firm is positioned to offer tailored and strategic advice to clients navigating this evolving terrain.
Khushbu notes a shift in client behaviour as the UPC becomes more established. “More clients are opting for Unitary Patents due to the cost benefits and wider coverage. At the same time, some are still opting out of the UPC system, often due to concerns about the risk of central revocation. It’s all or nothing with the UPC—if your patent is revoked, it’s gone across all jurisdictions—whereas before, revocation might only apply in one country. So we’re seeing these two opposing trends.”
A Perspective on Innovation
With a scientific foundation in biochemistry, Khushbu is particularly excited about the advancements in life sciences. “While there’s a lot of buzz around artificial intelligence, I’m more drawn to areas like regenerative medicine and immunotherapies for cancer. These developments have the potential to transform patient care and save lives.”
She also emphasises the growing investment in research by European governments, combined with the streamlined approach to patent protection through the UPC and Unitary Patent system. “This simplifies the process and makes it more accessible—especially for smaller companies.”
Giving Back and Looking Forward
Khushbu’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. She openly shares that passing the rigorous patent exams was one of the most difficult aspects of her journey. “They’re unlike any exams you take at university. It’s not unusual to fail them, and it can be really disheartening.”
That experience motivated her to support new trainees. “I now give regular tutorials to help others prepare. It’s my way of giving back to the profession that’s given me so much.”
Her advice to aspiring patent attorneys? “Be patient. The exams are tough, but if you keep going, you’ll get there. And if you’re interested in litigation, the UPC is an exciting new opportunity—it’s the only real route into litigation for many of us.”
Reflecting on her early years, Khushbu admits she often struggled with self-doubt. “I used to compare myself to others and worry about whether I could qualify. I wish I’d had more belief in myself and enjoyed the training process more. But I’ve come a long way—and I’m proud of where I am now.”
A Balanced Life
Outside of work, Khushbu maintains balance through creativity and wellness. She’s taken up sewing, which she describes as a great way to express her creative side. She also enjoys swimming, often heading to the sea in Brighton when the weather allows—or to the local pool when it doesn’t.
At the heart of her professional life is a love of learning. “I’m constantly developing new skills, whether that’s in IP law or helping with case management systems at the firm. That desire to grow is what keeps me going.”
Cleveland Scott York – Comprehensive IP Services for Innovative Businesses
Khushbu is a valued member of Cleveland Scott York, a leading UK intellectual property firm. The firm specialises in patents, trade marks, and design protection across a range of sectors including life sciences, engineering, and technology. With a commitment to understanding each client’s unique challenges, Cleveland Scott York delivers strategic, commercially-focused IP advice to support businesses at every stage of growth.
For more information about Cleveland Scott York and its services, visit www.csy-ip.com.
Supporting Patent Attorneys in a Changing Landscape
At PatWorld, we recognise the evolving demands faced by patent professionals working at the forefront of innovation. As new systems like the Unified Patent Court reshape the legal landscape, the need for precise, actionable patent intelligence has never been greater.
Our advanced IP Search services are designed to support attorneys like Khushbu Solanki. We provide the tools and insights required to navigate complex legal frameworks, assess risk, and strengthen patent strategies. Whether conducting prior art searches, monitoring competitor activity, or evaluating freedom-to-operate, we deliver data you can trust.
In the latest issue of the NIPC Law Newsletter, author Jane Lambert @NIPClaw delves into a treasure trove of insights and developments that cater to IP specialist solicitors, patent and trademark attorneys, and everyone involved in the vibrant world of intellectual property.
News for IP Professionals in this issue include:
Practical Guidance on Small IP Claims: Essential information for those looking to navigate the complexities of bringing and defending small IP claims efficiently.
IP Clinics Update: Discover our upcoming IP clinics in Wales and Yorkshire, offering hands-on advice and support.
World IP Day Celebration: Join Jane in celebrating World IP Day on 26 April 2024, as she highlights the role of intellectual property in encouraging innovation and creativity.
Cambridge IP Law Summer School: Mark your calendars for 12 to 16 August 2024 for an immersive learning experience at the Cambridge IP Law Summer School.
GAR Live Damages Symposium Participation: Insight into NIPC Law’s speaking engagement at this prestigious event, showcasing the latest in IP damages and compensation strategies.
In-depth Articles and Case Notes: Stay updated with the recent developments in patents, trademarks, passing off, Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPC), the Unified Patent Court (UPC), and the Revocation and Reform (REUL) Act 2023, along with arbitration insights.
This issue is packed with valuable content designed to keep you ahead in the ever-evolving IP landscape. Whether you’re looking to enhance your knowledge, stay updated on legal reforms, or connect with like-minded professionals, the NIPC Law Newsletter is a valuable resource for all things IP.
Don’t miss out on this wealth of knowledge. So, dive into the latest issue today and empower your practice with cutting-edge insights and expert commentary. Subscribe Now!
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