Phil Sanger is the founder of Grey Wolf IP, where he advises startups and SMEs on patents with the benefit of a technical background in mechanical engineering. He talks about building a flexible, client-focused practice, helping smaller businesses make commercially sensible IP decisions, and using plain language to demystify patents.
Name: Phil Sanger Role: Founder and patent attorney Firm / organisation: Grey Wolf IP Location: Royal Leamington Spa, England Areas of expertise: Patents, startups and SMEs, mechanical engineering, software, telecoms, commercial IP advice, client strategy, patent education
From engineering to IP
Phil did not start out with a plan to become a patent attorney. He worked as an engineer for nearly four years after university, spending a year in Detroit in the automotive industry before deciding to return to the UK.
When he began looking at other options, a friend who was training as a patent attorney suggested the career might suit him. Phil was intrigued by the exams, the technical challenge and the long-term opportunity. He left engineering and took a role as a trainee at Withers & Rogers.
Building his own practice
The move into private practice eventually led to something more independent. Phil says he had reached a point where he was thinking about whether he really wanted partnership at a large firm or a different way of working.
He was drawn to SMEs, where he felt he could do the best work. A client (also a founder) encouraged him to set up on his own, and the timing felt right. He describes the decision as a mix of professional confidence and the simple belief that you only get one chance at these things.
Why smaller clients matter
Phil’s work now focuses strongly on startups and SMEs. He says every patent matters more to these clients because budgets are tighter and the commercial stakes are higher.
That means the advice has to be closely tied to business strategy. He wants to understand what the business is trying to do and how a patent application fits into that plan. In larger companies, he says, patents can sometimes be treated more like a numbers game. For smaller businesses, they are often core to the value of the business itself.
Engineering as an advantage
His engineering background still shapes the way he speaks with clients. Phil believes people often become guarded when they think they are talking to a lawyer, but technical familiarity from his experience as an engineer helps them relax.
He can talk to inventors in their own language because he has worked as an engineer in both large and small businesses. That experience, he says, helps him get closer to the business and give better advice. He is comfortable stepping beyond his strict technical comfort zone, too, as long as he can understand what the inventor is telling him.
Clear advice, not legal noise
Phil is keen on making IP accessible. He says the key is to understand the law, apply it to the facts and then explain the outcome in simple language.
He does not think attorneys should hide behind options. His preference is to explain the choices and then give a view on what he would do in the client’s position. Clients, he says, value that steer. He also sees education as part of the job, especially for people new to IP who need help understanding what the process means in practice.
Long-term client relationships
A strong client relationship, for Phil, is one where people feel able to pick up the phone without hesitation. He likes it when clients come to him early with ideas, problems and questions, not just with narrow patent instructions.
He also values being the trusted first call, whether that happens by phone, WhatsApp or voice note. Word-of-mouth referrals matter to him as a sign that the relationship is working. In his view, that is one of the best measures of success.
Changing landscape
Phil sees AI as one of the biggest shifts affecting the patent landscape, especially for startups and scaleups. He says many clients are already using AI tools to help shape early patent drafts, which raises questions about confidentiality and quality.
What interests him most is not the final output, but the conversation the client had with the AI while refining the invention. That can reveal useful detail for a quality patent draft.
Business lessons
Running his own firm has taught Phil that professional success and personal fulfilment often come from unexpected places. He says he still loves the work, but owning and running a business is a discipline in itself.
He works with a business coach, and he is still learning about strategy, hiring, marketing and finance. That ongoing learning is part of what he enjoys. He sees business ownership as a long-term skill, not a fixed destination.
Life beyond patents
Outside work, Phil spends much of his time with his two sons. He also plays squash, watches films and goes to gigs. More recently, he has started a year-long fitness programme focused on strength training and staying healthy.
He mentioned music and film with obvious enthusiasm, especially Sinners, which he found memorable for the way it mixes music, history and genre. He is also a fan of films that play with time, which connects neatly to the way he thinks about complex legal ideas.
Explaining law through film
For his pop-culture comparison, Phil chose Tenet. He sees a parallel between the film’s simple core idea and the way priority works in patent law.
Priority, he says, sounds straightforward at first. But once you start working through the practical consequences, it becomes complicated and a little mind-bending, much like how time works in the film. It is a playful but fitting way of showing how he likes to make technical subjects more relatable.
Advice for newcomers
Phil’s advice to anyone considering a move from engineering or another technical background into IP is to get some work experience first. He says the profession is rewarding, interesting and full of different career paths, but it is not engineering.
There is a lot of learning, a lot of exams and a major shift towards words and communication. Even so, he thinks the profession suits people who enjoy challenge and variety. After around 20 years in the field, he still loves it.
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.
Peri Jones is a Chartered UK and European Patent Attorney at Abel + Imray, where she works across physics, engineering, and technology patents. Alongside her IP career, she has built a strong interest in STEM outreach and science communication, helping make complex subjects feel more accessible and encouraging more young people, particularly girls, to consider careers in science.
Quick Profile
Name: Peri Jones Role: Chartered UK and European Patent Attorney Firm / Organisation:Abel + Imray Location: Cardiff, Wales Areas of expertise: Physics, engineering and technology patents, science communication, STEM outreach
Finding the right blend of science and communication
Peri’s route into intellectual property began with a long-standing interest in science. Growing up in North Wales, astronomy was always present at home thanks to her father’s passion for telescopes and astrophotography.
“My dad had, and still has, a big interest in astronomy and astrophotography,” she explains. “The house always had telescopes in spare corners.”
She went on to study physics at Cardiff University before completing a PhD in the astronomy instrumentation group. During that time, she also realised she enjoyed communication and writing just as much as the technical side of science.
At university, a talk from a trainee patent attorney changed her perception of what a STEM career could look like.
“I remember thinking this sounds like the perfect job,” she says. “I could combine technical expertise with communication, writing and working with inventors.”
What appealed most was the variety. Rather than focusing on one narrow technical field, she was drawn to the idea of working across a wide range of technologies and industries.
Now part of the Physics, Engineering and IT team at Abel + Imray, Peri works with clients across diverse sectors, from optics and lenses through to aircraft technologies.
Leaving academia behind
Although she enjoyed academic research, moving away from university life was not an easy decision.
“There was a little hesitation,” she admits. “Once you step away from academia, it can be difficult to go back.”
She enjoyed the research process and the collaborative environment of university life, but also recognised the uncertainty that often comes with academic funding.
“I didn’t want to spend my future constantly fighting for funding every couple of years and always worrying about what would happen next.”
The move into patent law gave her a chance to apply the skills developed during her PhD in a more commercially focused environment. Those transferable skills quickly became apparent.
“Writing a thesis helped with writing patent applications, reading research papers helped with reading prior art, and collaborating with different departments helped with dealing with inventors.”
She was also surprised by how quickly trainees become involved in client work.
“I naïvely thought I’d spend the first couple of years training in the background,” she says. “But from day one, you’re involved in real client work.”
The qualification process also brought its own challenges.
“I underestimated how difficult the exams would be,” she admits. “Failing an exam for the first time was a shock, but it definitely made me more resilient.”
Bringing science to wider audiences
Alongside her legal career, Peri has remained heavily involved in STEM outreach and science communication. That interest developed during university, where she became increasingly aware of the gender imbalance in physics.
“I started realising there was quite a big divide between males and females in physics when I was at university,” she says.
During her PhD, she began giving talks and media interviews, often in Welsh, to help make science feel more approachable and visible to wider audiences.
“I really get a kick out of trying to communicate difficult topics to the public,” she explains. “If you break things down properly, they don’t need to feel complicated.”
After completing her doctorate, she spent a year working with science communication company Science Made Simple, delivering talks and workshops in schools and at public events across Wales and beyond.
Peri was also the first Welsh-speaking science communicator employed by the organisation. This allowed them to deliver outreach activities through the medium of Welsh for the first time.
That experience left a lasting impression, particularly when visiting small rural schools across Wales.
“It was really rewarding going into these schools and showing children what they could potentially do,” she says. “A lot of the pupils came from similar backgrounds to mine.”
She believes representation and accessibility are both important when encouraging young people into STEM.
“We need to abolish STEM stereotypes and make science feel fun and accessible to everyone, particularly young girls.”
Communication at the heart of IP
Peri sees strong communication skills as central to both outreach work and intellectual property law.
Recently, she visited a Cardiff primary school where pupils were challenged to invent solutions to everyday problems.
“They came up with brilliant inventions,” she says. “Some were a bit far-fetched, but they were creative and they solved a problem, which was the brief.”
Experiences like these have reinforced the importance of explaining technical ideas clearly and confidently.
“When discussing complex topics, I always try to relate them to something day to day,” she explains. “I think about how I’d explain something to my family.”
That same approach carries through into her work with clients.
“I think being a patent attorney has made me a clearer science communicator,” she says. “You always have to think carefully about your audience.”
Balancing innovation with caution around AI
Like many within the profession, Peri sees artificial intelligence as one of the biggest developments currently shaping the IP landscape.
She believes AI has genuine potential to improve efficiency, particularly when reviewing or summarising prior art documents.
“I’m hoping AI can help make some parts of the process to be more efficient and cost effective,” she says.
However, she is cautious about relying too heavily on the technology.
“AI is a useful tool, but it needs to be used carefully because it isn’t always right.”
She believes the strategic and human elements of patent work remain difficult to replace.
“Writing a good patent application is about much more than describing an invention,” she explains. “You need to understand the client, their business goals and what they want from the patent.”
For Peri, relationships and trust remain central to the profession.
“Patent attorneys work closely with clients and build trust with them. I don’t think that human element can be replaced by AI.”
Life beyond IP
Outside work, Peri enjoys running, cycling and spending time in the mountains of North Wales.
One of her proudest achievements was completing an ultra-marathon along the Welsh coastal path from Penarth to Ogmore.
“It was tiring, but fantastic,” she says. “The weather behaved for once, which was a miracle.”
She is currently focused on returning to pre-baby fitness and hopes to complete the Swansea Half Ironman in the future after postponing the event during pregnancy.
Whenever possible, she still heads back to Snowdonia.
“If you get a clear day in the Welsh mountains, you can’t beat it,” she says. “I’m probably biased because it’s home, but they’re just fantastic.”
Looking ahead
Reflecting on her career so far, Peri believes resilience has been one of the most valuable lessons she has learned.
“Being a patent attorney has definitely made me more resilient,” she says. “It’s a challenging profession, but also a very rewarding one.”
She also hopes more young people will become aware of intellectual property careers earlier in life.
“I didn’t know anything about the IP profession until university,” she says. “That’s why outreach and visibility are so important.”
Contact Details
LinkedIn: Peri Jones LinkedIn Firm Website:Abel + Imray
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 Dixon is Executive Chair at Beck Greener LLP and a former President of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA). With more than three decades in the IP profession, he combines technical expertise, business leadership, and strategic insight to help innovative companies develop and protect intellectual property.
Name:Matt Dixon Role: Executive Chair Firm:Beck Greener LLP Location: London, United Kingdom Areas of expertise: Patent strategy, IP leadership, business growth, engineering and physics-based technologies, innovation strategy
From physics student to patent attorney
Matt’s route into intellectual property began while studying physics at Imperial College London in the early 1990s. Originally from Yorkshire, he describes himself as “proudly comprehensively educated” and admits that, unlike many of his peers, he had little interest in pursuing a PhD after graduation.
“At the time, practically everybody on my course was looking at doing further academic study,” he says. “I thought, ‘I want a proper job.’”
A visit to the university careers service introduced him to a profession he had never previously encountered: patent law.
“I filled out one of those career questionnaires, and it suggested two jobs, actuary or patent attorney,” he explains. “I’d never heard of patent attorneys, but the description sounded interesting.”
After researching the profession and applying to firms across the UK, Matt joined what was then Frank B. Dehn, now Dehns. He qualified there and later received a Gill Prize for achieving the top mark in the UK patent examinations.
Shortly after qualifying, Matt moved to Munich to help build the firm’s new office.
“We spent about three and a half years there and had our children while we were in Germany,” he says. “It was a brilliant experience.”
Building teams and businesses
Matt’s career later moved into leadership and business development roles, including a period at IP21, where he helped establish a London office for what was then a start-up firm.
“That was a really formative experience for me,” he says. “It was one of the first times I’d worked alongside someone thinking purely from a business perspective rather than just from an IP perspective.”
He credits that period with helping him better understand how professional services businesses operate commercially.
Matt later joined HGF, where he spent around a decade leading the engineering team as the firm expanded significantly across the UK and Europe.
“When I started leading the engineering group, it was much smaller,” he says. “By the end, we had around 40 people across multiple offices, including Munich.”
Following a period away from full-time leadership, Matt joined Beck Greener initially in a consultancy capacity before becoming Executive Chair in 2024.
The role focuses less on direct client work and more on supporting the long-term commercial development of the business.
“My job is really about maximising the commercial effectiveness of the firm,” he explains. “I’m not ‘the boss’ in the traditional sense. I’m there to guide, support and help shape the direction of the business.”
Under his leadership, the firm has experienced strong growth, including the acquisition of another practice and significant organic expansion.
Helping businesses understand the value of IP
Throughout his career, Matt has worked with companies ranging from early-stage start-ups to established multinational organisations. He believes the approach to IP strategy changes significantly depending on the stage of the business.
“For start-ups, it’s often about getting maximum value from limited budgets,” he says. “You’re helping them build something investable before they may even have a product on the market.”
That uncertainty, he explains, creates a unique challenge.
“You’re trying to build a patent portfolio that could protect a future global business, but you’re doing it with start-up finances.”
By contrast, larger organisations often have clearer commercial objectives and established markets.
“With more established businesses, you usually know what the products are, who the competitors are, and where the revenue comes from,” he says. “The IP strategy becomes much more closely aligned to broader business strategy.”
Matt has also seen the role of patent attorneys evolve considerably during his career.
“Years ago, patent attorneys mostly spoke directly with technical teams,” he explains. “You’d spend hours discussing inventions with scientists and engineers.”
Today, however, IP professionals are increasingly expected to communicate at board level.
“You now need to explain intellectual property in commercial terms,” he says. “You have to answer questions about value, investment, and business impact, not just technology.”
Leadership, mentoring and learning to listen
When discussing leadership, Matt is candid about how his perspective has changed over time.
“When I was younger, I probably thought having the best strategy or the best spreadsheet was enough,” he says. “What I’ve learned is that how people feel matters.”
He believes successful leadership depends not only on sound commercial planning, but also on understanding how decisions affect colleagues and teams.
“You can have the best plan in the world, but if people feel uncomfortable or dismissed, they won’t buy into it,” he says.
That people-focused mindset also shapes how he mentors younger professionals entering the profession.
“The most important thing I try to teach trainees is to be comfortable saying, ‘I don’t know,’” he explains.
For Matt, honesty and intellectual curiosity are essential skills for any patent attorney.
“You’re not expected to know everything,” he says. “The job is to understand quickly, ask the right questions, and then find the answer.”
A changing global IP landscape
While many of the day-to-day challenges within IP remain consistent, Matt believes one of the biggest long-term shifts has been the rapid rise of China within the global innovation economy.
“The scale of Chinese engagement with intellectual property systems is enormous,” he says. “And the speed of change has been remarkable.”
He compares China’s development to Japan’s transformation from low-cost manufacturing economy to global innovation leader, but notes that China’s transition has happened much faster.
“The quality of innovation coming out of China has improved dramatically,” he says. “Once a country becomes one of the biggest users of the patent system, naturally it also becomes more invested in protecting intellectual property rights.”
Matt believes this shift is already influencing how IP systems operate internationally, particularly in areas such as trade marks and designs.
Outside the office
Away from work, Matt enjoys live music and performs in a rockabilly band called Ronnie Ripple and the Rip Chords, where he plays rhythm guitar.
“We don’t gig constantly, but I really enjoy it,” he says.
He is also refreshingly honest about how he switches off from work.
“I’m not one of those people getting up at 4am for a wheatgrass smoothie,” he jokes. “I watch Netflix, go to the pub, and go to concerts.”
One recent highlight was seeing the Pet Shop Boys live in Birmingham, where Matt says his “dad dancing” received unexpected praise from fellow concertgoers.
When it comes to walking, his favourite place remains close to his Yorkshire roots: Digley Reservoir near Holmfirth.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on his career, Matt believes one lesson stands out above all others.
“How people feel matters,” he says. “That’s probably the biggest thing I’ve learned.”
It is a philosophy that now underpins both his leadership style and his approach to working within the IP profession. For Matt, technical expertise and commercial strategy remain important, but building trust, understanding people, and communicating clearly are what ultimately make long-term success possible.
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.
After a long career spanning private practice, in house support, training and even maternity services advocacy, Debbie has launched Granta IP, a consultancy that gives her the balance and autonomy she wants at this stage of life. She explains that she is not retiring but reshaping how she works so she can stay engaged in the profession on her own terms.
Granta IP brings together her strengths in IP management for small and growing businesses and her technical experience as a patent attorney. She enjoys the contrast, the structured focus of drafting and office actions alongside the broader strategic work of building good IP processes from the ground up.
From Australia to the UK, Learning to Adapt
Debbie spent fourteen years working in Western Australia before returning to the UK. Her client base may have shifted slightly, but the essential lesson remained the same, adapt to the needs of the business in front of you. Working with small companies that had limited understanding of IP taught her the value of meeting clients where they are and building systems that fit their reality.
Helping Businesses Avoid the IP Catch Up Problem
One issue she sees regularly is small companies leaving IP management until it becomes a problem. When portfolios expand without clear processes, it becomes harder to piece everything together later. At Granta IP, Debbie helps organisations get ahead of this by identifying their IP early, setting up workable systems and supporting in house teams who need extra capacity or guidance.
Supporting the Next Generation Through CIPA
Education is a major theme in Debbie’s career. She has taught, written and developed training materials, and now chairs the CIPA Education Committee. She is currently involved in IPReg’s wide ranging review of professional training and in developing apprenticeships as an accessible route into the profession. For her, seeing people grow in confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
Preparing for an AI Enabled Future
With AI entering the IP workflow, Debbie believes strong foundational skills matter more than ever. Tools can help with early drafting, but only if attorneys know how to evaluate and refine the output. She stresses the importance of critical thinking, client understanding and judgement, qualities no system can replace.
Beyond IP, Dance and Social History
Outside work, Debbie has two enduring passions, dance and family and social history. Although she once considered stage school, today she dances for fun, Latin, hip hop and fitness-based classes. She also spends time researching family history, uncovering stories that span miners, missionaries, textile workers and relatives across Europe, South America and Africa.
Looking Ahead
As she builds Granta IP and contributes to the future of professional education, Debbie’s focus remains the same, stay curious, stay adaptable and keep giving back. Her path has not been linear, but every stage has shaped the professional she is today, and she brings all of it into the work she now does with clients and colleagues.
About Granta IP
Granta IP Services Ltd is a UK-based consultancy providing practical patent, trademark and design protection for innovators, SMEs and growing businesses. Founded by an experienced Chartered Patent Attorney Debbie Slater, the firm blends technical expertise with hands-on industry insight to help clients secure and manage their IP as they scale. Granta IP delivers clear, flexible strategies that strengthen innovation, support commercial growth and ensure ideas are protected from the start.
At PatWorld, we’re proud to support IP firms like Granta 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.
With more than four decades as a dual-qualified Chartered Patent Attorney and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Keith Loven, founder of Loven Patents & Trademarks in Lincolnshire, has built a reputation for frank, business-focused IP advice that prioritises the client’s commercial interests over billable hours. In a recent conversation, Keith reflected on his career journey, the evolving needs of SME clients, and why early, honest guidance remains the cornerstone of his practice.
From chemical engineering to a lifelong IP career
Keith’s route into intellectual property was far from planned. After studying chemical engineering at the University of Birmingham, he quickly realised that a career with large oil companies held little appeal, partly, he admits with a smile, due to the “bit of a hippie thing” prevalent at the time.
A university jobs brochure changed everything. A friend pointed out an advert for a London firm of patent agents. One rejection later, a second application succeeded, and Keith found himself in a small London office wondering what he had let himself in for.
What hooked him was the blend of skills the job demanded: technical understanding (his chemical engineering background proved surprisingly broad and useful), precision with language, and an introduction to the legal world. “Chemical engineering gave me the basics of mechanical, electrical and civil engineering too,” he explains. “When an inventor starts talking, I can usually say ‘yes, I understand the fundamentals’, that builds confidence straight away.”
SME needs: the impact of Brexit and beyond
Over 40 years, Keith has watched SME requirements shift, often driven by external forces rather than changes in the businesses themselves. The creation of the European Patent system and, for a time, frictionless EU trade encouraged many smaller UK exporters to seek broader protection. Brexit reversed that trend sharply.
“For smaller clients, exporting became harder and more expensive,” Keith notes. “Many have refocused almost entirely on the UK market. It’s not been a positive development for most of them.”
Despite political and legislative upheavals, core SME needs remain constant: affordable protection that adds genuine value and, crucially, advice they can trust.
The importance of saying “don’t file”
Loven Patents & Trademarks has long been known for telling clients when not to pursue an application, advice that is rare in some quarters.
“If there’s no commercial advantage in filing a patent or registering a trade mark, I’ll say so,” Keith states. “Clients quickly learn that we’re not just trying to sell services. That honesty builds trust, some clients have stayed with me for 25 or 30 years because they know I’ll give them the advice that’s right for their business, not mine.”
Common (and costly) pitfalls
Keith regularly sees clients arrive in crisis having launched products without basic freedom-to-operate checks. A recurring theme in recent years is UK sellers sourcing goods from platforms such as Alibaba, reassured by suppliers that “everything is fine”, only to face infringement claims weeks later.
“A little research upfront saves a lot of tears later,” he says. “Naivety isn’t an excuse when cease-and-desist letters land.”
Building long-term relationships in the SME space
Transparency on costs and options is central to Keith’s approach. “I lay out the routes forward, the pros, cons and likely costs. Clients hate surprises, so we try to eliminate them.” He also pushes businesses to think strategically: where does IP fit into the broader plan? How will it add value in three or five years’ time?
Global networks built on trust
Strong relationships with overseas attorneys are vital. “You work with people you trust to do excellent work at sensible cost,” Keith explains. “Reciprocal arrangements exist, but the real value is the mutual help, a quick call to sort a problem without an immediate invoice. Some of those relationships have lasted decades.”
Patents, trade marks and the bigger picture
When a client arrives with “a great invention” that isn’t actually patentable, Keith’s role shifts to holistic strategy: registered designs, powerful branding, or sometimes just disciplined commercial execution.
“A strong brand can protect you even when technical IP can’t,” he points out. “People assume copies will flood the market the moment they launch. Often the bigger challenge is getting anyone to notice the product in the first place.”
Giving back through CIPA
Now Chair of CIPA’s Small Practice Committee and a member of its Council and Internal Governance Committee, Keith has a deeper appreciation of the profession’s representative work.
“For years I was out in Lincolnshire, getting my CPD points and little else. Becoming involved showed me everything CIPA does behind the scenes, shaping policy, supporting members, and giving [KL1] patent attorneys a voice.” His current focus is two-way communication: helping sole practitioners and small firms understand the benefits CIPA delivers while feeding their specific concerns back to the Institute.
Looking ahead: AI and the SME challenge
Asked about the next five years, Keith highlights artificial intelligence as the dominant theme.
“Large companies are already blanketing AI-related technologies with patents. SMEs will increasingly have to navigate that crowded landscape, and avoid assuming that adding ‘with AI’ suddenly makes something inventive.”
Still enjoying the craft
After more than 40 years, what keeps Keith engaged? “It’s still fun,” he laughs. “Solving tricky examination objections, finding the argument that turns a refusal into a grant, there’s real satisfaction in that. And of course the occasional ‘thank you’ when a client realises you’ve saved them time and money.”
Outside work, grandchildren, a never-ending battle with the garden, and decades of family-history research (“they’re all peasants, no aristocrats in sight”) keep him occupied.
As Keith prepares to hand over more day-to-day responsibility to the next generation at Loven Patents & Trademarks, his core philosophy remains unchanged: give honest, commercially grounded advice as early as possible, and never be afraid to tell a client when not to file. It’s an approach that has served both him and thousands of UK innovators remarkably well for over four decades.
About Loven IP
Lincolnshire-based and founder-focused, LOVEN Patents & Trademarks delivers patent strategies, trademark and design protection, and IP-portfolio management for innovators, inventors and brands across the UK and beyond. Established in 1989, the firm combines technical know-how and legal expertise to help clients lock in their inventions, designs and brand identity — ensuring ideas stay protected as the business grows. LOVEN partners with SMEs, inventors and larger organisations to craft robust IP that underpins innovation, commercialisation and long-term value.
At PatWorld, we’re proud to support IP firms like Loven 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.
At the forefront of biotech patenting and innovation sits Ross Cummings, a partner at Gill Jennings & Every LLP (GJE), whose career has been shaped by scientific rigor, a deep commitment to clients, and a passion for future-forward technologies. With a PhD in molecular biology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and nearly two decades of IP experience under his belt, Ross brings a rare fusion of technical depth and commercial strategy to one of the most fast-moving areas in intellectual property: cellular immunotherapy and RNA-based technologies. PatWorld sat down with Ross to discuss recent data relating to cellular immunotherapy, as well as his career journey, strategic insights, and the trends shaping the future of biotech IP.
From the Lab Bench to the Patent Bar
Ross’s journey into the world of patents began during his doctoral work on malaria enzymes. It was then that a Japanese patent, offering unexpected insights into his research, altered the trajectory of his thesis—and eventually his career. “It gave me the tools to push my research forward,” Ross reflects. “That was my first exposure to the value of patents—not just as legal instruments, but as sources of technical knowledge.”
Since then, Ross has become a trusted adviser to biotech innovators, working with companies across the UK, Europe, the US, and Asia. His experience spans everything from gene therapies and diagnostics to CRISPR and synthetic biology.
Navigating the Patent Boom in Cell and Gene Therapies
Ross’s enthusiasm for biotech is palpable, particularly when discussing the renaissance in RNA and cell therapies. “We’re in a period of rapid acceleration,” he says. “COVID-19 changed everything. It proved RNA technologies could be safe, fast, and effective, and that opened the floodgates.”
The data backs this up. Landscape charts generated by PatWorld show a sharp rise in first-priority patent filings over the past decade in cellular immunotherapy—a trend Ross believes is sustainable, provided financing remains strong. “We feel very busy, and that’s usually a good indicator,” he notes.
Figure 1: First Priority Year (see Landscape Charts)
Global Trends and Shifting Hubs
When reviewing Figure 2, which maps first-priority countries, Ross notes the dominant presence of the US in this space. “That’s not surprising—the US biotech scene has much deeper funding,” he comments. “But the UK is punching above its weight, even if some of that activity is driven by a handful of companies.”
He also points to China’s rapidly growing interest in antibodies and biologics. “We’re seeing more biotech filings from China, and companies there are now licensing innovations back to US pharma firms. That’s a shift worth watching.”
Figure 2: 1st Priority Country (see Landscape Charts)
Strategic IP in a Crowded Landscape
For biotech start-ups working in competitive areas like RNA or CAR-T therapies, Ross stresses the importance of early, robust data. “The patent system is shifting—strong experimental support is more important than ever,” he explains.
He also encourages companies to embrace flexibility: “A narrow claim might still be powerful in biotech, especially if it directly protects your approved product. It’s about tailoring your IP strategy to your development path.”
The Human Element in High-Stakes Innovation
Ross is especially motivated by the potential of these therapies to transform lives—particularly for children with rare diseases. “For the first time in history, many of these genetic conditions have real hope,” he says, adding that early screening and fast action can make all the difference.
He also sees platform technologies and adaptable delivery mechanisms as crucial to expanding access to these innovations, both scientifically and commercially.
Looking Ahead: Synthetic Biology and Sustainability
Beyond therapeutics, Ross is enthusiastic about the future of synthetic biology. “We’re approaching a time where we can manufacture materials and chemicals using engineered organisms rather than fossil fuels,” he says. “That has massive implications—not just for IP, but for the planet.”
Inside GJE: Collaboration, Clarity, and Client Focus
Ross describes Gill Jennings & Every as a firm where collaboration and adaptability are central to the culture. “It’s not a siloed environment—we build cross-disciplinary teams to match our clients’ evolving technologies,” he explains. That flexibility is especially valuable in a sector where biotech increasingly intersects with AI, diagnostics, and chemistry.
This approach has helped GJE earn double gold recognition in the IAM Patent 1000 rankings. Ross attributes that success to the firm’s emphasis on clarity, commercial awareness, and strong client relationships. “We focus on practical advice, not just legal precision. We aim to become a real extension of our clients’ teams.”
Beyond the Office
When he’s not helping clients navigate patent law, Ross enjoys life with his young family, reading a mix of sci-fi and science history, and keeping fit. He’s also an advocate of internal knowledge sharing at GJE, from legal updates to seminars on new biotech tools—ensuring both the law and the science stay front of mind.
P.S.PatWorld supports IP professionals like Ross by providing tailored reports that make navigating complex patent landscapes more efficient and informed. Whether it’s freedom-to-operate (FTO) searches, invalidity assessments, or in-depth landscape reports, PatWorld delivers actionable insights across a wide range of technologies. From global trend analysis to highly focused data sets, our support helps attorneys stay ahead of the curve.
The data visualisations referenced in this article were created by Geraint James, Senior IP Manager at PatWorld, using the Questel platform.
From Primary Classrooms to Global Business Leadership.
Before becoming the CEO of an international company supporting global workforce compliance, Ann Ellis led a very different kind of team—as a deputy head teacher at a primary school near Halifax. Her journey into international business began in 1995, when her husband John accepted a telecoms role in Italy. The family relocated, and just a year later, Ann co-founded a company to support freelance engineers like John, who were working across Europe but faced complex compliance barriers due to local employment laws.
“I was the first employee of the company,” she recalls. “My office was a broom cupboard in our flat in Northern Italy.”
That modest beginning sparked what would become Mauve Group—a pioneering organization helping businesses to hire, relocate and pay workers around the world compliantly and efficiently. Their breakthrough came with a major telecoms contract in Hungary in 1999, and the company quickly expanded its operations, setting up teams in Cyprus, the UK, and beyond.
Building Mauve Group from the Ground Up
As co-Founder and CEO, Ann played a hands-on role in the company’s early growth. She travelled across continents to set up new entities and build a network of local experts—creating compliant employment solutions for engineers supporting global telecoms networks. That hands-on experience, she says, became the foundation of Mauve’s expertise in global expansion and employment.
What began as a service for telecoms engineers has since evolved into a fully-fledged global Employer of Record (EOR) and compliance consultancy. Mauve now supports clients from a wide range of sectors—including NGOs, universities, and technology companies—enabling them to hire talent across borders without the need for local entities.
Flexible, Compliant Solutions for Global Teams
Today, Mauve Group offers a comprehensive suite of services: EOR, global payroll , immigration support, international HR consultancy, tax compliance, company set-up, and global risk assessments. With entities in 70 countries and solutions in over 150, their global reach is extensive—and personal.
“We’re a flexible company that provides bespoke solutions,” Ann explains. “Our clients vary from large organisations like IMAX to agile tech firms, and we tailor our services to meet their unique needs.”
Ann attributes much of Mauve’s success to its experienced team, many of whom have been with the company for over 15 years. This longevity ensures not just deep institutional knowledge, but trusted relationships with local experts on the ground.
Driving Innovation with Mauve Insight
To meet the demands of modern global employment, Mauve developed its own proprietary platform—Mauve Insight. This tool facilitates seamless onboarding, expense approvals, leave requests, and secure data access. It also offers a Help Center and an automated customer service platform for both clients and workers.
“We’re also building an in-house payroll and invoicing system,” says Ann, “so we can continue to improve our internal operations and provide faster, more efficient services.”
Guiding Clients into New Markets
With clients expanding into diverse markets, Mauve acts as both a guide and a partner. Ann notes that many companies underestimate the complexity of local laws when expanding abroad. Mauve’s risk assessments and local partnerships ensure clients remain fully compliant, avoiding legal pitfalls and unexpected costs.
They’re also developing a market research tool to help businesses identify the most strategic regions for expansion, based on industry trends and compliance factors.
Remote Work and Global Talent Access
The rise of remote work, Ann says, has changed the game. “Companies can now access the best talent regardless of geography,” she notes. “One of our clients in Brazil, a gaming company, hired top professionals across multiple countries. We made it possible for those workers to be employed compliantly, in their local jurisdictions.” This kind of agility, she believes, is key to long-term business growth.
A Personal Touch in Leadership
Despite leading a global operation, Ann stays grounded in the business. “I was a one-woman show in the early days, and I still enjoy getting involved operationally from time to time,” she says. “It helps me understand the challenges different teams face.” Clients often come to Mauve with an idea of how to reach their expansion goal—like setting up an entity—but discover through consultation that EOR might be a more cost-effective and scalable option. Ann and her team are focused on problem-solving and building lasting client relationships.
Work-Life Balance and Global Living
When she’s not running a global business, Ann enjoys connecting with friends and family over good food and wine. With homes in Dubai, Rome, Cyprus, and Miami, she takes full advantage of her love of travel and culture. Regular workouts and scenic walks keep her grounded, while her go-to TV picks include The White Lotus, The Gentlemen, and Slow Horses.
The Mauve Advantage
Under Ann’s leadership, Mauve Group has grown into a trusted partner for organizations navigating the complex world of global employment. By combining local knowledge, regulatory expertise, and a people-first approach, the company empowers clients to grow with confidence.
Connect with Ann Ellis 🔗 Ann Ellis on LinkedIn 🔗 Mauve Group – Mauve Group is a global HR, Employer of Record and business consultancy provider, supporting organisations to expand, hire and pay workers internationally.
How PatWorld Supports Industry Proffesionals Like Ann PatWorld supports IP professionals with expert-led Patent, Trademark, and Design Search services. Whether you’re advising clients on exclusivity strategies, preparing for prosecution or opposition, or managing complex portfolios, our tailored search solutions deliver the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.
From defense to design, gas turbines to gadgets, Vikki Townsend’s three-decade journey through the world of intellectual property (IP) is as dynamic and multidimensional as the technologies she helps protect. Currently Senior Managing Attorney at Pure Ideas, Vikki leads a team of patent and trademark attorneys with a focus on helping SMEs not only secure their innovations but also understand how to maximize their commercial value.
Falling into IP — and Finding a Calling
“I sort of fell into IP by happy accident,” Vikki recalls. With dual master’s degrees in engineering and biomedical engineering, she was on a path toward medical technology when job opportunities in the field proved elusive. A patent officer role at the Ministry of Defense opened the door to a whole new world. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she says, “but I found I really enjoyed it.”
Her early experiences included interrogating the inner workings of everyday objects in job interviews and working with inventions that reminded her of her grandfather’s love of quirky gadgets. It quickly became clear: this wasn’t just a job, it was a perfect fit.
From Jet Engines to Software to SatNav
Over the years, Vikki has worked across engineering, aerospace, medical devices, and software. One standout experience involved reverse-engineering gas turbine engines to better understand geared architectures. Another was working on early patents for satellite navigation systems, before satnav became a staple in every smartphone.
What links these disparate sectors? “You see things go from concept to something really cool and everywhere,” she says. “You never stop learning.”
A Practical IP Partner for SMEs
At Pure Ideas, Vikki’s passion lies in helping small and medium-sized businesses use IP as a strategic tool, not just a legal checkbox.
“Many SMEs come to us thinking ‘I need to protect this,’ but often they don’t realize the bigger picture,” she explains. Vikki and her team begin by understanding a client’s commercial goals: Will the product be made in-house? Will they need collaborators? What are the real risks and opportunities?
“We give them a wider understanding, not just of registered rights like patents and trademarks, but also how to safeguard trade secrets, negotiate access to third-party IP, and avoid unintentional infringement.”
IP in Action: Webinars, Podcasts, and Warzones
A natural communicator, Vikki has become an influential voice in IP education. Through webinars and podcasts, she tackles real-world challenges SMEs face, from drafting effective IP agreements to navigating collaborative innovation.
One compelling initiative is her work with Remote Area Risk International, a network helping to solve medical challenges in remote and high-risk areas. With her defense and medtech background, Vikki offers guidance on protecting innovations in extreme environments.
“It’s amazing what people can come up with using limited resources. That ingenuity deserves protection,” she says.
Championing Inclusion and Innovation
Vikki is also a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the IP world, having worked with Rolls-Royce’s Inclusion Council and IP Inclusive. Her passion project? Supporting the IP sector’s menopause initiative — a topic she believes is long overdue for open discussion.
“I’ve always felt a bit of a square peg,” she admits. “But I’ve found communities where difference is celebrated. That’s where I belong.”
Life Beyond Law: Boxing, Theater, and the Big Screen
To decompress from the pressures of senior IP practice, Vikki turns to karate, boxing, and the performing arts. She volunteers at a local performing arts academy and even made a cameo as a barmaid in a short horror film that went on to win awards at the Brighton Rocks International Film Festival.
“It was a happy accident,” she laughs, echoing the phrase that started her IP journey.
Advice for Aspiring IP Professionals
To young professionals, especially women, Vikki says: “Go for it. Believe in yourself. You’ll face challenges, but this is a rewarding career that never gets boring.”
She adds, “You don’t need to come from an elite university. Curiosity, creativity, and communication are just as valuable.”
Why This Matters to SMEs
Vikki’s story embodies the ethos behind PatWorld’s mission: connecting innovators with the tools, insights, and people they need to succeed. SMEs often underestimate the value of their ideas or overestimate what IP registration alone can achieve. Through expert insights from professionals like Vikki, and by providing access to comprehensive IP searches, PatWorld helps demystify intellectual property and supports innovation from idea to industry.
To get in contact with Vikki visit Pure Ideas or connect with her on LinkedIn.
PatWorld IP Search Services
PatWorld supports patent attorneys like Vikki 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.
Stephen Carter, a seasoned UK Patent Attorney and founder of The Intellectual Property Works, stumbled into the world of intellectual property (IP) almost by accident. With a background in engineering, inspired by his grandfather’s work on steam catapults for aircraft carriers and his father’s knack for dismantling and rebuilding Volkswagen Beetles, Stephen pursued an engineering degree and a master’s at Bath University. Unsure of his next step, a visit to the university’s career center introduced him to the profession of patent attorney, a role he had never heard of before. After spending half a day with a Bath-based firm, he was hooked. “It sounded quite interesting,” Stephen recalls, and that curiosity led him to apply to various firms, landing a role that ignited a decades-long career.
What keeps Stephen passionate after over 30 years in the field? It’s the blend of cutting-edge technology and the chance to make a tangible impact on businesses. “Initially, it was the technology side of things, seeing new innovations all the time,” he explains. Over time, his focus expanded to include the business side, where he helps companies leverage IP to drive success, particularly for startups and scale-ups.
Founding The Intellectual Property Works: A Return to Impactful Work
After years in large law firms, Stephen founded The Intellectual Property Works to reconnect with the types of clients he enjoyed most: innovative startups and scale-ups. “I was moving away from working with exciting, smaller technology businesses,” he says, reflecting on his time in corporate IP. Going independent allowed him to focus on these dynamic companies, where IP is often a cornerstone of their value. “Those are the businesses I enjoyed working with most,” he notes, driven by the opportunity to make a real difference in their growth and success.
IP as a Business Tool, Not Just a Legal Checkbox
For Stephen, IP is far more than a legal necessity—it’s a strategic business tool. He emphasizes the importance of aligning IP strategies with a company’s broader goals. “The first conversation I have with a small or medium-sized business isn’t about IP at all,” he says. “It’s about understanding what they’re trying to achieve, their growth plans, and whether they’re seeking investment or planning an exit.” This approach ensures that IP efforts, whether securing patents or protecting trade secrets, directly support the business’s objectives.
One common misconception Stephen encounters is that startups equate IP solely with patents, assuming they’re too expensive or irrelevant. “They think IP is just patents, and patents are costly, so they dismiss it,” he explains. To counter this, he educates clients about the broader IP landscape, including copyright and trade secrets, which often arise automatically and require no registration fees. By focusing on the underlying intellectual assets, like technical know-how or software code, Stephen helps businesses recognize and protect the value they’re already creating.
Simplifying the Complex for Founders
Balancing the technical depth of IP with accessibility for non-legal founders is a key part of Stephen’s approach. He avoids overwhelming clients with legal jargon or intricate processes. “Most small businesses don’t care about the mechanics of getting a patent,” he says. Instead, he focuses on the business impact, offering clear recommendations tailored to their goals. For example, when addressing patent office objections, Stephen assesses whether pursuing a patent still aligns with the company’s current strategy and provides straightforward options, such as, “Here’s what I think you should do, and here’s the impact on protection and costs.”
His frameworks, like conducting IP audits, help businesses understand their intellectual assets and devise tailored strategies. “It’s not one-size-fits-all,” he stresses, ensuring each client receives a customized approach that reflects their unique needs.
The Evolving Role of IP in Business
Reflecting on his career, Stephen notes a significant shift in how IP is perceived across the business lifecycle. “Thirty years ago, IP was often an afterthought, handled within R&D budgets,” he says. Today, it’s a board-level priority, driven by increased awareness of IP’s role in business value and risk management. High-profile IP disputes, like those in the cell phone industry, have further elevated its visibility in mainstream media, making businesses more conscious of both their own IP and potential risks from competitors.
Missed Opportunities and Strategic Solutions
One of the biggest missed opportunities Stephen sees is the underuse of trade secrets, especially for software-driven innovations. “There’s still too much focus on patents from both businesses and investors,” he says. He advocates a “trade secret first” approach, where businesses prioritize protecting confidential information and selectively pursue patents when strategic. During fundraising, Stephen helps clients craft a compelling IP narrative that reassures investors by demonstrating how their approach protects business value, even if it doesn’t involve extensive patent filings.
A standout project involved helping a client prepare for a successful fundraise by addressing IP ownership issues well before due diligence. “Ownership problems are ticking time bombs,” Stephen warns, noting that issues often surface only during investment or sale processes. By conducting early audits and ensuring IP flows correctly into the business, he helps clients avoid costly surprises and build investor confidence.
Building an IP-Conscious Culture
For Stephen, embedding IP into a company’s culture starts with mindset. He encourages founders to see their innovations, whether technical know-how or product development, as valuable IP assets. Through his role as a fractional IP counsel, Stephen conducts bite-sized training sessions tailored to each business, focusing on practical steps like safeguarding trade secrets. “I tie it to the reality of their business,” he says, avoiding abstract legal discussions in favor of real-world examples that resonate with employees.
The Power of Relationships
Networking has been a cornerstone of Stephen’s career. Relationships with overseas attorneys, UK firms, and past clients have not only driven referrals but also enabled him to connect clients with the right expertise globally. “Relationships are everything,” he says, crediting his network for helping him find trusted partners for clients’ international IP needs and for sustaining his consultancy through referrals and repeat engagements.
Beyond the Office: CrossFit and Balance
When not strategizing with clients, Stephen unwinds with CrossFit, a passion that keeps him energized. “It allows me to switch off and feel ready for the day,” he says. While his son competes at a high level, Stephen enjoys team-based competitions for their social and fun atmosphere, even if he occasionally questions why a 54-year-old is pushing himself so hard. “It keeps me sane,” he laughs.
Connect with Stephen & The Intellectual Property Works
Stephen Carter’s blend of engineering expertise, business acumen, and strategic IP insight makes him a trusted partner for innovators. To learn more about how he helps startups and scale-ups protect and grow their value, visit The Intellectual Property Works or connect with him on LinkedIn.
PatWorld IP Search Services
PatWorld supports patent attorneys like Vicki 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.
In the dynamic world of intellectual property (IP), protecting innovation requires a tailored approach that resonates with clients’ unique needs. PatWorld sat down with Vicki Strachan, UK and European patent attorney and founder of Strachan IP, to explore her career journey, the evolving IP landscape, and how she helps innovators safeguard their ideas with a personalized, client-centric strategy.
From Engineering to IP Expertise
Vicki Strachan’s career began with a degree in electrical and electronic engineering, but she quickly realized hands-on engineering wasn’t her calling. “I wanted to use my degree differently,” she says. In 1992, she joined the UK Patent Office as an examiner, leveraging her technical background to assess patent applications with precision. This role honed her ability to dissect complex inventions, a skill she now uses to provide insightful advice to clients. However, the civil service’s lack of drive for excellence didn’t suit her ambition.
This led her to train as a patent attorney in Cardiff, followed by roles in London and a year in Jersey. Over the years, she gained extensive experience across various firms, including managing an office in Oxford. Her time as a patent examiner gave her a deep understanding of patentability criteria, which she applies to craft robust patent applications and guide clients through the intricacies of the IP system. While these roles offered valuable insights, Vicki saw opportunities to better support smaller clients, who could sometimes find traditional firm structures challenging, particularly when faced with complex language or unexpected costs. The 2020 lockdown reinforced the idea that a more flexible, client-centered approach was possible without the need for a physical office. This realization led her to establish Strachan IP, where she focuses on delivering bespoke services tailored to each client’s business and personality. “It’s about adapting to who they are and how they work,” she explains.
Addressing Common IP Challenges
Vicki identifies two key challenges in the IP space: a lack of awareness and negative perceptions. “Some innovators don’t know what IP is,” she notes, “while others think it’s costly or ineffective.” Drawing on her examiner experience, she helps clients understand patent requirements and avoid common pitfalls, ensuring their applications are both strategic and cost-effective. She prioritizes education through plain-English blogs, answering common questions, and securing speaking engagements to reach business owners and founders. “We need to show what IP can do for them,” she says, debunking myths like the idea that big companies ignore IP rights.
Her approach emphasizes clear communication, avoiding jargon to make complex IP concepts accessible, helping clients understand how IP can protect their products and add value to their businesses.
Navigating a Global IP Landscape
In an increasingly globalized market, ensuring IP compliance across jurisdictions is critical. Vicki drafts patent specifications with both US and European patent systems in mind, leveraging her examiner experience to anticipate the scrutiny applications will face. “Most Western jurisdictions align with either the US or European model,” she says. “By considering both from the outset, we cover most bases.” This strategic approach helps clients protect their innovations internationally, whether they operate locally or explore global licensing opportunities.
The Impact of AI and Technology
The rise of AI is transforming the IP landscape, raising complex questions about ownership. “Who owns AI-generated innovations or creative works?” Vicki asks. “In Europe, it’s leaning toward the person who set the AI’s conditions, but there’s no clear answer yet.” The rapid pace of technological advancement, far outstripping legislative updates, creates a gap in IP law. “Technology moves so fast,” she says, “from brick-sized mobile phones to smartphones in decades. IP laws struggle to keep up.” Vicki stays informed by tracking case law, guiding clients through these uncertainties with insights gained from her examiner background.
She also highlights the relevance of trade secrets in today’s software-driven world, drawing parallels to famous recipes like KFC or Coca-Cola. “Registered IP isn’t for everyone,” she notes, “but we encourage clients to consider what adds value to their business.”
Booming Sectors for IP
Vicki points to three sectors where IP is increasingly vital: AI and machine learning, autonomous vehicles, and green technology. “AI innovation is booming,” she says, “but autonomous vehicles and electric cars, especially range improvements, remain hot patenting areas.” Green tech continues to drive innovation as sustainability takes center stage, with companies competing to secure first-mover advantage through robust IP strategies.
A Tailored Approach to IP Strategy
Strachan IP’s hallmark is its bespoke service. Vicki shares two examples: for early-stage startups referred by product development companies, she engages throughout the development process, using her examiner expertise to identify patentable elements and potential infringement risks before filing. For larger founder-led tech businesses, she conducts regular IP portfolio reviews, ensuring clients maintain only relevant IP tied to active products. “This prevents spending on obsolete patents while protecting their core business,” she explains. Her approach considers the client’s business stage, cash flow, and communication preferences. “Every client is unique,” Vicki says. “We tailor our service to their needs and personality.”
Evolving Client Expectations
Over her 30-year career, Vicki has seen a shift in how clients approach IP. “When I started, the legal field was transactional and self-important,” she recalls. “Lawyers dictated terms without much explanation.” Today, clients, especially younger ones, demand clarity and involvement. “They want complex issues explained so they can apply them to their business,” she says. Her examiner background enables her to break down technical and legal complexities clearly, aligning with this demand for transparency and fostering client involvement in decision-making to align strategies with their goals.
The Future of IP
Vicki envisions a future where the IP industry continues to prioritize education. “It’s about helping clients use the IP system to their advantage,” she says. By empowering businesses to strategically leverage IP, she sees a path for innovators of all sizes to drive growth and protect their creations.
Leadership and Client Relationships
Vicki’s leadership and client relationship style is adaptable and empathetic. “I’m good at reading what clients or employees need and adjusting my approach,” she says. Leading by example, she tailors communication to suit individual personalities, fostering trust and clarity. This skill, refined over decades, underpins Strachan IP’s client-centric model.
Rewarding Moments at Strachan IP
For Vicki, every day at Strachan IP is rewarding. “Running my own business and delivering work I love in a way clients appreciate is a privilege,” she says. Mentoring her employee through exams, earning merits and distinctions, is a highlight. “Helping someone grow their career is fulfilling,” she adds, “as is the loyalty of clients who’ve stayed with me over the years.”
Advice for Aspiring IP Professionals
To aspiring IP lawyers, particularly women, Vicki advises staying true to personal values. “Working against your values is stressful and unrewarding,” she says. Despite entering the profession when women faced skepticism, she encourages aligning work with personal principles for a fulfilling career. “Times have changed,” she notes, “but authenticity is key.”
Beyond the Office: Vicki’s Passions
Outside work, Vicki is a creative and curious soul. She enjoys watercolor painting and fine pencil drawing, though she needs the right headspace to dive in. A medieval history enthusiast, she also practices skipping—not just jumping rope, but mastering complex steps in her garden with her three dogs as her audience. “It’s tougher than it looks,” she laughs.
Vicki’s Recommendation
A true crime enthusiast, Vicki recommends Emma Kenny’s YouTube channel. “She analyzes cases from a psychological perspective, exploring what makes people tick,” Vicki says. Based in Manchester, Emma’s engaging storytelling is a must-watch for those fascinated by human behavior.
About Strachan IP
Vicki Strachan is a UK and European patent attorney and founder of Strachan IP, a firm dedicated to providing tailored IP solutions for innovators, from solo entrepreneurs to growing tech businesses. Learn more at www.strachanip.com. Connect with Vicki on LinkedIn: Vicki Strachan.
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