John-Paul Rooney is a partner at Withers & Rogers LLP, based in Sheffield. With a background that began with an engineering apprenticeship, he has built a career in patent law focused on client relationships, firm leadership, and the growth of one of the firm’s most successful regional offices.
Quick Profile
Name:John-Paul Rooney Role: Partner Firm / Organisation:Withers & Rogers LLP Location: Sheffield, UK Areas of expertise: European and UK patents, client relationship management, electronics, video coding, IP strategy, Unified Patent Court matters, AI in IP practice
From apprentice technician to patent attorney
John-Paul Rooney’s route into the IP profession was far from conventional. He began his career as an apprentice technician at ICI Pharmaceuticals, now part of AstraZeneca, with no expectation that patent law would eventually become his career.
“I had absolutely zero idea that I would get into the IP profession,” he says.
During his apprenticeship, he studied part-time while working, eventually progressing from college to university. His early experience in industry exposed him to the commercial importance of patents, particularly within the pharmaceutical sector.
“We could see that when one of the blockbuster drugs that we made went off patent, the profit margin went down massively,” he explains. “That gave me a signpost to the existence of the IP profession and how important it was.”
After deciding to pursue university full-time, John-Paul studied electronics before completing a PhD involving a large-scale research project. It was towards the end of that doctorate that patent law first became a serious option.
Following his PhD viva, his supervisor suggested he would make a strong patent attorney because he could understand complex technology while communicating clearly with both engineers and business leaders.
“That was a great piece of career advice from him,” says John-Paul.
Finding the right culture
John-Paul joined Withers & Rogers LLP after applying to firms across the UK. He believes the firm’s openness to different backgrounds played a major role in that decision.
Today, as a partner, his responsibilities extend beyond client work. He serves on internal committees covering finance, quality, and risk management, while also leading several major client teams, including large US and UK accounts. He additionally runs the firm’s China desk, helping to build relationships with Chinese clients and associates, with particular success in new energy and biotech/pharmaceuticals sectors.
For John-Paul, culture has remained central throughout his career.
“Finding your people and a culture that fits you is really important,” he says. “Every patent attorney firm has a different culture, and I’m lucky to have found a great fit with Withers & Rogers.”
Building the Sheffield office
One of the defining parts of John-Paul’s career has been helping grow the Sheffield office of Withers & Rogers LLP over the last 15 years.
When he moved to Yorkshire to start a family, the firm did not yet have a regional office there. After spending time with another firm, he returned when the opportunity arose to help establish the Sheffield presence from the ground up.
“It was an opportunity I couldn’t resist,” he says.
What began as a small office with only a handful of people has since grown into a substantial regional operation employing over 40 people.
John-Paul believes two things made that growth possible: culture and energy.
“We developed a culture that could breed success,” he explains. “Being open, sharing information, supporting one another — that was really important. Then having the energy and desire to go out and communicate that to the world.”
He also highlights the importance of support from the wider firm.
“The rest of the firm really wanted the office to succeed,” he says. “That support was hugely important.”
Although hybrid working has changed office life, he believes in-person collaboration still plays a vital role in building strong teams and maintaining culture.
Technical understanding and client relationships
John-Paul’s engineering background continues to shape the way he works with clients today.
He recalls visiting a Sheffield-based client and immediately recognising elements of their equipment from his apprenticeship days.
“I knew exactly what I was looking at,” he says. “Their confidence in me went through the roof.”
That ability to understand technology quickly and communicate naturally with technical teams has become a key strength throughout his career.
He places particular importance on long-term client relationships.
“We really like building those long-term trusted relationships with our clients,” he says. “I enjoy seeing clients able to pick up the phone to discuss something difficult and for us to find a solution together.”
The changing IP landscape
Like many in the profession, John-Paul sees artificial intelligence as one of the biggest current shifts affecting IP practice.
“We are beginning to deploy AI more widely,” he explains, “but only as an assistant, not to do the work.”
He believes careful and responsible use of AI will become increasingly important across the profession.
Alongside AI, he also points to the growing influence of the Unified Patent Court in Europe.
“We’re involved in four litigations in that court at the moment,” he says. “It has definitely changed how IP is used.”
Later this year, John-Paul will also be speaking at the CIPA Congress in Manchester on the sustainability challenges facing the patent profession and its future direction.
Outside the office
Away from work, John-Paul enjoys spending time with his partner and three children. Living in the Peak District gives him plenty of opportunity for walking, particularly around Kinder Scout and Bamford Edge.
He is also a keen gardener with a growing interest in climbing roses.
“I think when I retire, I’ll be pottering around the garden most days,” he says.
Golf is another long-standing hobby. He plays competitively at his local course, which he jokes is close enough to see from his window.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on his career so far, John-Paul returns to the importance of finding the right environment and the right people.
“You’ve got to find a place with a culture that fits you, and vice-versa” he says.
His own path into the profession may not have been traditional, but he believes the industry is becoming more open to different backgrounds and experiences. Through internships and outreach initiatives, he hopes more people will discover opportunities in IP that they may never previously have considered.
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.
This week marks the International Day of Light, a global initiative led by UNESCO that recognises the importance of light and light-based technologies in science, innovation, medicine, communications, and sustainable development.
Light-driven innovation continues to influence some of the world’s most exciting technological advances, with new developments emerging across renewable energy, healthcare, AI infrastructure, and advanced materials. These innovations not only demonstrate scientific progress but also highlight the increasing importance of intellectual property protection and technology intelligence within rapidly evolving sectors.
Here are three recent innovations that demonstrate how light-based technologies are helping shape the future.
Solar technology moving beyond traditional efficiency limits
Researchers at Kyushu University recently announced a breakthrough in solar energy research using a process known as singlet fission. The technology reportedly achieved energy carrier generation efficiencies above traditional theoretical limits by converting light into usable energy more effectively.
If commercialised successfully, this approach could significantly improve the efficiency of future solar panels and renewable energy systems, supporting global sustainability goals while creating substantial opportunities for patent activity and competitive innovation.
Lens-free infrared imaging for healthcare and diagnostics
Scientists have also developed a new lens-free mid-infrared imaging system capable of converting infrared light into visible signals using nonlinear crystals. The innovation could help reduce the size, complexity, and cost of advanced imaging systems used within healthcare, diagnostics, industrial inspection, and scientific research.
By removing the need for traditional bulky lenses, this technology has the potential to make advanced imaging more accessible while opening new opportunities for product development and IP generation within photonics and medical technology sectors.
Optical chips supporting the future of AI and communications
Researchers at Monash University recently developed a multifunction optical chip capable of processing multiple light-based functions simultaneously through a “mosaic metasurface” design.
Photonic chips such as these are attracting significant global interest as industries seek faster and more energy-efficient ways to support AI processing, telecommunications, and high-speed data transfer. Replacing traditional bulky optical hardware with compact photonic systems could transform future computing infrastructure and broadband technologies.
As innovation accelerates across photonics, renewable energy, healthcare, and AI infrastructure, protecting intellectual property and understanding the competitive landscape becomes increasingly important.
PatWorld works with organisations innovating in these and related technology areas, supporting research and development through professional patent, trademark, technology landscape, and competitor search services. If you would like to learn how our IP search services can support your innovation strategy, contact the team for further information.
Ana Vesperinas is an associate and European Patent Attorney at Barker Brettell, specialising in chemistry and materials innovation. With a career spanning academia, industry, and private practice, she brings a broad scientific perspective to IP, combining technical expertise with a strong focus on client understanding and tailored advice.
Name:Ana Vesperinas Role: European Patent Attorney Organisation:Barker Brettell Location: Birmingham, UK Areas of expertise: Chemistry, functional formulations, materials, cosmetics, patent prosecution
A career shaped by exploration
Ana’s path into intellectual property was far from conventional. After completing a PhD and gaining experience across academia and industry, she only discovered IP later in her career. While working in industry, exposure to patent processes sparked her curiosity. Conversations with in house attorneys led her to explore the field further, ultimately prompting her to undertake a postgraduate course in intellectual property. That decision marked a turning point. Ana moved into an in house IP role before transitioning to private practice, where she felt she could broaden her experience and deepen her legal expertise. Today, she reflects positively on her varied journey, seeing it as a strength that shapes how she works.
A role grounded in chemistry and strategy
Now part of the chemistry team at Barker Brettell, Ana’s work focuses heavily on patent prosecution, alongside drafting and strategic advisory work. She particularly enjoys the challenge of prosecution developing arguments, understanding inventions in depth, and working towards broad and meaningful protection for her clients. Her technical expertise spans functional formulations, cosmetics, and increasingly, innovative materials. Recent work has included developments in construction materials and environmentally focused technologies, reflecting a wider industry shift towards sustainability and efficiency. Staying close to innovation is important to her. She actively keeps up with scientific developments to ensure she remains connected to the technologies behind the patents she works on.
Putting clients at the centre
A defining feature of Ana’s approach is her emphasis on understanding her clients’ needs. Her experience across different sectors allows her to relate to clients from a variety of backgrounds and tailor her advice accordingly. She believes strong relationships are built on clear communication from the outset setting expectations, explaining processes, and being transparent about challenges. Responsiveness is also key. Ana makes a conscious effort to respond quickly to client queries, recognising the urgency that often underpins IP decisions. Ultimately, she aims to make the patent process feel less daunting, ensuring clients feel informed, supported, and confident throughout.
Navigating international perspectives
A significant part of Ana’s career has involved working closely with US based clients. Many of her clients are located in the United States, requiring her to adapt strategies to fit European patent practice. This often involves managing expectations where approaches differ between jurisdictions. A strategy that succeeds in the US may not translate directly to Europe, requiring careful adjustment and clear communication. Through this experience, Ana has developed a strong understanding of both systems, enabling her to bridge the gap and deliver practical, effective advice.
Alongside her work with US clients, Ana’s UK‑based client base has grown steadily, ranging from individual inventors and universities to middle and large corporations. Ana takes a tailored approach, adapting her advice to each client’s level of intellectual property knowledge and experience. She places particular emphasis on transparency, ensuring clients have a clear understanding of anticipated next steps, expected timescales, and associated costs.
Keeping pace with innovation
Ana is particularly interested in the rise of functional materials and environmentally conscious innovation. Developments in areas such as construction materials, CO₂ reduction, and battery technologies are shaping her current work. She sees a clear trend towards sustainability, with many new inventions designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining or improving performance. For Ana, staying informed about these changes is essential not just for technical understanding, but to provide relevant and forward thinking advice to clients.
Lessons in balance and perspective
Working in IP has also influenced how Ana approaches challenges. Early in her career, she felt pressure to address everything immediately. Over time, she has learned the importance of prioritisation and organisation. Managing a dynamic workload requires flexibility. Unexpected tasks can quickly reshape a carefully planned day, making adaptability a key skill. This shift in mindset has helped her approach her work more calmly and effectively, balancing urgency with structure.
Outside the office
Away from work, Ana enjoys staying active. Tennis and padel are regular pursuits, offering a way to unwind and reset after busy days. She also has a passion for skiing, often travelling to France or Switzerland with her family. When she cannot get to the mountains, she makes use of Birmingham’s indoor ski facilities. For Ana, these activities provide an important balance, helping her recharge and maintain focus in her professional life.
Encouraging different paths into IP
Reflecting on her own journey, Ana is keen to highlight that there is no single route into the profession. Entering IP later in a career can bring valuable experience and perspective. She encourages those considering a move into IP not to feel discouraged if they did not follow a traditional path. Experience gained in other roles particularly in science or industry can be a significant asset. Her own career stands as an example of how diverse experiences can lead to a fulfilling role in IP, combining technical knowledge with a strong understanding of client needs.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld, a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions, on our About Us page.
As the IP landscape becomes increasingly complex, the ability to interpret patent information and translate it into meaningful, commercial advice is more important than ever. At Mewburn Ellis, this is not the work of one individual, but a collaborative effort, bringing together different technical backgrounds, perspectives and approaches.
Following their contribution to an upcoming feature in The Global IP Magazine, published to coincide with INTA, we spoke to members of the Mewburn Ellis team to explore how they approach their work, what drives them, and how their individual expertise shapes the advice they provide to clients.
The team featured in this article includes:
William Hey– Patent Attorney and Senior Associate, Engineering Dan Thornton – Partner and Patent Attorney, Engineering Fran Salisbury – Partner and Patent Attorney, Life Sciences Paul Dunne – Partner and Patent Attorney, Chemistry
Together, they represent a cross-section of expertise across engineering and life sciences, working collaboratively to support clients navigating complex third party rights.
Different perspectives, one shared goal
Across engineering, chemistry and life sciences, the team at Mewburn Ellis works with patent data in different ways, but with a shared objective: to provide clarity in complex situations and support informed decision making.
Whether advising on freedom to operate, analysing technical and commercial landscapes or supporting strategic planning, the emphasis is always on interpretation. Understanding not just what the data shows, but what it means in practice.
That shared mindset is reflected in how each individual approaches their work.
William Hey – structuring complexity
Working extensively with patent landscapes and large datasets, William Hey focusses on bringing structure to complexity.
For him, the critical part is how the patent data found is organised and interpreted. By grouping and analysing information in a structured way, William helps turn large sets of search results into something meaningful, enabling both the team and their clients to identify patterns, trends and areas of focus more clearly.
He particularly enjoys the variety that comes with working in intellectual property.
“Working in private practice offers small windows into lots of different businesses,” he explains. “You often gain a real sense of a client’s company culture, along with an appreciation of their business strategy and the wider industry they operate in. With those insights, our team’s work is so much more useful to those clients..”
Outside of work, William enjoys practical, hands-on pursuits. Having completed a house renovation, he is now turning his attention to transforming an empty field into a new allotment. He also enjoys walking in the Peak District with his wife, occasionally flying his drone, and playing the piano.
For Dan, the most rewarding part of the role is working closely with clients and understanding how intellectual property fits into their broader commercial plans.
“I love working directly with clients,” he explains. “Sitting quietly and drafting a spec or a response is only part of the job. Learning about a client’s commercial plans and strategising together to ensure that their IP activities serve their goals is what I enjoy the most.”
Dan’s work focuses on helping clients navigate third party rights and creating and pursuing patent portfolios with real relevance in context. He approaches his work with an open mind. This has led him to bring an element of creativity to client work.
His approach is grounded in understanding the bigger picture, ensuring that analysis is aligned with the decision a client ultimately needs to make. Many of the most interesting client projects need the team approach; Dan enjoys working with his colleagues on planning and delivering these projects.
Outside work, Dan spends much of his time with his family. Living close to the hills, he enjoys getting outdoors with his three children and their new puppy, Peggy, often combining walks with a keen eye out for steam trains for his youngest.
Fran Salisbury – navigating life sciences complexity
For Fran Salisbury, working in life sciences brings a different dimension to patent analysis, one shaped by long development timelines and evolving technologies.
“In life sciences, you are often dealing with technologies that are still developing,” she explains. “You might be assessing risk before a product is fully defined.”
This requires a careful balance. Too much detail too early can be as unhelpful as too little, particularly when technologies may change over time.
Fran particularly enjoys the problem solving aspect of her role.
“I enjoy taking a jumble of information and ideas and bringing them together into a coherent strategy, or pulling the threads together to form an argument.”
She also values the international nature of IP work, working with attorneys, clients and patent offices globally.
Outside of work, Fran enjoys being outdoors, skiing, swimming and hiking, as well as quieter creative pursuits such as painting and drawing.
Paul’s work focusses on contentious matters, helping clients understand their options for clearing the way of competitors’ rights and defending their own patents.
A recurring theme in his work is distilling a large mix of documents into sharp and impactful arguments, cutting out unnecessary complexity. For smaller clients, Paul highlights that many assume that holding a patent gives them the right to use a technology, when in reality it provides the right to prevent others from doing so.
His approach is centred on clarity, ensuring that clients understand both the risks they face and the options available to them, so they can make informed, pragmatic decisions. He particularly enjoys working closely with clients in a collaborative way, feeling embedded within in house teams rather than operating as a separate external adviser.
“The joy of private practice is getting to work with lots of interesting, enthusiastic clients on a variety of tech,” he says. “The thing I enjoy most is feeling properly embedded with an in-house team, when the work feels like a collaboration instead of a transaction.”
Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife, two children and spaniel Archie. Whether walking through the woods or visiting the beaches of Somerset, he values time outdoors with his family. He also enjoys carving out time to play the piano and go swimming.
While each team member brings a different perspective, it is the combination of these approaches that enables Mewburn Ellis to deliver well-rounded, commercially relevant advice.
Strategic thinking, structured analysis, technical depth and clear communication all play a role, supported by collaboration both within the team and with external partners.
Meeting the team at INTA
Fran, along with many of the Mewburn Ellis team, will be in London during INTA. If you are attending and would like to meet, they would be very happy to connect and continue the conversation in person.
Mewburn Ellis works closely with specialist search providers such as PatWorld to ensure that searches are aligned with how the results will be used in practice. By tailoring search outputs to the firm’s analytical approach, PatWorld provides datasets that support structured analysis and enable the team to focus on interpretation, insight and client advice.
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
Pamela Bryer is a Partner and Patent Attorney at Marks & Clerk, based in Edinburgh. With a background in physics and photonics, she specialises in supporting innovation across emerging technologies, with a particular focus on design protection and the strategic use of intellectual property in fast-moving sectors.
Name:Pamela Bryer Role: Partner and Patent Attorney Firm:Marks & Clerk Location: Edinburgh, UK Areas of expertise: Patent and design protection, emerging technologies, IP strategy
From research to intellectual property
Pamela’s path into intellectual property began during her studies in physics and photonics at the University of St Andrews. Initially considering a career in research, she joined Marconi to work on tunable lasers for telecommunications systems.
However, she quickly realised that specialising in a single technology was not the right fit. Instead, she was drawn to the broader perspective offered by intellectual property.
“I didn’t necessarily want to know everything about one specific device. I’d much rather understand a wider range of technologies and how they work.”
Her exposure to patent strategy during this time, particularly designing around existing patents, sparked a lasting interest in the field.
A collaborative approach to innovation
At Marks & Clerk, Pamela values the firm’s collaborative and forward-thinking culture. She highlights the importance of working across disciplines and supporting both clients and colleagues.
“There’s always someone willing to listen, share ideas and help you think through problems in a different way,” she explains.
This collaborative environment allows her to work closely with clients, not only understanding the legal aspects of their innovations but also the commercial and technological context behind them.
Curiosity driving expertise
Pamela’s work spans a wide range of technologies, including AI, medtech and connectivity. Her interest in these areas is driven by curiosity and their real-world impact.
“What excites me most are technologies sitting at the intersection of innovation and impact,” she says.
From a patent perspective, these technologies present both opportunities and challenges. They often evolve rapidly and cross traditional boundaries, requiring flexible and forward-thinking protection strategies.
The strategic value of design protection
A key area of Pamela’s expertise is design protection, which she sees as central to product success.
“Design sits at the intersection of technology, usability, branding and customer experience,” she explains.
She believes that design rights can provide a valuable additional layer of protection, particularly in fast-moving sectors where user experience and product differentiation are critical.
Clients, however, often face challenges in deciding how and when to protect their innovations. With rapid development cycles and evolving technologies, early decisions must be made with limited information.
Pamela advises a proactive, portfolio-based approach, aligning patent and design strategies with product development to maximise long-term value.
Supporting innovation through diversity and collaboration
Pamela is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the IP profession. She believes that a broader range of perspectives leads to better outcomes for both clients and innovation.
“Innovation itself is inherently diverse,” she notes, emphasising that different viewpoints help ensure that technologies are understood in their full context.
Her approach to mentorship reflects this belief. Having benefited from supportive mentors throughout her career, she now focuses on helping others build confidence and navigate what can be a complex profession.
“I try to be approachable and encouraging… supporting the next generation is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”
Turning ideas into valuable IP
Working closely with clients is central to Pamela’s approach. She begins by understanding their objectives and the problems their technology solves.
“It’s about translating complex ideas into an appropriate combination of IP protection that is robust but also commercially meaningful,” she explains.
By distilling inventions down to their core concepts and aligning protection strategies with business goals, she helps clients create IP that supports growth, investment and long-term innovation.
Looking ahead: evolving technologies and IP practice
Pamela is particularly interested in developments in design law, including current reform in the EU and proposed reform in the UK. Some of these changes aim to better accommodate digital and dynamic designs, reflecting the evolving nature of modern products.
She also sees the integration of artificial intelligence within IP practice as both a challenge and an opportunity.
“We need to think about how to responsibly incorporate AI into our daily practice to produce better outcomes for clients,” she says.
Outside the office
Outside of work, Pamela enjoys activities that provide a different kind of mental challenge or allow her to switch off completely. Travel and photography are key interests, alongside quizzes, board games and time spent with family.
She also enjoys exploring new places and restaurants, and walking remains a favourite way to unwind. Close to home, Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh is a regular destination, offering views across the city and coastline.
Further afield, she has completed a 500-mile section of the Appalachian Trail — an experience she describes as unforgettable.
One of her favourite travel destinations is Hoi An in Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historic architecture and vibrant food scene. It’s a place she particularly enjoys for its atmosphere, culture and distinctive character.
A balanced perspective on innovation
Reflecting on her career, Pamela emphasises the importance of curiosity, collaboration and adaptability. As technologies continue to evolve, she believes the role of IP professionals will become even more strategic. By combining technical understanding with commercial insight, they can help shape how innovation is protected and brought to market.
Her advice is simple: stay curious, remain open to new ideas, and never underestimate the value of collaboration in solving complex problems.
Pamela and members of the Marks & Clerk team will be in London for the International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting this May. If you’re also planning to be there and would like to connect, feel free to get in touch to arrange a meeting.
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.
Gerard Byrne is a part-qualified patent attorney at Knights, with a background spanning patent examination, searching, and in-house analysis. His experience across the IP lifecycle gives him a distinctive perspective, particularly on how patent information can be used more strategically to support innovation and commercial decision-making.
Name:Gerard Byrne Role: Part-Qualified Patent Attorney Organisation:Knights Location: UK Areas of expertise: Patent drafting and prosecution, patent analysis, IP strategy, freedom-to-operate
A career shaped by perspective
Gerard’s route into IP began at the UK Intellectual Property Office, where he joined as a patent examiner after completing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. It wasn’t a carefully mapped decision, but it was the most interesting opportunity at the time, and one that quickly proved to be a strong fit.
From there, his career evolved steadily. After moving into private practice patent searching, he went on to work as an in-house analyst supporting engineering-led businesses, before securing a trainee patent attorney role. While the early steps were not always intentional, the direction became clearer over time.
“I always kind of wanted to be an attorney after entering the profession,” he reflects, noting that breaking into the profession can be challenging. His varied experience, however, has provided a strong foundation.
Seeing IP through different lenses
Few patent attorneys begin their careers across such a wide range of roles. For Gerard, each stage has shaped how he approaches his work today.
As a searcher, he developed a broad technical awareness, reviewing large volumes of patent literature across multiple fields. This gave him a practical understanding of how patent landscapes evolve and what makes a strong application.
His time as an in-house analyst shifted that perspective further. Patents became more than legal tools; they became part of the innovation process itself. “You start to see patents not just as legal instruments but as tools for driving and mapping innovation,” he explains.
Now, as a part-qualified attorney, those perspectives come together. His role involves balancing technical detail, strategic thinking, and commercial realities to deliver outcomes that align with client objectives.
From analysis to application
Gerard’s current role spans drafting applications, prosecuting cases before the UK and European patent offices, and advising on freedom-to-operate questions. The variety is a key part of its appeal.
“No two days look the same,” he says, describing work that ranges from drafting claims for mechanical inventions to advising clients on competitor activity.
His background in analysis continues to influence how he approaches drafting. In particular, it has made him more aware of the risks posed by prior art. Rather than treating drafting as a purely technical exercise, he sees it as a purposeful process, shaped by what may emerge during examination.
Patents as strategic tools
A consistent theme in Gerard’s experience is the idea that patents are often underused as strategic assets.
He points to the practical barriers that prevent wider engagement. Patent databases can be difficult to navigate, and the documents themselves are dense and technical. For many engineers, extracting meaningful insight from patent literature is not straightforward.
Yet the value is clear. Patent information can guide product development, highlight competitive activity, and inform commercial decisions at every stage of a project. Without that foundation, decisions risk being made without a full understanding of the landscape.
For Gerard, the future lies in better integration, embedding analytical thinking throughout the innovation process, rather than treating it as a standalone step.
Bridging roles and improving collaboration
Having worked both in-house and in private practice, Gerard has seen how differently IP can be approached. In-house roles bring a closer connection to commercial outcomes, while private practice offers broader exposure to technologies and industries.
“The ideal, honestly, is to have experienced both,” he notes, highlighting how each perspective helps to correct the blind spots of the other.
Collaboration plays a central role in making that work effectively. Whether working with inventors, litigators, or commercial teams, success often comes down to clear communication and mutual understanding. Translating between technical, legal, and business language is a key skill.
Developing as a patent attorney
Working towards qualification brings its own challenges. The exams are demanding, and success often depends on understanding exactly what is being asked.
For Gerard, managing that process comes down to consistency. “It’s just doing a little bit every day quite regularly,” he explains.
He also highlights the importance of a supportive training environment, with access to a varied caseload and structured guidance. Without that, candidates can find themselves struggling on multiple fronts.
His advice to others is practical: make full use of past papers and available resources and focus on understanding how to answer the question being asked.
Outside the office
Away from work, Gerard prefers to stay active. Skiing, scuba diving and hiking all feature, although the time of year often dictates which takes priority.
More recently, cooking has become a favourite way to unwind, particularly during the winter months when outdoor activities are less accessible. He enjoys experimenting with different cuisines, with a current focus on French cooking. It offers a creative contrast to the structure of his day-to-day work.
He also picked up the saxophone during the COVID pandemic, initially as a challenge and a long-term project. Largely self-taught, it remains a personal pursuit rather than a public one, but one that offers a different kind of focus outside the demands of IP work.
Looking ahead
As Gerard continues towards full qualification, his focus is on building a well-rounded practice that draws on all aspects of his experience. His journey highlights the value of seeing IP from multiple angles, and the benefits that brings to both clients and the profession.
With a growing emphasis on strategy, collaboration, and integration, he sees the role of the patent attorney continuing to evolve into something broader: not just a legal advisor, but a partner in innovation.
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.
Rhianna Faye is an IP Paralegal at Strachan IP, based near Oxford. With around 13 years’ experience, she supports patent and trade mark work across multiple jurisdictions. Her role focuses on managing deadlines, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring the smooth running of IP processes within a small, agile firm.
Name:Rhianna Faye Role: IP Paralegal Organisation:Strachan IP Location: Hereford, UK Areas of expertise: Patent and trade mark support, deadline management, international filing coordination, renewals, IP administration
A career discovered by chance
Rhianna did not set out to work in intellectual property. After leaving education, she began her career in criminal defence law. While she initially enjoyed the work, the nature of the cases became difficult to manage emotionally. She found it hard to switch off outside work and began looking for a different path.
Her next move into bid management introduced her to deadline-driven work and structured processes. She found similarities with legal case preparation, but the role required extensive travel. Wanting something more stable, she explored new opportunities and was introduced to IP through a recruitment agency.
It was during her first interview that she realised how well her skills aligned with the role. She joined as a patent secretary, later qualifying as a paralegal and progressing into a more senior position.
A central role in IP practice
Rhianna describes the paralegal role as the operational counterpart to the patent attorney. While attorneys focus on technical and legal aspects, such as drafting specifications and advising clients, her role ensures that everything around those activities runs smoothly.
This includes preparing filing documents, instructing foreign attorneys, managing deadlines, and handling formalities. In a small firm like Strachan IP, her responsibilities extend further. She is involved in renewals, invoicing, records management, and even marketing activities.
“I see it as trying to lighten the attorney’s workload as much as possible,” she explains.
Managing complexity and deadlines
A key part of Rhianna’s work is tracking and managing deadlines. Every case involves multiple time-sensitive actions, often across different jurisdictions. She logs deadlines in multiple systems and reviews them weekly to prioritise tasks.
This structured approach helps ensure nothing is missed. It also allows her to anticipate pressure points and prepare work in advance where possible.
International work adds another layer of complexity. Different countries have different requirements, from notarised documents to certified copies and translations. These variations must be understood early so that timelines can be planned effectively.
“It’s important that you understand those requirements at the start so that you can work backwards,” she says.
Working at the heart of a wider network
Working in a small firm means Rhianna’s role extends beyond an internal team. She regularly coordinates with multiple external attorneys, foreign associates, translators and service providers, each working to their own processes and timescales.
This makes communication and organisation critical. While each external partner manages their own work, Rhianna maintains oversight of deadlines and ensures everything stays aligned. She often has visibility across all moving parts, even when others are only focused on their individual tasks.
Because of this, her role becomes one of coordination as much as administration. She balances competing priorities, keeps work progressing across jurisdictions, and ensures that no deadlines are missed despite the complexity.
Developing towards trade mark qualification
Alongside her role, Rhianna is training to become a trade mark attorney. Career progression has always been important to her, and she has consistently combined work with study.
Encouraged by a colleague, she began the qualification process while working full time and raising her young son. She completed a degree through the Open University in four years, followed by a postgraduate certificate in intellectual property law.
She is now preparing for the next stage of qualification. While her current firm does not have an in-house trade mark attorney, she continues to build her knowledge independently and remains committed to seeing the process through.
“It’s been a long journey, but one I’m determined to finish,” she says.
Seeing the bigger IP picture
Studying trade mark law has broadened Rhianna’s perspective on intellectual property. Earlier in her career, her focus was mainly on patents and designs. Now, she has a clearer understanding of how different IP rights work together.
This includes how trade marks protect brand identity and reputation, complementing the protection offered by patents and designs. The result is a more complete view of how businesses safeguard their innovations and market position.
The evolving role of the IP paralegal
Over the course of her career, Rhianna has seen the paralegal role change significantly. Earlier roles involved more traditional administrative tasks, such as audio typing.
Today, paralegals are more involved in case management and play a more active role in supporting legal work. This shift reflects both technological changes and the need to use attorney time more efficiently.
In smaller firms, the role can be even broader. Rhianna’s position combines multiple functions that would typically be spread across several departments in a larger organisation.
Skills for success
Organisation and time management are essential in Rhianna’s role. She regularly handles multiple cases at different stages, with deadlines that often overlap.
Clear communication is equally important. She must manage expectations across attorneys and clients, often explaining complex processes in simple terms.
Attention to detail is another key skill. Even small errors can have significant consequences in IP work, particularly when dealing with legal rights and formal documentation.
Outside the office
Outside work, Rhianna’s time is largely shaped by her eight-year-old son. Weekends are often spent at football matches or swimming lessons, and she regularly travels to Manchester to watch games.
She also enjoys long walks with her Romanian rescue dog, who she describes as her “shadow”. Cooking and trying new restaurants are another passion, balanced with weight training and playing netball in a social league.
Keeping everything on track
If someone were to shadow Rhianna for a day, she believes the best way to understand the role would be to see how deadlines are managed.
She describes the paralegal as the “central cog” that connects all parties involved in an IP case. From attorneys to clients and international partners, her role is to ensure everyone completes their part on time.
It is a position of responsibility that often goes unnoticed, but is critical to the success of any IP practice.
Looking ahead
Rhianna’s career reflects both adaptability and determination. From an unplanned entry into IP to pursuing professional qualification, she has built a role that combines structure, responsibility, and flexibility.
Her experience highlights the importance of support roles within the profession. As IP work becomes more complex and global, the contribution of skilled paralegals remains essential to keeping everything running smoothly.
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.
Peter McBride is the founder of Scintilla, a UK-based patent and trade mark firm. With a background in physics and private practice, he has built a business focused on client relationships, commercial clarity, and innovation, offering a modern approach to intellectual property strategy and advisory work.
Name:Peter McBride Role: Founder Firm:Scintilla Location: United Kingdom (Glasgow, Aberdeen, Manchester) Areas of expertise: Patents, trade marks, IP strategy, deep tech, client advisory
From physics to patent law
Peter’s route into intellectual property began during his time studying physics. Like many in the profession, he had not initially been aware of the career path.
After discovering the blend of technical and legal work involved, he applied directly to firms and secured a trainee role straight out of university.
His early career saw him develop within private practice, learning the technical and client-facing aspects of the role. Along the way, he credits several influential figures and colleagues who helped shape his development.
However, the idea of running his own business had been present much earlier.
Taking the leap to found Scintilla
Peter’s entrepreneurial mindset dates back to his school years, when he set up a small gardening business with a friend. While not a long-term venture, it sparked an interest in building something of his own.
Over time, that interest grew. As his career progressed, he began to feel that traditional firm structures did not align with how he wanted to work.
“I slowly just started getting frustrated… I’ve got ideas of how I want to do things,” he explains.
After careful consideration, he took the step to establish Scintilla in 2013. Starting alone, he handled every aspect of the business, from client work to finance and business development.
Those early days were challenging but rewarding. Building relationships and meeting potential clients played a key role in establishing the firm.
Evolving from practitioner to business leader
As Scintilla has grown, Peter’s role has shifted significantly. What began as a hands-on technical role has evolved into leading and developing a business.
He describes the transition as a common challenge for founders: moving from doing the work to building the organisation.
“It’s the cliché of working on the business instead of in it,” he says.
Today, his focus is more on team development, client relationships, and strategic direction. He still enjoys client work but increasingly values the opportunity to build a strong team and create opportunities for others.
This people-focused approach is a key motivator, alongside the satisfaction of growing the business itself.
Rethinking client relationships and pricing
A defining feature of Scintilla’s approach is its move away from the traditional billable hour.
Peter has long questioned whether time-based billing reflects the true value delivered to clients. Instead, the firm has introduced a model based on agreed pricing and defined outcomes.
“We have to focus on the outcomes that we deliver for clients,” he explains.
By agreeing fees in advance, clients gain predictability and avoid unexpected costs. This approach also shifts the focus away from time tracking and towards delivering meaningful results.
Peter believes this change improves trust and reduces one of the most common sources of tension in client relationships: fees.
Translating innovation into practical IP strategy
Working with innovators requires more than technical knowledge. For Peter, the key lies in understanding each client’s needs and communication style.
Some clients want detailed explanations, while others prefer concise guidance. Adapting to these differences is essential.
He also emphasises the importance of practical advice. Rather than presenting abstract legal analysis, he focuses on helping clients make informed decisions.
“What they want is guidance and a direction for you to steer them in,” he says.
This includes balancing legal considerations with commercial realities, particularly in fast-moving and complex sectors.
Industry trends and the rise of deep tech
Peter is seeing strong growth in areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
“AI is in everything,” he notes, reflecting its widespread integration across industries.
In addition, Scintilla works extensively in what he describes as “deep tech”, covering areas such as semiconductors, photonics, and sensing technologies.
These sectors present both opportunities and challenges, particularly in terms of how innovation is protected and commercialised.
Building a culture around values and trust
As the firm has expanded across multiple offices, maintaining a strong culture has been a priority.
Peter has defined a set of core values, including being down to earth, authentic, visionary, compassionate, and resolute.
These values underpin a collaborative and supportive environment, where team members are encouraged to speak openly and learn from mistakes.
There is also a strong emphasis on long-term thinking. This applies not only to team development but also to client relationships, where flexibility and trust are key.
“We’re looking at the bigger picture all the time instead of just the short term,” he explains.
Outside the office
Away from work, Peter enjoys spending time with his family and staying active.
His hobbies include road cycling, mountain biking, running, and playing guitar. Recently, he has also added gardening to the list after moving house.
One of his favourite walks is Ben A’an, near Glasgow. It offers a rewarding climb with panoramic views, making it a popular choice for a quick escape from the city.
When it comes to downtime indoors, he admits he is not particularly drawn to board games. However, he does enjoy playing Catan with his family—especially when it avoids becoming too competitive.
Looking ahead
For Peter, the future of IP lies in combining technical expertise with commercial insight and strong client relationships.
As technology continues to evolve, the role of the adviser becomes even more important. Clients need clear guidance, practical thinking, and a trusted partner who can help them navigate complexity.
That philosophy continues to shape both his approach and the ongoing development of Scintilla.
Peter and members of the Scintilla team will be attending the International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting in London this May. If you’re also planning to be there and would like to connect, feel free to get in touch to arrange a meeting.
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.
Louise Windsor is a patent and trade mark attorney and co-founder of Sweetinburgh & Windsor. With a background in physics and medical physics, she works closely with owner-led businesses and international companies to protect innovation. Her work focuses on practical IP strategies that support real commercial growth.
Quick Profile Name:Louise Windsor Role: Patent and Trade Mark Attorney Firm / Organisation:Sweetinburgh & Windsor Location: Sussex, United Kingdom Areas of expertise: Patent drafting, SME innovation support, mechanical and physics-based technologies, international patent strategy, trade mark protection
A curiosity for how things work
Louise Windsor’s path into intellectual property began with a natural curiosity about technology. With an academic background in physics and medical physics, she was drawn to a career that combined scientific thinking with communication.
“I always enjoyed working out how things worked,” she explains. “And I enjoyed writing, so I particularly like drafting patent applications.”
The profession also offered something she valued in a scientific career: variety and human interaction. Working as a patent attorney means no two days are quite the same, and the role involves meeting inventors, discussing new technologies and translating ideas into clear legal protection.
Seeing innovation develop first-hand
One of the aspects that captured Louise’s interest early in her career was the opportunity to see ideas develop into real products.
During her training, she regularly met clients throughout the development process. That exposure gave her a full view of how innovation moves from concept to commercial success.
“You get to see the full process of someone having an idea,” she says. “Then you carry on meeting with them and see the product out there and the success that they have. You see the impact on the business.”
That direct connection between IP protection and business growth remains one of the most motivating parts of the profession for her.
A role built around collaboration
Today, Louise’s work centres largely on patent drafting and strategy, with trade marks also being part of her practice.
Her typical week involves a mix of activities. There may be meetings with inventors to understand new technologies, discussions with overseas associates to coordinate international patent families, and the detailed work of drafting and responding to examination reports.
For Louise, collaboration is central to achieving the best results.
“We enjoy speaking to people, meeting in person or picking up the ‘phone,” she says. “Often the most important information comes from those conversations.”
Working closely with owner-led businesses
Much of Louise’s work focuses on owner-led businesses and SMEs. These companies often rely heavily on their innovations, and IP strategy can play a critical role in their growth.
This collaborative relationship allows her to align IP protection with broader commercial goals. It also means adapting strategies as businesses evolve, particularly as product development cycles become faster.
Clients increasingly want advice that is clear, practical and efficient.
Adapting to a faster innovation landscape
The pace of technological development continues to change the way IP professionals work. Louise has seen businesses move products from development to market more quickly, which often requires faster and more flexible IP strategies.
“Clients might be developing multiple products more quickly,” she explains. “So we have to adapt the strategy depending on what they’re trying to achieve commercially.”
Technology trends also influence the work itself. While her background includes medical physics and mechanical technologies, newer areas such as green technologies and AI-related inventions are becoming increasingly prominent.
One of the things she values most about the profession is that learning never stops. “Technology changes, the law changes, so you’re always learning,” she says.
Building confidence through experience
For Louise, confidence as a practitioner has grown through experience and through seeing the success of the businesses she supports.
“Seeing your clients succeed shows that things are moving in the right direction,” she explains.
Starting a business herself also gave her a deeper understanding of the pressures faced by many of her clients. That experience has shaped the way she approaches advice.
“Setting up a business helps you understand that IP is just one small part of what owner-led businesses are trying to achieve,” she says.
Outside the office
Away from work, Louise enjoys running and regularly takes part in longer-distance events.
“I do a lot of running,” she says. “About half marathon is as far as I get these days.”
For her, running offers both relaxation and a sense of focus. She also enjoys exploring new locations through running events, combining travel with time outdoors.
Looking ahead
Despite years in the profession, Louise remains motivated by the constant evolution of technology.
“What still excites me is that technology is always changing,” she says. “You meet inventors who are leaders in their field and they explain an ingenious way they’ve solved a problem.”
Having the opportunity to understand those innovations and help protect them continues to make the work both challenging and rewarding.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld — a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions — on our About Us page.
Katie Howe is a Senior Associate and UK and European Patent Attorney at Barker Brettell in Birmingham. Specialising in physics and engineering, she works across sectors including clean energy, aerospace and advanced transport, combining technical depth with commercially grounded IP strategy.
Name:Katie Howe Role: Senior Associate, UK and European Patent Attorney Firm:Barker Brettell Location: Birmingham, UK Areas of expertise: Physics and engineering patents, clean energy technologies, aerospace, transport innovation, IP strategy and consultancy
From research to patent strategy
Katie did not set out to become a patent attorney. During her PhD at the University of Birmingham, she was developing hydrogen fuel cell technology when she first encountered the profession.
“I’d always thought patent attorneys were lawyers,” she explains. “I didn’t realise you start with scientists and then teach them the relevant law.”
That realisation shifted her direction. While she enjoyed scientific research, she could see that a long-term academic career was not quite right for her. Patent law offered a way to stay close to innovation, while applying her scientific training in a different way.
Today, as a Senior Associate at Barker Brettell, she works as a consultant to a wide range of clients. These range from individual inventors to multinational corporations and overseas attorneys seeking UK or European protection.
The skills behind the role
Katie describes the day-to-day work as detailed and analytical. Much of it involves getting to the heart of what is truly new about an invention.
“It’s about identifying what’s special and then generalising that as much as possible to secure broad protection,” she says.
She likens discussions with examiners to “scientific spot the difference”. An examiner may cite similar prior art, and her role is to analyse the distinctions carefully and explain why they matter.
Two skills underpin this work: communication and attention to detail. Communication is essential not only with examiners, but also with clients who may have very different levels of IP knowledge. Attention to detail ensures that the technical and legal arguments are robust.
Working across fast-moving engineering sectors also requires humility. “You have to accept you’re never going to be the expert in your client’s technology,” she explains. “You need a solid scientific foundation, but also a willingness to ask questions and trust the inventors as the technical experts.”
Sustainability, regulation and real-world pressures
A significant part of Katie’s practice sits within clean energy, transport and aerospace technologies. She has a particular interest in environmentally focused innovation.
“I like feeling that I’m helping move technology forward in the right direction,” she says.
Regulation plays a major role in many of these sectors. In aerospace, even small technical changes may require extensive testing and regulatory approval. To an examiner, a modification might appear minor. In practice, it may represent years of regulatory effort.
“Sometimes you have to explain that what looks like a tiny tweak actually overturns decades of established practice,” she notes.
Public policy can also shape innovation trends. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she saw a surge in filings around sanitation technologies. Regulation and global events can rapidly shift where companies focus their research and IP investment.
Balancing technical precision with commercial reality
One of the more nuanced aspects of Katie’s role is balancing technical correctness with commercial priorities.
She recalls a recent case where she believed an examiner’s objection was wrong. From a legal perspective, she could have pushed back strongly. However, the product in question was not commercially critical to the client.
“In the end, an ‘okay’ solution that was quicker and cheaper made more sense,” she explains.
Understanding a client’s goals is therefore central. Some inventions are flagship products, deserving significant investment in prosecution. Others may warrant a lighter approach. Relationship building enables those open conversations about cost, value and strategy.
This commercial focus also informs Barker Brettell’s broader IP consultancy work. Katie has been involved in helping businesses identify what IP they own, what remains unprotected and how their portfolio aligns with their commercial objectives.
“It always comes back to why you’re spending money,” she says. “If it’s not supporting the business goals, then something needs to change.”
Confidence, clarity and client trust
Katie believes that what differentiates a strong patent attorney from a merely competent one is not just technical skill.
“It’s about understanding what the client actually needs,” she says. “Not just doing the job well, but helping them move forward.”
Since she first started as a trainee, she has consciously worked on developing greater confidence in her communication. Rather than presenting the legal options tentatively, she focuses on presenting clear, reasoned recommendations that take into account the business context.
“Clients are paying you to be a consultant,” she reflects. “They want to know what the best option is.”
She also values positivity in communication. A small shift in language, such as saying “thank you for bearing with me” rather than “sorry for the delay”, can change the tone of a relationship and build trust.
AI, innovation and emerging risks
Looking ahead, Katie is closely watching developments in battery recycling and regeneration technologies. For her, this less visible side of sustainability is vital, given the materials involved and the environmental stakes.
Artificial intelligence is another area drawing attention, though with caution.
She sees AI as a powerful tool which has potential for saving time, but also a bad habit of “hallucinating” to fill gaps and sometimes generating outputs that are actively misleading. However, she encounters clients who treat it as an authoritative consultant.
“There’s a risk people don’t understand its limitations,” she says.
She has seen invention disclosures drafted by clients with the help of generative AI that included technical-sounding but meaningless or inappropriate content, adding unnecessary complexity to the review process and increasing costs for the client. There are also confidentiality concerns where inventors input sensitive details into open systems. Because many AI models use submitted information as training data, confidential inventions could potentially enter the public domain before a patent application is filed.
For Katie, the key is informed and careful use. Technology can support the profession, but it does not replace critical thinking.
Outside the office
Away from patent drafting and examiner correspondence, Katie is an avid reader, particularly of fantasy and science fiction.
She has also taken up the harp. Not a full-sized orchestral instrument, but a smaller lap harp that offers a different kind of focus.
“It requires a completely different mindset,” she says. “And it’s quite kind as an adult learner – it is hard to make a bad sound with a harp!”
Music and reading provide a creative counterbalance to the precision of technical legal work.
Looking forward
Reflecting on her career so far, Katie highlights the importance of confidence, curiosity and collaboration. A strong scientific grounding matters, but so does the ability to adapt to different clients and commercial contexts.
As innovation accelerates in areas such as clean energy, advanced transport and AI, she sees the patent attorney’s role as both protector and translator. Someone who can bridge technical detail, regulatory complexity and business reality.
For Katie, the value lies not just in securing rights, but in helping innovators navigate the path from idea to impact.
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub, and find out more about PatWorld — a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions — on our About Us page.
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