Championing Innovation: Dr Elliott Davies on Patents, Mentorship and the Future of IP

Elliott Davies – Patent Attorney

From ground-breaking materials research to CrossFit competitions, and from optoelectronics to intellectual property (IP) law, Dr Elliott Davies has carved a multifaceted career that bridges science, law, and leadership. In this edition of Meet the IP Professional, we sit down with Elliott Davies, Patent Attorney, to discuss the journey from physics to patents, the evolving IP landscape, and the values that drive his work with clients across the UK and beyond.

A Journey from the Lab to Legal Practice

After earning a Master’s and a PhD in Physics from the University of Bath, Elliott made the leap from academia into the world of IP—a profession he admits was largely unknown to him at the time.

“There wasn’t a clear path from academia to IP law back then,” Elliott explains. “I had a vague idea I liked law, but I also wanted to hold onto the scientific knowledge I’d built up. Becoming a patent attorney offered the best of both worlds.”

A Methodical Mindset—and an Eye for Detail

It was Elliott’s methodical approach during his final year university project—developing soft magnetic materials for submarine stealth applications—that earned him the British Aerospace Prize for outstanding research. That same precision now serves him well in his legal work.

“In patent law, language is critical. Something as small as a misplaced comma can completely alter the scope of protection,” he says. “Learning to write clearly and concisely has been one of the most valuable skills I brought with me.”

From Football Coaching to IP Mentorship

Elliott’s leadership skills aren’t just forged in the office. As a local football coach for young children, he’s learned the value of patience, clarity, and breaking complex ideas into manageable steps—skills he applies when mentoring trainees in the IP profession.

“It’s about getting the basics right before progressing,” he says. “Whether it’s coaching or onboarding a new attorney, small steps and steady support make all the difference.”

Facing Fears and Growing Through Challenges

Though he jokes about a fear of heights, Elliott identifies public speaking and workplace conflict resolution as his true professional challenges. “We’re trained in law, not necessarily in managing people or speaking in front of large audiences,” he reflects. “But you learn. You keep working at it.”

Innovation, Protection—and the Rise of AI

With over 20 years of experience, Elliott has seen the IP landscape evolve significantly. While legal frameworks often lag behind emerging technologies, he points to artificial intelligence as the most pressing frontier.

“People are using AI to generate patent applications or seek legal advice, but the quality can be superficial. It’s shiny on the surface but lacks depth,” he warns. “AI won’t replace attorneys, but it will transform how we work. We need to be ready.”

Supporting Start-ups and SMEs from Day One

Through his work with the Welsh Government and academic institutions, Elliott has championed early IP engagement for SMEs and start-ups.

“Too often, people wait too long to think about IP. Whether it’s a patent, trademark, or design, these protections should be in place before you go public, certainly with patents” he says. “And good contracts are just as important as registrations.”

Design Rights: The Unsung Hero

Design rights, often overlooked in favour of patents or trademarks, are another area where Elliott sees hidden value.

“They can be quick and cost-effective to secure—but get them wrong, and they’re hard to enforce,” he says, citing the well-known Trunki suitcase case. “It’s not about just filing a form. It’s about doing it right.”

A Portfolio Approach to Innovation

Elliott’s work with clients like Alesi Surgical—known for their Ultravision™ medical technology—highlights the importance of ongoing innovation.

“You start with a core idea, but to stay protected, you need a ring-fence of patents that cover improvements and developments over time. That’s how you build a long-term competitive edge.”

Education and Outreach

Passionate about raising awareness of IP, Elliott regularly teaches at Cardiff University’s School of Dentistry, delivering a module on IP Law as part of their qualification. In addition, Elliott gives presentations to early-stage innovators.

“IP was under the radar when I was a student. I want to change that. Helping people understand and protect their ideas is incredibly rewarding.”

Staying Ahead in a Fast-Moving World

With expertise spanning semiconductors, photonics, telecoms, and medical tech, staying up to date is no small feat.

“It’s tough,” Elliott admits. “I lean on newsletters, industry briefings, and—frankly—my clients. They’re at the forefront, and we’re riding that wave with them.”

Mentorship and Team Culture

As Head of Legal Practice and Compliance Director at Wynne-Jones IP, Elliott plays a central role in shaping both client services and internal culture.

“At Wynne-Jones, we’re not a huge firm. Everyone plays a vital role. That gives us agility and a genuine team ethos. We try to make sure everyone understands how the whole business works.”

He’s especially passionate about mentorship. “When I started, I had a brilliant mentor. I try to offer that same calm, patient guidance to those entering the field today—especially with so many working remotely. It can be difficult to learn soft skills from behind a screen alone.”

Life Outside the Office

When he’s not working on patents or compliance, Elliott pushes his limits with Hyrox events—a mix of endurance running and fitness challenges.

“It’s a bit like a hangover. You always say ‘never again’, but then you sign up for the next one,” he laughs.

And his favourite childhood memory? “Family trips to Blackpool or simple days out at the beach or zoo. It wasn’t about the destination—it was about doing it all together.”

Final Thoughts

Elliott Davies embodies the blend of technical precision, legal expertise, and human connection that defines today’s leading IP professionals. Whether mentoring the next generation, protecting cutting-edge tech, or navigating the fast-evolving world of AI, his work continues to shape the future of innovation.

Connect with Elliott Davies on LinkedIn

Find out more about Wynne Jones IP at Intellectual Property Attorneys | Wynne-Jones IP®

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