Meet the IP Professional: Lewis Mullholland – From R&D in China to the Cutting Edge of European IP Law

When you think of a patent attorney, you might picture someone firmly rooted in legal texts. But for Lewis Mullholland, the path into IP began thousands of miles from home—embedded in an R&D team at Cisco Systems in Shanghai, tackling early cloud computing challenges.

“It was a fascinating time,” Lewis recalls. “We were pushing the boundaries of what cloud computing could do. That’s where I first encountered IP—not in theory, but as a practical force shaping innovation.” What began as a hurdle—navigating standards full of patented technologies—became an inspiration. “I saw patents not as obstacles but as drivers of invention. You had to think creatively around them, and that mindset stayed with me.”

Today, Lewis is a Chartered and European Patent Attorney at WP Thompson, with a practice spanning mechanical, electrical, and software technologies. He’s also a registered representative before the Unitary Patent Court, making him one of the legal professionals shaping Europe’s evolving IP landscape.

Serendipity and Strategy

Lewis’s route into the profession wasn’t entirely planned. “After returning from China, I had a potential opportunity to train as a patent attorney in Japan. But a conversation with my grandad led to a different route—a chance meeting with a Liverpool-based firm that ultimately launched my career.”

That was over a decade ago, and Lewis has stayed with WP Thompson ever since. “It just felt right,” he says.

His engineering background remains central to how he works. “Engineers solve problems. Patent law, especially at the EPO, is also about solving problems—framing arguments with clarity. I always try to describe an invention as though I’m talking to my nan. If she can understand it, it’s probably a good specification.”

Listening to Clients, Staying on the Front Line

Lewis’s approach to staying current isn’t just about journals or legal updates. “I like to visit clients, talk to their R&D teams, see what’s happening on the ground. That’s often where you get the best insights—seeing what innovations are bubbling up before they hit the headlines.”

This on-the-ground approach also helps tailor strategies for clients of all sizes. “For startups, it’s about making every penny count. Tools like the UKIPO’s IP Audit scheme can be game changers. For multinationals, it’s about managing large portfolios and aligning strategy with business goals.”

On AI, Ownership, and the Wild West

AI is an unavoidable topic in IP law—and Lewis doesn’t shy away from its challenges. “It’s a quagmire,” he admits, pointing to thorny issues like authorship of AI-generated works and ownership rights over training data. “The UK needs a more robust framework. The tech’s evolving fast, and the UK’s principles-based approach to AI regulation has to keep pace.”

Lewis is pragmatic about AI’s place in his own profession. “AI won’t replace patent attorneys—but it can enhance us.  We are incorporating AI into our practice, enhancing and streamlining its normal operation.  However,  there’s a big caveat: it only works well in the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing. You need expertise to ask the right questions and spot the hallucinations.”

High Stakes, Higher Standards

Lewis also has an insider’s view of the UPC, Europe’s new patent enforcement regime. “It’s faster and cheaper—but also higher risk. If a core piece of IP is critical to your business, you need to tread carefully. Many clients are cautiously sticking with the national systems, at least for now.”

His attention to detail has paid off in difficult cases. He recounts one where the client’s own journal publication was blocking a grant. “It came down to a date in the metadata. I challenged the examiner’s assumption and found the proof. That was the turning point. Once we removed that document from consideration, all the related objections fell away.” The lesson? “Never assume the examiner is right—go back to first principles.”

Beyond the Desk

Outside the office, Lewis has a few unexpected pursuits. He’s currently tackling the Couch to 5K programme and recently walked 35 miles of the Wirral Way. “It’s not quite a marathon yet,” he laughs, “but I’m enjoying the journey.” He’s also revisiting classic Stephen King novels. “I read ‘Thinner’ recently—his early stuff has a certain edge to it.”

These interests, Lewis says, help him connect with clients. “It’s about more than just law. Clients are people. If you can relate to them, they’re more likely to trust you with their ideas.”

Looking Ahead

As for the future of IP law? “All eyes are on AI. It’ll reshape how we examine, register, and enforce IP. But we need to stay human in how we use those tools. There will always be a place for patent attorneys—so long as we evolve with the technology.”

Connect with Lewis Mullholland on LinkedIn

Find out more about WP Thompson at https://www.wpt.co.uk/en/

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