Meet IP Professional: Stephen Carter—Engineering Innovation into IP Success with The Intellectual Property Works

A Journey Rooted in Engineering Passion

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.

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