Stephen Mohun on IP, Trust, and the Power of Good Advice

If you ask Stephen Mohun how he got into intellectual property, he’ll be the first to admit it wasn’t a lifelong calling. “I’m ashamed to say it was nothing more than a job advert,” he confesses with a laugh. But sometimes the best careers start with curiosity—and in Steve’s case, it sparked a lifelong passion for helping innovators protect and leverage their ideas.

Now the founder of Mohun Aldridge Sykes, Steve has spent nearly four decades advising clients on patents and trademarks, building a reputation for practical, strategic, and empathetic support—especially for those in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. His client base ranges from ambitious start-ups to global corporates, and his advice is always grounded in commercial reality.

“We always start with their bigger goals and work back from there. That’s how we build a real IP strategy—not just a filing plan.”

From Yorkshire Roots to Global Reach

Steve began his career at a local Yorkshire firm and worked his way through larger practices, eventually becoming a partner before founding the firm that became Mohun Aldridge Sykes. Launching his own boutique firm wasn’t just a career pivot—it was a chance to do things his way.

What sets Mohun Aldridge Sykes apart? It’s the depth of relationships. “We genuinely get to know our clients. We’re not just experts on the other end of the phone—we’re part of their strategic team.”

Intellectual Rigor, Commercial Focus

With a background in physics and a mind wired for problem-solving, it’s no surprise Steve is drawn to patent work. “I like understanding how things work,” he says. “Manufacturing clients, especially those in second or third-generation family businesses, are some of my favourites. They’re quietly innovating in ways they don’t always recognise.”

And that’s where Steve sees one of his biggest responsibilities: helping clients see the true value in their ideas. “Too many engineers dismiss their own work as ‘obvious.’ It’s our job to show them that what they’ve created might be valuable—and worthy of protection.”

Helping Clients Navigate Complexity

One of Steve’s great strengths is translating legal complexity into clear, actionable advice. “You have to put yourself in the client’s shoes. Legal jargon just puts up barriers. Our goal is to empower them.”

He’s particularly mindful of budget constraints for early-stage businesses. “The biggest mistake they make is spending too much too soon on the wrong things. We help them build a flexible, strategic IP plan that grows with them.”

A Trusted Partner in Innovation

Steve describes the ideal client relationship as one built on mutual trust. “They need to trust me to give honest, clear advice. And I need to trust that they’re telling me what’s really going on in the business.”

That trust has paid off—whether it’s guiding a manufacturing client into a leadership position through carefully managed IP, or helping a tech start-up secure patents in a notoriously difficult field. “That one surprised even me,” he says, recalling a breakthrough. “But we got there, and today those patents are their most valuable asset.”

Supporting the Next Generation

Mentorship matters to Steve. Mohun Aldridge Sykes welcomes interns and work experience students, giving them a real taste of the profession. “We’ve all had good careers in this field,” he says. “It’s important to put a bit back in.”

Staying Agile in a Changing Landscape

As AI and tech continue to reshape the IP world, Steve stays ahead by listening. “You’ve got to talk to people—clients, colleagues, other professionals—and keep your ear to the ground. The moment you stop adapting, you fall behind.”

His golden rule for entrepreneurs? Talk to your IP attorney early and often. “There’s no such thing as too early, but there’s definitely too late.”

Beyond the Office

When Steve isn’t advising clients or mentoring the next generation, you might find him on stage. A proud member of the Batley Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Steve regularly takes on leading roles—with his recent turn as the captain in H.M.S. Pinafore being a personal highlight. “Both my kids were on stage with me,” he smiles. “There’s nothing better than that.”

Get in Touch with Steve Mohun

With nearly four decades of experience in intellectual property, Stephen Mohun has built a reputation not just for legal precision, but for the kind of clear, trusted advice that clients remember. As founder of Mohun Aldridge Sykes, Steve blends technical expertise with commercial insight—helping innovators protect what matters and make confident decisions along the way.

If you’d like to learn more about how Steve and his team can support your business with clear, commercially focused IP advice, you can visit the Mohun Aldridge Sykes website at https://mohun-ip.co.uk/ or connect with Steve directly on LinkedIn.

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