From pharmaceutical patents to international policy, Claire Gregg has built a career that combines scientific expertise, legal insight and professional leadership. As a Principal at Davies Collison Cave in Australia, she is passionate about complex patent disputes, mentoring the next generation of practitioners and strengthening Australia’s contribution to the global intellectual property community.
Areas of Expertise: Chemistry and pharmaceuticals, patent strategy, litigation support, IP policy, mentoring and professional leadership
Finding the perfect balance between science and law
Growing up, Claire Gregg imagined a very different legal career.
Inspired by the criminal law dramas she watched with her mother, she initially set out to become a lawyer. After starting a law degree, however, she found herself increasingly drawn to science instead, eventually pursuing organic chemistry and completing a PhD.
Everything changed when another researcher in her laboratory mentioned they were leaving to become a patent attorney.
“They started telling me about it and I was like, ‘Wait, so I can do law and science without being a lawyer. That’s great.’ It really spoke to me that I could combine both in one profession.”
From that point onwards, Claire knew she had found the career she’d been looking for.
More than two decades later, she says that same combination of science and law continues to keep her engaged.
“The science is always changing. The law is always changing. You learn something new every day. I love that constant intellectual stimulation.”
Drawn to the most challenging work
Today, as a Principal at Davies Collison Cave, Claire specialises in chemistry and pharmaceutical patents, with a particular focus on patent strategy, disputes and litigation support.
While many patent attorneys enter the profession as an alternative to academia, Claire’s motivation was different. She had always wanted to return to law, and intellectual property gave her the opportunity to combine legal reasoning with scientific expertise.
Litigation, in particular, appealed because of the complexity involved.
“That’s where the deepest, most challenging intellectual arguments, reasoning and opportunities come from,” she explains. “I like the depth of knowledge that’s required.”
She also enjoys knowing that her work can make a genuine difference to clients who have invested years of research and significant resources into developing innovative technologies.
One recent highlight was being part of the team that secured Australia’s first preliminary injunction in a pharmaceutical patent case for eight years for Johnson & Johnson, an achievement she describes as particularly rewarding.
Her motivation stems from the enjoyment she has found throughout her own career.
“This profession has given me so much,” she says. “I wanted to give back.”
Professional organisations provide opportunities to help shape law and policy, but just as importantly, they create opportunities to learn from others.
“Everyone you connect with, you learn something new from them and you can teach them something new as well.”
For Claire, stepping outside the immediate environment of her own firm has broadened both her thinking and her understanding of the profession.
Why Australian patent attorneys stand out
Although Australia’s patent attorney profession is relatively small, Claire believes it consistently makes a significant contribution internationally.
She describes Australian practitioners as naturally outward-looking, something shaped by the country’s need to work closely with overseas jurisdictions.
“We’re relatively sophisticated for our size,” she says. “We really have to invest in learning about other systems and being across all of that for our clients.”
That international mindset has also given Australian practitioners an important voice in global discussions.
Claire believes Australia’s patent system strikes a thoughtful balance between protecting applicants’ rights while recognising the interests of third parties. Through her work with international organisations, she has seen elements of the Australian approach recognised as valuable examples during discussions on harmonisation.
More than anything, she believes Australian practitioners understand how their jurisdiction fits into the wider international IP landscape.
Looking beyond Australia’s borders
International collaboration has become one of the most rewarding aspects of Claire’s career.
Through organisations including IPTA and FICPI, she has worked alongside practitioners from many different jurisdictions, contributing to discussions on policy while learning how different countries approach similar legal and commercial challenges.
“It teaches you the value of having a perspective that’s bigger than your own jurisdiction,” she says. “There are so many different ways of practising, different commercial problems and different historical angles on the law.”
Those experiences have reinforced her belief that Australia has much to contribute internationally. Although relatively small, she believes Australia’s patent system has developed a strong balance between the rights of applicants and third parties, and she has been encouraged to see aspects of the Australian approach considered in wider discussions around international harmonisation.
For Claire, international collaboration is most valuable when every jurisdiction has the opportunity to contribute. Different perspectives strengthen policy, improve understanding and ultimately benefit the global IP profession.
Turning great research into global success
Australia has a long history of producing world-class scientific research, and Claire believes the country’s greatest opportunity now lies in turning more of that research into commercial success.
“We’ve got world-leading universities, world-leading research and world-leading science going on here,” she says.
The challenge, in her view, is supporting innovators to take those discoveries beyond the laboratory.
She believes government policy, investment and increasing awareness of intellectual property all have important roles to play in helping Australian innovation reach global markets.
Recent initiatives focusing on commercialisation give her confidence that progress is being made, while research institutions are becoming increasingly strategic in how they manage intellectual property and build partnerships.
If that momentum continues, Claire believes Australia is well placed to strengthen its role within the international innovation landscape.
Investing in future talent
Developing future professionals is something Claire regards as both a responsibility and one of the most rewarding parts of her career.
“The ongoing viability of our profession depends on it,” she says.
She credits many of her own achievements to mentors who invested time in her development and believes supporting the next generation is simply paying that investment forward.
Mentoring also provides opportunities to learn.
“They think about things really differently,” she says when discussing younger professionals entering the IP profession.
Claire has noticed that newer generations often place greater emphasis on work-life balance and wellbeing, while seeking meaningful work much earlier in their careers. Rather than viewing those differences negatively, she believes every generation has something valuable to contribute.
“I don’t think any of those things are good or bad. It’s just different.”
Understanding people as well as patents
Alongside her legal and scientific expertise, Claire has also studied psychology and trained as a Mental Health First Aid Officer.
Rather than fundamentally changing her leadership style, she believes it has helped her better understand how people respond differently to pressure, motivation and challenging situations.
“Everyone responds differently to pressure and challenges. Everyone’s motivated differently.”
The training has also helped her recognise when colleagues may not be okay and, importantly, how to help them access appropriate support while maintaining healthy personal boundaries.
It reflects a leadership approach built on empathy, understanding and recognising that no single management style works for everyone.
Outside the office
When work allows, Claire enjoys slowing the pace.
Her three cats are, she says with a smile, “the best part of my life”, and spending time with them provides the perfect way to switch off.
She also enjoys writing, although she admits that even when she sits down to write for pleasure, she often finds herself producing articles about patent law.
Home improvement projects provide another creative outlet, from decorating to tackling practical jobs around the house.
Travel remains another passion. Although conferences regularly take her around the world, Claire always tries to extend work trips so she can experience more of the places she visits.
Europe is a favourite destination because of its history, culture and food, while countries such as Egypt, India and Cuba have left equally lasting impressions.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on her career, Claire finds it impossible to identify a single achievement that stands above the rest.
Becoming a Principal at one of Australia’s leading IP firms, contributing to a landmark pharmaceutical patent case, serving on the IPTA Council, becoming Vice President and writing for respected IP publications have all brought different kinds of satisfaction.
Yet perhaps the strongest thread running through her career is something less tangible.
She has never viewed intellectual property as simply a profession or a personal career path. Instead, she sees it as a community that benefits from curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to invest in others.
“I don’t see it as just being about me and my career,” she explains. “I love this profession and it means a lot to me. It’s part of who I am, so I want to make sure it’s in really good shape when I eventually leave it.”
Whether advising clients, mentoring future patent attorneys, helping shape policy or representing Australia internationally, Claire continues to be driven by the same curiosity that first led her to intellectual property: the opportunity to keep learning while helping others do the same.
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.
For Tom Gaunt, Head of Intellectual Property at Lewis Silkin, intellectual property is about far more than filing patents. Drawing on international experience and a commercial mindset, he works with businesses to build IP strategies that support innovation, investment and long-term growth in an increasingly complex technology landscape.
Areas of expertise: Patent strategy, IP portfolio management, commercialisation, licensing, innovation strategy, software, telecommunications, automotive and clean technologies
Discovering a career through Japan
Tom’s route into intellectual property began with a desire to experience life overseas rather than a carefully mapped-out career plan.
Having completed a research master’s in materials engineering, he spotted an opportunity to work in Japan, where companies were filing large volumes of patents in consumer electronics, semiconductor manufacturing and LCD technologies. The role combined his technical background with the opportunity to live abroad, making it an easy decision.
What surprised him was how quickly he fell in love with the profession.
“After spending so long focused on one research project, suddenly I was exposed to new technology every day. I could apply science to commercial problems, think about business strategy and get paid to write arguments. It was an incredible job in an incredible place.”
Working in Japan also shaped the way he approaches clients today. Communicating with non-native English speakers taught him the importance of expressing complex ideas clearly, while long-standing client relationships demonstrated the value of trust built over time.
The experience also gave him a valuable perspective on different approaches to working. Seeing first-hand how dedicated and hardworking his colleagues were reinforced his own belief that sustained performance comes from balancing ambition with wellbeing.
“You can be ambitious and hardworking, but work-life balance is essential if you want to do your best work.”
That philosophy has stayed with him throughout his career and continues to influence the way he leads his team today, creating an environment where people can perform at their best while maintaining a healthy balance outside work.
Looking beyond individual IP rights
Today, as Head of Intellectual Property at Lewis Silkin, Tom leads one of the UK’s largest IP practices within a law firm. Rather than viewing patents, trade marks and litigation as separate disciplines, he believes businesses benefit most when IP advice starts with commercial objectives rather than legal processes.
“Clients don’t come to us asking for patents or trade marks in isolation. They come with business problems and business objectives.”
That shift in thinking has transformed the way his team works.
Instead of treating patent filing as a standalone service, Lewis Silkin brings together specialists from across intellectual property to develop coordinated strategies that reflect each client’s commercial ambitions, budget and long-term plans.
The result is a more integrated approach where patents, trade marks, licensing, enforcement and commercial advice all work together to support growth.
Innovation is becoming increasingly interconnected
Much of Tom’s work sits at the intersection of multiple technologies.
Software, communications, automotive engineering and clean technologies increasingly overlap, creating opportunities but also greater complexity.
“What we’re seeing is a convergence of technology. Businesses that historically had very little overlap are now colliding.”
Modern vehicles, for example, increasingly rely on software, communications and perception technologies alongside traditional engineering. That means organisations need IP strategies that help them navigate collaboration, overlapping technologies and increasingly competitive markets.
Rather than focusing solely on protecting inventions, Tom helps businesses build portfolios that give them options for future commercial negotiations, partnerships and growth.
Thinking strategically from the outset
One of the biggest changes Tom has seen over the past decade is the growing recognition that intellectual property extends far beyond patents.
When working with innovative businesses, particularly those establishing R&D functions for the first time, he encourages them to think about all forms of intellectual property together.
“Businesses often see innovation as producing patent applications. We encourage them to think about a whole thicket of IP.”
That wider perspective includes trade secrets, confidential know-how, design rights, employment arrangements and governance processes alongside patents.
By considering these elements from the beginning of an innovation project, businesses retain greater flexibility as technologies develop and commercial opportunities evolve.
Importantly, every conversation starts with the same question.
“What is the business trying to achieve?”
For Tom, the answer should always shape the IP strategy rather than the other way around.
Helping businesses realise the value of innovation
Protecting innovation is only one part of the process.
Tom is particularly interested in helping organisations understand how intellectual property creates commercial value, whether through licensing, investment, partnerships or direct commercialisation.
Businesses may begin with one objective before changing direction as markets evolve, making flexibility essential.
Sometimes that means deliberately choosing not to patent every innovation if retaining proprietary knowledge provides greater long-term advantage.
It also means looking beyond individual patent filings when demonstrating value to investors.
Tom describes work analysing inventor performance by examining historical grant rates, publications and commercial success, helping organisations demonstrate the strength of both their innovation and the teams behind it.
“The value isn’t just in a single patent. It’s much broader than that.”
Collaboration delivers stronger outcomes
For Tom, successful IP advice depends on collaboration across multiple disciplines.
At Lewis Silkin, patent attorneys, trade mark specialists, litigators and commercial lawyers work together throughout the innovation lifecycle, from early horizon scanning through to commercialisation.
Clients also benefit from regular strategic discussions that go beyond individual projects.
Rather than reacting to issues as they arise, these conversations explore market developments, emerging competitors and future technologies that may influence business decisions years ahead.
“It’s about partnering with clients and building the most effective long-term plan.”
The patent attorney of the future
Artificial intelligence is already changing the profession, but Tom believes its greatest value lies in helping patent attorneys spend more time where they add the greatest value.
Routine tasks can increasingly be completed more efficiently, freeing attorneys to focus on strategic thinking, commercial judgement and creative problem-solving.
“It should help you focus on what’s really valuable.”
For those entering the profession, Tom sees learning how to use AI critically and effectively as becoming just as important as developing technical expertise.
In his view, commercial awareness, strategic thinking and the confidence to bridge technical innovation with business objectives will define the next generation of patent attorneys.
Outside the office
Tom believes maintaining a healthy work-life balance is fundamental to performing well professionally.
Outside work, he enjoys hiking, snowboarding and travelling, making sure he always has at least one mountain adventure planned.
Having hiked across the Himalayas, Japan, Korea, Norway and the Alps, one destination continues to stand out.
“Scotland is honestly one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
For Tom, spending time outdoors provides the opportunity to recharge before returning to the demands of leading a large team and advising clients in a fast-moving sector.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on the profession’s evolution, Tom believes intellectual property advisers are becoming increasingly strategic.
Technical excellence remains essential, but today’s clients also need advisers who understand business, investment and commercial growth.
As innovation becomes more interconnected and technologies continue to converge, the role of the patent attorney will increasingly be to help organisations make informed strategic decisions rather than simply protect individual inventions.
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.
Alex Brown and Alex Bone are Partners and Patent Attorneys at Venner Shipley, specialising in mechanical engineering inventions and MedTech innovation. Drawing on decades of combined experience, they help businesses ranging from early-stage startups to multinational organisations develop intellectual property strategies that support innovation, investment and commercial growth.
Areas of Expertise: Mechanical engineering, MedTech innovation, patent strategy, patent prosecution, opposition and appeal proceedings, startup support, Unified Patent Court matters
Different routes into the same profession
Although they now work side-by-side within Venner Shipley’s Mechanical Engineering team, Alex Brown and Alex Bone arrived in the patent profession through very different routes.
For Alex Brown, intellectual property was familiar from an early age. His father was a patent attorney, giving him an unusual insight into a profession that many people only discover after university.
After studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manchester and spending a short period in IT, he realised he wanted a career that combined technology, law and commercial strategy.
“I knew with the intersection of the technology and the law, a career in the patent profession would tick all the boxes that I was interested in.”
Nearly 25 years later, he remains with the same firm, now leading Venner Shipley’s Mechanical Engineering team.
Alex Bone’s journey was more typical of many patent attorneys. While studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge, he attended a lecture delivered by a patent attorney who happened to be recruiting.
The profession immediately appealed to him.
After qualifying in private practice, he moved in-house to Novartis, where he worked with medical device technologies before returning to private practice through A.A. Thornton, which later combined with Venner Shipley.
Together, their different backgrounds provide clients with a blend of private practice, in-house and leadership experience.
Why MedTech continues to inspire
Both attorneys have spent much of their careers working with mechanical inventions and MedTech technologies.
For Alex Brown, mechanical engineering has always held a particular fascination because inventions can be seen, touched and understood through physical interactions.
He points out that despite predictions that software and electronics would dominate innovation, mechanical engineering remains highly active and competitive.
This is especially true in MedTech, where seemingly simple devices often contain highly sophisticated engineering.
Drug delivery systems, safety syringes and inhalers may appear straightforward, but tiny mechanical differences can determine whether a device performs reliably and gains acceptance from healthcare professionals and patients.
Alex Bone shares a similar enthusiasm.
He remains fascinated by the ingenuity required to create mechanical solutions to complex healthcare challenges.
Particularly rewarding are the stories behind many MedTech startups.
Often, innovation begins when an entrepreneur encounters a real-world healthcare problem affecting a family member or friend and decides to solve it.
“They go away and come up with a widget that makes their family member’s life better in some small way, and then they try to make that into a product.”
The changing face of MedTech innovation
Over the course of their careers, both attorneys have witnessed significant changes within the MedTech sector.
One of the most notable developments has been the growing integration of engineering, software, electronics and healthcare data.
Alex Bone highlights the rise of personalised medicine, where treatments and delivery systems are increasingly tailored to individual patients rather than broad populations.
Modern devices often combine mechanical delivery systems with sensors, monitoring technologies and connected applications that track patient compliance and treatment outcomes.
At the same time, the availability of health data generated through wearable technologies has opened new opportunities for innovation.
Alex Brown has seen a similar convergence of disciplines.
Where patent matters were once separated into distinct technical areas, many modern innovations now require collaboration between mechanical, software and life sciences specialists.
Artificial intelligence is also beginning to influence product development, intellectual property management and innovation processes across the healthcare sector.
Helping startups avoid costly mistakes
Supporting startups and spin-outs is a significant part of both attorneys’ work.
While innovation may begin with a strong technical idea, both emphasise that intellectual property should be considered from the earliest stages of business development.
According to Alex Bone, one of the most common mistakes is postponing IP discussions until significant time and money have already been invested.
By that stage, businesses may discover third-party patent barriers or realise they have inadvertently disclosed valuable innovations before obtaining protection.
Alex Brown sees similar challenges, particularly among university spin-outs and academic founders.
Researchers are often accustomed to publishing their findings as quickly as possible. However, public disclosure before filing a patent application can seriously undermine protection opportunities.
Ownership issues can also create difficulties.
Without clear agreements regarding who owns newly developed intellectual property, problems may emerge later when businesses seek investment or commercial partnerships.
Both attorneys stress the importance of establishing a clear IP strategy early, even if formal filings come later.
Building confidence for investors and partners
A well-developed IP strategy does more than protect innovation. It can also play a crucial role in attracting investment.
Investors want confidence that the technology they are supporting can be protected and commercialised successfully.
“If there isn’t IP protection around the technology, it’s difficult to persuade someone to invest in something that someone else could easily copy,” explains Alex Brown.
Alex Bone adds that a strong strategy can also reduce uncertainty.
Freedom-to-operate reviews, competitor monitoring and ongoing IP planning help demonstrate that risks have been assessed and managed appropriately.
For startups seeking funding, partnerships or acquisition opportunities, that reassurance can be invaluable.
Navigating a changing patent landscape
The introduction of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) has added another dimension to European patent strategy.
According to Alex Brown, the UPC offers significant opportunities through centralised enforcement across multiple jurisdictions. However, it also introduces strategic decisions regarding risk and protection.
Some businesses embrace unitary patents and central enforcement, while others prefer a more cautious approach using traditional national validations.
Alex Bone notes that many smaller companies are attracted by the cost-effectiveness of obtaining broad European coverage through a unitary patent.
For larger organisations, strategic considerations around enforcement and revocation often play a greater role.
As with many aspects of intellectual property, there is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution.
What makes the profession rewarding
Despite decades in the profession, both attorneys remain enthusiastic about their work.
For Alex Bone, much of the enjoyment comes from problem solving.
Patent prosecution, oppositions and hearings often involve finding creative solutions within strict legal and technical constraints.
Every case presents a new puzzle.
He also enjoys working closely with smaller businesses where intellectual property can have a direct and significant impact on commercial success.
Alex Brown values the trusted relationships he has built with clients over many years.
Being involved early in the innovation process and working alongside research, development and commercial teams provides a deeper understanding of the technologies and businesses he supports.
He also continues to enjoy opposition and appeal work, where high-stakes disputes bring additional challenge and excitement.
Beyond client work, he finds fulfilment in helping to grow teams, develop people and contribute to the strategic direction of the firm.
Outside the office
Away from intellectual property, both attorneys enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors. But perhaps their most obvious shared interest is a passion for cars and motorsport.
For Alex Brown, much of his free time revolves around his three children and their activities. He also plays squash and enjoys track days, combining his engineering background with a love of driving. Over the years he has owned and driven a variety of performance and track-focused cars. Although these days he particularly enjoys extracting the maximum performance from smaller, lighter vehicles.
Alex Bone shares a similar enthusiasm for cars and track driving. While he jokes that some of his automotive adventures have not always gone entirely to plan, including the loss of a TVR during a particularly wet track day, he remains on the lookout for his next classic car project.
Beyond motorsport, Alex Bone enjoys running, walking and spending time outdoors. Regular walks along the South Downs and the Seven Sisters coastline provide a welcome opportunity to switch off. While running offers a chance to clear his mind away from the demands of client work.
Their shared enthusiasm for engineering extends well beyond the office. Reflecting the curiosity and problem-solving mindset that first drew both of them into the patent profession.
Looking ahead
When asked for one piece of advice for MedTech startups, both attorneys returned to a common theme: think about intellectual property early.
Understanding what makes an innovation valuable, identifying the true “crown jewels” of a business and creating a clear IP strategy from the outset can prevent costly mistakes later.
As MedTech continues to evolve through advances in engineering, data, software and artificial intelligence, those foundations are likely to become even more important.
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.
Saiful Khan is an Owner at Potter Clarkson with more than 25 years of experience in intellectual property. Working across a diverse range of technologies and international markets, he combines technical expertise with a strong commitment to education, diversity and inclusion, and helping clients make informed strategic decisions.
Name:Saiful Khan Role: Owner, Patent Attorney Firm / Organisation:Potter Clarkson Location: United Kingdom Areas of expertise: Patent strategy, software and AI inventions, telecommunications, international patent prosecution, licensing, diversity and inclusion
Finding the right path into IP
Like many people in the profession, Saiful’s route into intellectual property was not entirely planned.
After completing a PhD, he explored a number of possible career options, including academic research and management consultancy. One opportunity even involved research into spray technologies that reminded him of the needleless injections featured in Star Trek, a programme he readily admits being a fan of.
Ultimately, IP appealed because it brought together technical, commercial and legal thinking. It also played to one of his strengths: translating complex concepts into something others can understand.
“I’ve always been at the interface where I can work with people who are really smart and bring things down to something that can be understood by a wider audience,” he explains.
What convinced him he had found the right profession was the people. Early in his career, he recognised a shared way of thinking and problem-solving among his peers, and that gave him confidence that he belonged in the profession.
Leading through service
Saiful has been an Owner at Potter Clarkson for nearing two decades and previously served on the firm’s Board during a period of significant growth and transformation.
Looking back, he describes leadership as both a privilege and a responsibility. Rather than focusing on personal achievement, he sees leadership as an opportunity to serve others and help create the conditions for collective success.
“It is all about service,” he says. “How do you best serve, given the talents that each person has?”
His approach combines attention to detail with an understanding of the bigger picture. Whether advising clients or helping shape business strategy, he believes successful decision-making requires a deep understanding of people, systems and long-term objectives.
The attraction of variety
One of the aspects Saiful enjoys most about his work is the sheer breadth of technologies he encounters.
His background in engineering and materials science provided a foundation that has allowed him to work across disciplines ranging from medical devices and nanotechnology to telecommunications, software and artificial intelligence.
For Saiful, the appeal lies in the opportunity to continually learn.
“I’ve enjoyed knowing a little bit about this and a little bit about that,” he says. “It’s about understanding.”
That curiosity remains central to his work today and is something he believes is essential for anyone considering a career in patents.
Technology, AI and the importance of critical thinking
Having worked extensively with software-related inventions throughout his career, Saiful has observed first-hand how approaches to patenting software and AI continue to evolve across different jurisdictions.
While examination practices differ between patent offices around the world, he believes many of the established principles used for software inventions will continue to shape the treatment of AI-related technologies.
Beyond the legal and technical questions, however, he is particularly interested in the wider societal impact of AI.
For Saiful, access to information has never been greater, but information alone is not enough.
“Knowledge is at our fingertips, but it is not a substitute for critical thinking,” he says.
He believes education remains as important as ever and is concerned that overreliance on technology could reduce opportunities for people to develop the experience and judgement that come from solving problems themselves.
Rather than replacing human capability, he hopes AI will enhance it.
“What I’d like is for AI to make us smarter and better, not replace our capabilities.”
Understanding what matters to clients
Saiful’s client base ranges from multinational corporations managing extensive patent portfolios to SMEs and individual inventors making critical early-stage decisions.
While the scale may differ, his approach remains consistent: understand what the client is trying to achieve and provide advice that reflects their circumstances.
One question he frequently asks smaller businesses is simple but revealing: “Why is this important to you?”
For larger organisations, conversations often focus on how a particular patent fits within broader commercial and technology strategies. For smaller clients, each decision can carry greater significance.
What he enjoys most is helping clients navigate those choices and becoming a trusted adviser rather than simply a service provider.
The value of an international perspective
International collaboration has been a defining feature of Saiful’s career. Through his work with organisations including CIPA, AIPPI and IP Inclusive, he has developed a global perspective on both the profession and the issues shaping it.
He believes international engagement is fundamental to modern IP practice.
Although patent systems are not fully harmonised, he sees significant commonality across jurisdictions and believes understanding different perspectives leads to better outcomes for clients and the profession alike.
Perhaps more importantly, he says international collaboration reinforces a shared sense of humanity.
“What I find in the IP profession is that there are very, very many like-minded people in the international domain.”
Creating opportunities through diversity and inclusion
Alongside his client work, Saiful is widely recognised for his commitment to diversity and inclusion.
His motivation is straightforward: talent exists everywhere, and the profession should do everything possible to ensure people have the opportunity to succeed.
“For me, it’s always been about talent,” he explains.
Having progressed from what he describes as a position of low privilege to one of significant professional privilege, he feels a responsibility to help others access similar opportunities.
He is particularly passionate about ensuring people are judged on their abilities and potential, rather than their background or personal characteristics.
“What I’d like is for everybody who’s outstanding to be given that opportunity to progress.”
Supporting the next generation
Education and mentoring are also important parts of Saiful’s professional life.
As a tutor and international workshop leader, he values the opportunity not only to share knowledge but also to learn from others.
Teaching reinforces his own understanding while exposing him to different perspectives and approaches.
For those considering a career in patents, he highlights curiosity, analytical thinking and strong communication skills as essential attributes. Technical expertise matters, but so does the ability to understand complex information and confidently defend your own position.
Ultimately, he believes professionals must take responsibility for developing their own judgement rather than relying on others, or technology, to provide the answers.
Outside the office
Away from work, walking has become one of Saiful’s favourite ways to unwind.
Whether enjoying local walks with friends or taking part in guided walking holidays with his wife, he values the combination of exercise, conversation and time outdoors.
Travel also plays a role in helping him recharge. Recent highlights have included walking in Switzerland and exploring the Canadian Rockies, while future plans include a guided walking holiday in Jordan.
Although he admits he does not play as often as he would like, tennis remains another long-standing passion. Given the choice of an alternative career, he jokes that becoming an international tennis player might have been an attractive option.
Looking ahead
When asked what he hopes to see from technology over the next decade, Saiful returns to a theme that runs throughout both his career and his outlook on life: connection.
Drawing on his experience working in telecommunications, he believes the best technologies bring people together rather than drive them apart.
His hope is that future innovations, particularly in AI, will help people become more informed, thoughtful and capable, while maintaining appropriate safeguards and accountability.
“I’d like to see technology make us better human beings.”
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.
Phil Sanger is the founder of Grey Wolf IP, where he advises startups and SMEs on patents with the benefit of a technical background in mechanical engineering. He talks about building a flexible, client-focused practice, helping smaller businesses make commercially sensible IP decisions, and using plain language to demystify patents.
Name: Phil Sanger Role: Founder and patent attorney Firm / organisation: Grey Wolf IP Location: Royal Leamington Spa, England Areas of expertise: Patents, startups and SMEs, mechanical engineering, software, telecoms, commercial IP advice, client strategy, patent education
From engineering to IP
Phil did not start out with a plan to become a patent attorney. He worked as an engineer for nearly four years after university, spending a year in Detroit in the automotive industry before deciding to return to the UK.
When he began looking at other options, a friend who was training as a patent attorney suggested the career might suit him. Phil was intrigued by the exams, the technical challenge and the long-term opportunity. He left engineering and took a role as a trainee at Withers & Rogers.
Building his own practice
The move into private practice eventually led to something more independent. Phil says he had reached a point where he was thinking about whether he really wanted partnership at a large firm or a different way of working.
He was drawn to SMEs, where he felt he could do the best work. A client (also a founder) encouraged him to set up on his own, and the timing felt right. He describes the decision as a mix of professional confidence and the simple belief that you only get one chance at these things.
Why smaller clients matter
Phil’s work now focuses strongly on startups and SMEs. He says every patent matters more to these clients because budgets are tighter and the commercial stakes are higher.
That means the advice has to be closely tied to business strategy. He wants to understand what the business is trying to do and how a patent application fits into that plan. In larger companies, he says, patents can sometimes be treated more like a numbers game. For smaller businesses, they are often core to the value of the business itself.
Engineering as an advantage
His engineering background still shapes the way he speaks with clients. Phil believes people often become guarded when they think they are talking to a lawyer, but technical familiarity from his experience as an engineer helps them relax.
He can talk to inventors in their own language because he has worked as an engineer in both large and small businesses. That experience, he says, helps him get closer to the business and give better advice. He is comfortable stepping beyond his strict technical comfort zone, too, as long as he can understand what the inventor is telling him.
Clear advice, not legal noise
Phil is keen on making IP accessible. He says the key is to understand the law, apply it to the facts and then explain the outcome in simple language.
He does not think attorneys should hide behind options. His preference is to explain the choices and then give a view on what he would do in the client’s position. Clients, he says, value that steer. He also sees education as part of the job, especially for people new to IP who need help understanding what the process means in practice.
Long-term client relationships
A strong client relationship, for Phil, is one where people feel able to pick up the phone without hesitation. He likes it when clients come to him early with ideas, problems and questions, not just with narrow patent instructions.
He also values being the trusted first call, whether that happens by phone, WhatsApp or voice note. Word-of-mouth referrals matter to him as a sign that the relationship is working. In his view, that is one of the best measures of success.
Changing landscape
Phil sees AI as one of the biggest shifts affecting the patent landscape, especially for startups and scaleups. He says many clients are already using AI tools to help shape early patent drafts, which raises questions about confidentiality and quality.
What interests him most is not the final output, but the conversation the client had with the AI while refining the invention. That can reveal useful detail for a quality patent draft.
Business lessons
Running his own firm has taught Phil that professional success and personal fulfilment often come from unexpected places. He says he still loves the work, but owning and running a business is a discipline in itself.
He works with a business coach, and he is still learning about strategy, hiring, marketing and finance. That ongoing learning is part of what he enjoys. He sees business ownership as a long-term skill, not a fixed destination.
Life beyond patents
Outside work, Phil spends much of his time with his two sons. He also plays squash, watches films and goes to gigs. More recently, he has started a year-long fitness programme focused on strength training and staying healthy.
He mentioned music and film with obvious enthusiasm, especially Sinners, which he found memorable for the way it mixes music, history and genre. He is also a fan of films that play with time, which connects neatly to the way he thinks about complex legal ideas.
Explaining law through film
For his pop-culture comparison, Phil chose Tenet. He sees a parallel between the film’s simple core idea and the way priority works in patent law.
Priority, he says, sounds straightforward at first. But once you start working through the practical consequences, it becomes complicated and a little mind-bending, much like how time works in the film. It is a playful but fitting way of showing how he likes to make technical subjects more relatable.
Advice for newcomers
Phil’s advice to anyone considering a move from engineering or another technical background into IP is to get some work experience first. He says the profession is rewarding, interesting and full of different career paths, but it is not engineering.
There is a lot of learning, a lot of exams and a major shift towards words and communication. Even so, he thinks the profession suits people who enjoy challenge and variety. After around 20 years in the field, he still loves it.
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.
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.
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.
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