Matt Maitland is a UK and European patent attorney and US patent agent based just outside Boston. With experience in private practice and as in-house IP counsel at a US start-up, he brings a cross-border perspective to patent drafting, prosecution and international filing strategy.
Quick Profile
Name:Matt Maitland Role: UK & European Patent Attorney; US Patent Agent Organisation: Independent / formerly in private practice and in-house counsel Location: Greater Boston, USA Areas of expertise: Cross-border patent strategy, US and European prosecution, drafting, international filing strategy
From London to Boston
Matt began his career in private practice in London, later moving to the United States for family reasons. That move proved professionally transformative. Alongside qualifying as a US patent agent, he worked closely with both US and European practitioners, often acting as a bridge between the two systems.
Early in his career, he was fortunate to work with a UK-based technology client that filed widely across the world. Seeing the same inventions prosecuted in Europe, the US, China, Japan, India and Korea provided a powerful education.
“You learn a huge amount by watching how different offices treat the same application,” he explains. “Something that is not an issue in Europe might become a major hurdle in Japan or the US.”
That comparative experience shaped his understanding of how examiners operate, how prior art travels between jurisdictions, and how strategy in one country can affect another.
Understanding the Differences That Matter
For Matt, one of the most striking contrasts between systems lies in the treatment of added matter.
“The difference in approach between Europe and the US is enormous,” he says. In Europe, the ability to amend is tightly constrained. Understanding what support exists in the original filing is critical, and missteps can be fatal.
By contrast, US practice allows greater latitude in making amendments. That flexibility can help address unforeseen issues, but it does not remove the need for strong drafting from the outset.
He also highlights the US approach to obviousness. US examiners frequently combine multiple documents, sometimes from different technical fields, to support an obviousness rejection. To European practitioners, this can seem excessive, even perverse. Yet within the US legal framework, it is often entirely permissible.
Being dual-qualified allows Matt to explain these differences in practical terms. “Sometimes it’s just translating concepts,” he says. “A US colleague might be talking about enablement, while a European colleague might be talking about sufficiency, without them realizing that they are both talking about essentially the same issue”. The terminology differs, but the broad principles are the same.”
Getting It Right the First Time
When asked what absolutely needs to be right at filing, Matt is clear: the claims.
“In Europe, you can’t really fix poorly-drafted claims later,” he says. Moreover, because the claims typically act as a “blueprint” for the description, errors in the logic, terminology, and breadth of the claims tend to be replicated within the description. Consequently, finding support for curative amendments can be difficult — even under the more lenient approach applied in the US.
Where the independent claims have been drafted too broadly, the description and dependent claims will often lack sufficient technical detail to support amendments that would distinguish over the prior art.A good pre-filing search is therefore invaluable. If prior art can be found in an hour, an examiner will find it too. That knowledge helps calibrate the initial scope of the independent claim, and ensures that the dependent claims provide meaningful fallback positions.
Matt also advocates including multiple independent claims of differing scope, even in European filings. While not always common practice, he believes this approach introduces useful linguistic diversity. It forces the drafter to consider the invention from different angles and increases the chance of having suitable language available if clarity objections arise later.
Drafting as a Sales Pitch
One of Matt’s most distinctive analogies is that a patent application should function as a sales pitch.
“You’re persuading someone that this invention solves a real technical problem,” he explains. That approach is effective within the European problem-solution framework and, in the US, can resonate in litigation before a jury.
However, the scope of the “sales pitch” must match the scope of the claims. For example, if the claims cover vehicles in general, the description should not focus exclusively on motorcycles. Mismatches can cause claim interpretation issues in the US and essential element objections in Europe.
He also likens drafting to telling a joke. Timing matters. “You don’t want to give away the punchline too early,” he says. Revealing too much too soon can undermine both inventive step arguments in Europe and obviousness arguments in the US.
Choosing the Right Territories
In his recent in-house role at a start-up, Matt had to design an international filing strategy from scratch. That meant making hard choices about where to invest.
The starting point, he believes, is data. Market size statistics are often freely available and can quickly reveal which territories deliver meaningful commercial opportunity. In many cases, four or five jurisdictions may cover the majority of the global market.
Industry characteristics also matter. In highly regulated sectors, such as medical devices or autonomous vehicles, regulatory barriers can limit where competitors are likely to launch. In some cases, protection in a small number of key markets may provide sufficient leverage.
Filing in the wrong territory rarely causes immediate disaster. Failing to protect the right subject matter, however, can. If a core concept is not properly claimed at the outset, it may be impossible to recover later. For a start-up built around a small number of key technologies, that risk can be existential.
Budgets, Quality and the Role of AI
With increasing pressure on IP budgets, Matt warns against cutting corners on drafting.
“It’s a false economy,” he says. He would rather reduce the number of territories than compromise the quality of the application itself. Poor drafting can create problems that cannot be fixed.
He sees artificial intelligence as part of the solution. Law firms may be cautious, but economic pressure is driving adoption. Used responsibly, AI tools can help practitioners draft more efficiently, rephrase concepts, and identify potential clarity issues.
Ultimately, though, expertise remains central. “If you think an expert is expensive, try employing a layman,” he notes. The cost of fixing mistakes later (where that is even possible) can far exceed the upfront investment in getting it right.
Outside the Office
Away from patent practice, Matt prioritises fitness. Having played rugby for many years, he now focuses on weight training and running, weather permitting. Winters near Boston can be severe, with heavy snowfall disrupting school runs and outdoor plans.
He is also a keen cook and baker. He makes all the meals at home and has developed a particular enthusiasm for homemade pizza and bread. British-style wholemeal and granary loaves remain firm favourites, even if sourcing the right flour in the US requires some creativity.
Cooking, he says, provides a welcome contrast to the analytical demands of patent work. It is practical, creative and immediately rewarding.
Looking Ahead
For innovators filing their first international patent application, Matt offers two pieces of advice: choose the right adviser and invest in quality.
Interview potential counsel. Make sure they understand your technology and that you work well together. For early-stage companies, a single well-drafted application can shape the future of the business.
“Getting this right could be the difference between success and failure,” he says. “And it’s very hard to fix later.”
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.
Sam Judge is a partner and patent attorney at Page White Farrer, specialising in chemical and pharmaceutical patent work. With experience spanning drafting, prosecution, opposition and appeals, Sam brings a calm, analytical approach to complex matters, shaped by hands-on industry experience and a steady progression within a full-service IP firm.
Quick profile
Name: Sam Judge Role: Partner and Patent Attorney Firm:Page White Farrer Location: London, UK Areas of expertise: Chemical and pharmaceutical patents, drafting and prosecution, European oppositions and appeals, portfolio strategy
From chemistry to patents
Sam’s route into the patent profession began early, sparked by exposure to laboratory work before university. A short internship at the National Physical Laboratory introduced him to hands-on scientific research, but it also prompted some frank advice. Several colleagues suggested that patent law offered stronger long-term prospects for someone with a scientific background.
That advice stayed with him. While studying chemistry at university, Sam explored what the patent attorney role involved and recognised it as a good fit. He enjoyed theory and problem-solving more than lab work, and the profession offered a way to stay close to science without being tied to the bench.
Graduating during the financial crisis shaped his next steps. Sam spent time working in the pharmaceutical industry as an analytical chemist, gaining valuable practical experience before completing a postgraduate certificate in IP law. That combination helped him secure a traineeship and begin formal training in the profession.
Growing within one firm
Sam joined Page White Farrer in 2012 and has progressed from trainee to partner within the firm. He credits this development not to a single defining moment, but to a series of incremental experiences and supportive supervision along the way.
Early training played an important role. Having a patient and even-handed supervisor helped Sam persevere through the demanding exam process and build confidence in his developing skills. Over time, exposure to different senior colleagues also allowed him to observe and adopt approaches he admired, particularly in how technical arguments and amendments were presented.
A broad chemical practice
Today, Sam is the firm’s lead chemist. His work focuses primarily on pharmaceuticals, supported by experience in materials science and other chemical technologies that come across a varied client base. He handles drafting and prosecution work alongside European opposition matters, giving him a rounded view of how applications stand up under challenge.
That combination directly informs his approach. Seeing how claims are attacked in opposition helps him identify potential weaknesses during drafting. Equally, experience drafting broad claims provides insight into where opposing parties are likely to press their arguments. For Sam, these different strands of work reinforce each other rather than sitting in isolation.
Alongside technical work, Sam has become increasingly involved in business development. This includes speaking at conferences, engaging with clients directly, and expanding relationships internationally, particularly with contacts in India that have grown from inherited client work.
Keeping perspective under pressure
With experience comes confidence, and Sam describes a noticeable shift in how he now handles complex or high-stakes matters. Situations that might once have felt intimidating are approached calmly, informed by having seen similar issues before.
That does not mean taking the work lightly. Sam is acutely aware that the inventions he advises on often represent years of research and significant investment. However, he believes that staying calm is essential. Clients need clear thinking, and effective advocacy depends on identifying issues and addressing them methodically.
This mindset also extends to communication. Early in his career, Sam tended towards very formal written correspondence. Over time, he learned to adapt tone depending on the audience. The underlying principles have stayed the same; what has changed is the scale, with advice now often framed at portfolio level rather than around a single application.
Learning through teaching and mentoring
Although client work remains central, Sam also values the perspective gained from teaching and mentoring. Delivering occasional lectures and training sessions exposes him to unexpected questions that force a return to first principles. These moments highlight how concepts that feel routine to practitioners can be challenging for others.
Mentoring new starters serves a similar purpose. Being asked to explain why things are done in a certain way prompts reflection on habits formed through experience. For Sam, this helps avoid relying too heavily on instinct and keeps his reasoning sharp and explicit.
Watching the profession evolve
In terms of wider trends, Sam sees European patent practice as relatively stable. Incremental procedural debates continue, but no single issue dominates day-to-day advice. The area he is watching most closely is artificial intelligence. While there is significant discussion around generative AI and its potential role in drafting, Sam remains cautious but is open to its future impact.
Switching off beyond the office
Away from work, Sam has found very different ways to reset. Since mid-2024, he has been taking flying lessons in gliders, an experience he describes as worlds apart from patent law. While both involve precision and learning how systems work, flying requires quicker decision-making and physical coordination.
He also runs regularly, preferring to head out alone and set his own pace. Running offers a simple mental reset, with no structure beyond putting one foot in front of the other. Travel and hiking feature too, with memorable trips including Iceland and Japan, where scenery and food have been as much a draw as the destinations themselves.
Lessons learned
When asked what advice he would give to those earlier in their IP careers, Sam’s answer is consistent and deliberate: don’t panic. Patent work is, at its core, about advocacy. Understanding that, and learning how to apply it calmly, comes with time and experience.
If there is a single principle guiding his approach today, it is exactly that. Keep calm, focus on what needs to be done, and deal with each issue clearly and methodically.
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.
Jane Wainwright is a former patent attorney and equity partner who now works as a coach supporting IP professionals. After 23 years in private practice, including leadership roles at Potter Clarkson, she founded her own coaching business to help individuals across the IP sector navigate career progression, leadership pressure and personal growth.
Quick Profile
Name:Jane Wainwright Role: Executive and Leadership Coach Organisation:Starry Eyed Pragmatics Location: UK Areas of expertise: Coaching IP professionals, leadership development, career progression, strengths and values work, team and group coaching
From patent attorney to coach
Jane spent 23 years in the patent profession, beginning as a trainee and progressing to equity partner and Head of Biotech at Potter Clarkson. She also served on the executive board. Alongside her technical work, she increasingly found herself drawn to leadership and people development.
While a partner, she set up a leadership development programme for junior partners preparing for equity. The programme included coaching and training in areas not typically covered in attorney qualifications, such as finance and HR. As part of the first cohort, Jane undertook coaching herself.
That experience proved pivotal. Coaching helped her develop her leadership style and think differently about how she supported others. Encouraged by her own coach, she undertook formal coach training. Over time, she realised that coaching was the work she most enjoyed.
Leaving the profession after more than two decades was daunting. But she describes the move as a way of giving back to a profession that had shaped her career. Today, she works primarily with IP professionals, combining sector understanding with independent perspective.
What IP professionals bring to coaching
Jane is careful not to oversimplify the issues her clients face. While there are recurring themes, every coaching relationship is different.
Career progression and promotion feature strongly, particularly for those aiming for equity partnership. Many want to develop executive presence, authority or confidence in leadership roles. Others are balancing professional ambition with family life and personal commitments.
She also sees a strong perfectionist tendency within the IP profession. High standards are essential, but perfectionism can become exhausting. A key part of her work is helping people recognise when “good enough” really is enough.
At senior levels, challenges can become more isolating. Partners and firm owners often lack safe spaces to discuss pressures or uncertainties. Conversations with peers may feel commercially sensitive. Coaching provides an independent, confidential environment where they can explore concerns openly.
Coaching versus training and mentoring
Jane draws a clear distinction between professional training, mentoring and coaching.
Training focuses on learning the technical and legal aspects of the job. Mentoring involves sharing experience and advice from someone further along the path.
Coaching, by contrast, is not about giving answers. It is about asking the right questions and creating space for reflection. The client does most of the talking. The coach facilitates exploration and problem-solving, helping the individual find their own solutions.
For Jane, the value lies in enabling people to think clearly about what matters to them. She works extensively with strengths and values. By understanding personal values, clients can assess whether their work aligns with what matters most to them. Where there is misalignment, they can consider changes.
Similarly, identifying strengths helps people “job craft” within their role. Someone strong in relationship building may thrive in business development. Someone with exceptional attention to detail may excel in professional standards or training roles. Aligning work with strengths often increases both effectiveness and satisfaction.
Pressure, vulnerability and progression
Jane believes coaching can be valuable at many career stages, but particularly at the senior end.
As responsibility increases, opportunities for open and vulnerable conversation often decrease. Prospective partners may hesitate to share concerns with existing partners. Established partners may worry about appearing uncertain in front of peers.
Coaching creates space for honest reflection without judgement. It can also help individuals understand the realities of business ownership before stepping into partnership. This preparation can make leadership transitions smoother.
She also challenges assumptions about the cost of coaching. While it requires time, she sees clear commercial benefits. Greater confidence, stronger client relationships and improved performance in areas such as oral proceedings can outweigh the investment.
Growth on both sides
Coaching has shaped Jane’s own development as much as it has her clients’.
Through her training and practice, she came to recognise and address her own imposter syndrome. Seeing the impact of her work on others has strengthened her confidence. Measuring the difference she makes for clients has been more tangible than measuring her own achievements in isolation.
What motivates her most is witnessing change. She describes the satisfaction of seeing someone move from confusion or stress to clarity and action. Promotions, improved confidence or simply a renewed sense of direction all bring a visible shift.
For Jane, that moment when “the spark” appears makes the work worthwhile.
Life beyond IP
Outside work, Jane describes herself as someone who does “lots of different things, but nothing” — a reflection of varied interests rather than inactivity.
She enjoys time with her cockapoo, long walks and camper van adventures. Travel is a particular passion, especially visits to Disney parks and cruises, which she describes as her “happy place”. She also experiments with 3D design, digital illustration and creative projects.
Closer to home, a favourite regular walk is at Shipley Country Park near Ilkeston, a 5.5km route through fields, trees and reservoirs. It is a simple routine that offers space and perspective.
Ready to be coachable
For IP professionals curious about coaching, Jane offers a clear message. Coaching can be for anyone, but it requires readiness.
Being “coachable” means being open to change and willing to put in the work. Without that commitment, coaching may not be effective. With it, the possibilities can be significant.
After more than two decades in the patent profession, Jane’s focus has shifted from drafting and prosecution to personal development and leadership growth. Yet her aim remains aligned with the profession she knows well: helping people perform at their best, in ways that are sustainable and true to who they are.
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.
Mark Sweetinburgh is a dual-qualified patent and trade mark attorney and co-founder of Sweetinburgh & Windsor. Based in Crawley, he works closely with UK businesses to provide commercially focused IP advice. His perspective reflects both long-standing technical expertise and the realities of running an independent IP firm.
Quick profile
Name:Mark Sweetinburgh Role: Partner, Patent and Trade Mark Attorney Firm:Sweetinburgh & Windsor Location: Crawley, West Sussex, UK Areas of expertise: Patents, trade marks, registered designs, freedom to operate, commercially focused IP strategy
From biochemistry to intellectual property
Mark’s route into the IP profession was shaped by curiosity rather than a fixed career plan. After studying biochemistry at the University of Bath, he knew research was not for him long term. What appealed instead was understanding how things work and applying that knowledge in a practical way.
An advert in New Scientist introduced him to the patent profession, without the language requirements he had assumed were mandatory. The role offered variety, exposure to cutting-edge technology, and a legal dimension that appealed. He entered the profession in 2001 and trained in London before deciding that commuting and city life were not where he wanted to stay.
Shaping a commercially focused approach
Mark’s early years were spent in medium-sized firms with strong client contact. Working closely with universities and SMEs helped shape a practical, commercially minded outlook that still defines his work today.
Although trained as a biochemist, his practice quickly broadened. Mechanical inventions, trade marks and infringement matters became part of his everyday work. That breadth, he feels, benefits many of the businesses he works with, particularly those looking for joined-up advice across patents, trade marks and designs alongside their wider commercial strategy.
A consistent question has guided his career: what is the point of filing a patent? Keeping that commercial focus has influenced both the advice he gives and the type of firm he wanted to build.
Founding an independent firm
The idea of running his own firm appealed early on and Mark founded
Sweetinburgh & Windsor in 2011 with Louise Windsor. With a growing team they have expanded their technical expertise whilst keeping a focus on what is important to clients and work closely with clients who value a hands-on, almost in-house style of support.
Wearing multiple hats
Day to day, Mark balances technical work with the realities of running a small business. Client work remains central, but his role also involves marketing, training, managing the team and thinking strategically about growth.
He enjoys the variety. Working with clients on grant funding, freedom to operate and IP strategy keeps the role interesting and connected to how businesses actually operate.
Training is another important strand. Mark regularly works with inventors to help them recognise patentable ideas and understand how IP fits into their wider commercial plans. He also delivers talks to students and schools, helping demystify the profession and highlight it as a career option.
How the profession has changed
One of the biggest shifts Mark has seen is the changing structure of the profession itself. When he started, most firms were London-based and relatively large. Regional and small independent firms were far less common.
That has changed significantly, particularly over the past decade. Remote working and consultancy models have opened up more choice, both for clients and for IP professionals. Mark sees this as a positive development. Businesses can now choose advisers that better match their size, sector and way of working.
The role of the patent attorney has also evolved. It is no longer about reading and writing letters in isolation. Client contact, commercial awareness and strategic thinking are now central to the job.
Leading and supporting others
Mark describes his leadership style as leading by example. Experience has shaped his approach, but the core aim has stayed the same: creating an environment where people are supported and able to shape their roles around their interests.
Flexibility is key. In a smaller firm, roles can evolve, and that adaptability benefits both staff and clients. Mark sees this as one of the strengths of independent practice.
Outside the office
Away from work, Mark values time that helps him switch off. He enjoys spending time with family, walking, reading and DIY. Fixing and building things has been a long-standing interest, one that mirrors his professional curiosity.
Sport also plays a role. He plays football weekly when he can, enjoys golf, and likes watching a wide range of sports. Switching off work phones and creating clear boundaries is important, particularly in a world of hybrid working.
Reflections and lessons learned
Looking back, one lesson stands out. Peaks and troughs are part of professional life, especially when running a firm. Learning not to panic during quiet periods, and not to struggle in silence during busy ones, has been important.
Asking for help, outsourcing when needed, and being open about workload are lessons Mark wishes he had embraced earlier. They remain relevant at every stage of a career.
Upcoming events
Mark is planning to attend CITMA in London in March and INTA in London in May. If you’re attending either event and would like to connect, he’s always happy to hear from fellow IP professionals.
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.
Nonny Jones is a UK and European patent attorney and co-founder of Alembia Intellectual Property. With a background in chemistry and extensive experience in the pharmaceutical sector, he brings a practical, commercially aware approach shaped by years spent on the in-house side of the table.
Quick profile
Name:Nonny Jones Role: Patent Attorney, Co-owner and Co-founder Firm:Alembia Intellectual Property Location: United Kingdom Areas of expertise: Chemistry, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, patent drafting and prosecution, portfolio strategy, due diligence, licensing and litigation support
From chemistry to patent law
Nonny’s route into patent law was far from pre-planned. He trained as an organic chemist, completing a PhD and spending several years in academia before achieving a long-held ambition: becoming a medicinal chemist hunting new drugs. It was during this time, working within a large pharmaceutical company, that he first encountered patents at close quarters.
Rather than sparking immediate fascination, those early encounters were tinged with apprehension. Patents, he recalls, were both critical and intimidating. They underpinned everything the wider business was doing, yet felt complex and high-stakes. Over time however, that exposure, combined with conversations with friends who had moved into patent law, planted a seed.
A major turning point came when the research site where Nonny worked unfortunately closed. While challenging, redundancy opened up an unexpected opportunity: an trainee patent attorney role within the same organisation. The move proved formative.
Training inside a company meant going in at the deep end, with huge responsibility from day one. While initially intimidating, being embedded in project teams, addressing intertwined scientific, legal and commercial issues, and seeing how IP decisions played out across the full lifecycle of a product provided a unique, commercially-focussed grounding that has informed Nonny’s approach to patent work ever since.
“It was a privileged position,” he reflects. “As an in-house patent attorney, you experience everything, from early research through to commercial strategy. You see first-hand the impact of IP-related decisions and events on development, which teaches how to spot and mitigate issues early.”
Shaping a career through challenge and risk
As his career progressed, Nonny found himself repeatedly stepping into situations that felt uncomfortable at the time, but ultimately shaped how he works today. One such moment was taking on responsibility for coordinating complex litigation on a major pharmaceutical product while still relatively junior.
The experience was demanding, but rewarding. It required judgement, confidence and the ability to make decisions with imperfect information, often under extreme time pressure – all key patent attorney skills which were developed and tested in courts across Europe.
That willingness to take calculated risks eventually led to Nonny leaving industry for private practice and co-founding Alembia Intellectual Property with his business partner, Lucy. What began as a daunting idea soon felt like a logical next step.
“It wasn’t about trying to disrupt the profession,” he says. “It was more about asking whether we could build something successful that reflected how we liked to work.”
Eight years later, Alembia Intellectual Property is still growing, shaped by those early decisions and a shared set of values. The practice has even been externally recognised: “one unexpected milestone we’re very proud of is being listed since 2020 in the IAM patent 1000 alongside many other great UK and European patent firms – a huge achievement for a small boutique like ours, and particularly pleasing because it’s based on direct client feedback”.
A varied role with a familiar focus
Today, Nonny’s role combines client work with running a small business. While company management and business development are part of the picture, he spends most of his time doing what he enjoys most: working closely with clients on a wide range of IP issues.
The work spans patent drafting, strategic advice, due diligence, licensing and agreement work as well as occasional litigation support. Moving from an in-house role to private practice has increased the variety of subject matter Nonny handles, and it now extends not only across life sciences but into engineering and materials technology. It has also brought exposure to client companies of different sizes, at different stages, with very different priorities.
What hasn’t changed is the mindset. Nonny remains focused on understanding what clients are trying to achieve and tailoring IP advice accordingly, rather than treating patents as an end in themselves. In this respect, his industrial background provides a particular advantage: “having worked on in- and out-licensing for one of the world’s largest pharma companies, Lucy and I know first-hand what investors are looking for in an IP portfolio. It’s great to be able to apply that knowledge to help current clients secure funding and reach their own goals.”
Chemistry at the centre
Chemistry continues to underpin much of Nonny’s practice. He sees it as a central discipline, connecting physics on one side and biology on the other, which makes it possible for chemically-trained patent attorneys to work across multiple fields.
His background as a medicinal chemist also makes it easier to move seamlessly between small molecule chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical development inventions, a significant advantage when assisting modern clients who often use multi-modal approaches to drug discovery.
Making “pseudo in-house” practical
Alembia often describes its approach as “pseudo in-house”, a term Nonny is keen to ground in reality rather than rhetoric. For him, it comes down to accessibility.
Small and growing companies often hesitate to speak to lawyers early, particularly when budgets are tight. That hesitation can lead to avoidable problems later. Alembia’s aim is to lower that barrier by encouraging informal conversations and focusing billing on substantive work, rather than ringing up the till for every interaction.
The goal is not to replicate an in-house attorney exactly, but to create a proactive, informal environment where clients feel able to ask questions early and often.
“I’d rather spend ten minutes on the phone helping someone think something through before it becomes an issue than hours to try and fix a problem after the fact,” Nonny explains.
Balancing detail with commercial reality
For Nonny, good patent advice starts with outcomes. While technical detail and legal nuance are essential, they only matter if they serve a client’s broader goals.
He is conscious of the temptation to over-focus on the intricacies of patent law, particularly when speaking to non-specialists. Instead, he prioritises clarity, helping clients understand how IP can help clients achieve their goals, and only getting into the technical weeds when it is important to show why a particular strategy makes sense.
Navigating change in the IP landscape
Asked about recent changes in the profession, Nonny points to artificial intelligence as both an opportunity and a challenge.
Used carefully, AI can be a powerful tool for summarising information and checking thinking. Used uncritically, it carries real risks.
Machine-learning hallucinations, confidentiality concerns and over-reliance are all issues he believes the profession must manage carefully. While optimistic about AI’s long-term potential, he emphasises the continued need for judgement, diligence and accountability.
“AI users don’t just need answers,” he says. “They need confidence in those answers.”
For now, Nonny sees AI as a potentially transformative resource to be handled carefully, not delegated to blindly.
Values that guide the work
Across a varied career, one value has remained central for Nonny: taking pride in his work.
Patents are often stressful for clients, high-stakes by nature, and slow to deliver results. Helping clients navigate that process, make informed decisions, and move forward with confidence is where he finds the most satisfaction. Whether the task is large or small, the aim is always the same: to make something difficult feel more manageable, and enable clients to focus on the day-to-day business of getting their innovations to market.
Advice for those considering IP
For scientists thinking about patent law, Nonny offers an honest assessment. The career can be intellectually stimulating and rewarding, combining science, law and commercial thinking in a way few roles do.
At the same time, it carries pressure and responsibility. Deadlines are tight, decisions matter, and the work demands care.
His advice is to speak to people in the profession, seek exposure where possible, and understand what the role really involves before committing.
“It’s not for everyone,” he says. “But for the right person, it can be incredibly satisfying.”
Life beyond IP
Outside work, Nonny’s life centres on family. With a young son (and cat!) and the demands of running a business, switching off is less about hobbies and more about spending quality time together.
He also retains a strong connection to Anglesey, where he grew up. A coastal walk from Bull Bay to Porth Wen remains a favourite, offering rugged scenery, wildlife and a sense of perspective when he gets the chance to return.
Looking forward
Reflecting on his career so far, Nonny takes pride in key career milestones that include high pressure licensing deals, litigation wins and the formation of Alembia IP, but also his everyday work. While the big ticket results often get the most attention, he still finds few things as satisfying as successfully arguing against a complex patent office objection, or informing a client of a patent grant.
For him, success lies in steady progress, thoughtful, accessible advice and long-term relationships built on trust.
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.
Mark Jolly is a partner and patent and design attorney at Wilson Gunn, based in Manchester. With a practice spanning patents, registered designs and enforcement work, he brings a practical, people-focused approach to advising clients across automotive, medical devices and fast-moving consumer goods.
Quick profile
Name:Mark Jolly Role: Partner, Patent and Design Attorney Firm:Wilson Gunn Location: Manchester, UK Areas of expertise: Patents, registered designs, IP enforcement, strategic IP advice
Finding a route into IP
Mark’s path into intellectual property was more deliberate than many. At school, he chose a degree that combined science with patent law, allowing him to pursue both a technical subject he enjoyed and an early interest in legal work. A sandwich year spent with a firm of patent attorneys during his studies confirmed that the profession was the right fit.
That early exposure meant Mark entered the profession with clarity about what he wanted to do. He spent around a decade at a London firm before making the move to Manchester and joining Wilson Gunn, where he has now been for over ten years.
A role shaped by people and opportunity
Today, Mark’s role as a partner combines advisory work, supervision and strategic thinking. While he is still closely involved in client matters, much of his time is spent discussing approach, reviewing work prepared by colleagues, and helping shape broader portfolio strategies.
He reflects that this is a natural shift many patent attorneys experience over time. Early career work after qualification can be solitary and document-heavy, while senior roles tend to involve far more conversation, collaboration and judgement. For Mark, that evolution has been a positive one.
Building a design-focused practice
A notable feature of Mark’s work is the volume of registered design and enforcement matters he handles. He traces this specialism back largely to chance and curiosity. Early in his career, he took an interest in design law at a time when European registered designs were brand new, and that willingness to “put his hand up” led to more work in the area.
Design work, he explains, offers a different rhythm to patents. It can be more visual, more immediate, and often allows for quicker initial views. That contrast, along with the creative thinking involved in defining what really matters in a design and working out how to protect that across the quite disparate systems of international design protection, is something he continues to enjoy.
Enforcement followed a similar path. At Wilson Gunn, there is a greater appetite for handling contentious work in-house, at least in its early stages. Over time, this has built confidence and experience, making enforcement a more routine and less intimidating part of his practice.
Working with clients who value IP
Mark works with clients across automotive, medical devices and fast-moving consumer goods, each bringing different rewards. Automotive work reflects a lifelong personal interest, while FMCG clients offer the satisfaction of working on products that are tangible, familiar and visible in the market.
He particularly values working with businesses where intellectual property is central to commercial success. In those cases, IP is not an afterthought but an integral part of product development, with advisers playing a role in shaping innovation as well as protecting it.
Across all sectors, Mark emphasises the importance of relationships. Enjoyment of the work often comes down to the people involved, both clients and colleagues, and he considers himself fortunate to work with teams that collaborate well and share common goals.
Rigour first, then commercial reality
When advising clients, Mark does not see legal and commercial considerations as competing forces. In his view, understanding the legal position is a necessary first step. Only once that groundwork is done can realistic commercial options be explored.
This approach is particularly important in enforcement matters, where time, cost and outcomes rarely align perfectly with principle. Helping clients develop realistic expectations is, he says, a key part of the advisor’s role.
A changing enforcement landscape
One of the biggest challenges Mark sees today is the shift of enforcement activity away from courts and towards online platforms. Takedown procedures on large e-commerce sites can be fast and effective, but also inconsistent, with the likes of Amazon sometimes acting on design rights that are clearly invalid.
This creates uncertainty for both rights holders and legitimate businesses who are accused of infringement. Mark has been closely involved in discussions and official consultations around these issues, drawing on his day-to-day experience to inform proposed solutions and contributing to CIPA’s submissions.
Life beyond IP
Outside work, Mark keeps busy. He spends much of his time with his young children, fitting his own interests around their activities. He enjoys backgammon, squash, cricket and skiing. And, finds that being active—particularly in the mountains—is one of the best ways to switch off.
Advice shaped by experience
For those considering a career in IP, Mark’s message is simple. It is a rewarding profession with room to shape a career around individual strengths. He encourages people to get involved, ask questions, and volunteer for work that interests them.
Just as importantly, he notes that enjoyment of the profession often depends on environment. A difficult experience in one role does not mean the career itself is wrong. Finding the right people to work with can make all the difference.
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. 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.
Simon Kremer is a Partner and European and UK Patent Attorney at Mewburn Ellis, specialising in life sciences. With nearly three decades at the firm, he brings a deeply practical perspective shaped by experience across patents, oppositions, appeals and long-standing client relationships.
Quick profile
Name:Simon Kremer Role: Partner, European & UK Patent Attorney Firm:Mewburn Ellis LLP Location: London, UK Areas of expertise: Life sciences patents, oppositions and appeals at the European Patent Office, synthetic and engineering biology, therapeutics, plant biotechnology, due diligence
Finding a route into IP
Simon’s route into intellectual property was not a planned one. After completing a PhD in biochemistry at the University of Bristol and spending time working at the laboratory bench, he realised that an academic career was not the right long-term fit. A visit to the university careers service in the early 1990s introduced him—almost by chance—to the patent attorney profession.
What appealed was the combination of science and law, and the opportunity to continue engaging deeply with new technologies without remaining in academia. That balance has remained central to his career ever since.
A broad foundation in government IP
Before joining private practice, Simon began his IP career at the UK Ministry of Defence’s Intellectual Property Rights department. The role provided unusually broad exposure, covering far more than patents alone. His work ranged from contracts and procurement to international agreements, crown use provisions and advising other government departments that lacked their own IP expertise.
That experience gave him an early appreciation of how IP operates “at the coalface”, and of the consequences when it is handled poorly. Seeing how intellectual property decisions could affect everything from basic procurement to major defence projects helped shape his practical, commercially grounded approach.
Milestones rather than turning points
Looking back over almost 30 years at Mewburn Ellis, Simon does not frame his career in terms of dramatic turning points. Instead, he sees it as a series of professional milestones: conducting his first EPO hearings, leading Board of Appeal cases, meeting long-standing clients in person after years of correspondence, and guiding clients through major due diligence exercises.
Alongside these were internal milestones—joining the partnership, contributing to the firm’s growth, and training successive generations of patent attorneys. Over time, both Simon’s role and the firm itself evolved significantly, with Mewburn Ellis growing from a small partnership into a much larger organisation.
Balancing multiple responsibilities
Today, Simon’s role spans client work, mentoring, training, management responsibilities and business development. While the scope of the role has broadened over time, he remains closely involved in day-to-day client matters and values staying connected to the practical work.
His technical focus continues to be driven largely by clients. Areas such as synthetic and engineering biology, plant-related technologies and therapeutics feature prominently, reflecting both long-standing expertise and emerging technological importance.
Translating complexity into value
A recurring theme in Simon’s approach is experience—particularly the experience of seeing patents through their full lifecycle. Having drafted applications that have later been challenged and then exploited, he has developed a strong sense of how early drafting decisions can shape outcomes decades later.
This perspective allows him to anticipate what clients may need at different stages, even when they cannot articulate it themselves. For Simon, a key part of the patent attorney’s role is understanding not just the invention, but the purpose the IP needs to serve over time, while balancing commercial realities such as funding and cost.
The reality of oppositions and appeals
Oppositions and appeals before the European Patent Office form a significant part of Simon’s practice. He is candid about the demands of this work, describing the preparation phase as intense and emotionally draining. The challenge lies in mastering every detail and ensuring there are no surprises on the day.
The reward comes from presenting a case clearly and confidently, knowing that every argument has been tested in advance. While outcomes cannot always be controlled, Simon values ensuring that clients are fully prepared for both the process and the result.
Adapting to different clients
Simon works with a wide range of clients, from individual inventors and universities to multinational companies. Adapting his approach comes down, again, to experience. Different clients require different levels of explanation and guidance. Understanding the journey each client is likely to take helps shape how advice is delivered.
For some, the process is as much educational as it is legal; for others, it is about providing targeted support within an established in-house framework.
Industry pressures and evolving standards
When it comes to broader industry trends, Simon points less to headline topics and more to practical realities. Funding environments have a direct and immediate impact on patent strategy, particularly in the life sciences, where global protection is costly and long-term.
He also notes that as technologies mature and tools become more accessible, the bar for inventiveness continues to rise. Areas such as biotechnology require increasingly creative approaches to meet patentability standards, even as the underlying science becomes more routine.
Learning from the wider profession
Beyond client work, Simon has remained active within the profession through bodies such as CIPA. He values the opportunity to engage with peers outside his own firm in a collaborative rather than adversarial setting.
These interactions provide alternative perspectives and reinforce the social and collegiate nature of the profession. While they may not directly change day-to-day practice, they have helped shape the kind of attorney Simon has become.
Passing on hard-earned lessons
In mentoring younger colleagues, Simon focuses on helping them understand what clients truly value. While clients can assess responsiveness and reliability, they cannot easily judge the quality of a patent application. That responsibility rests firmly with the attorney.
Sharing lessons learned from seeing patents challenged years after drafting is central to his approach to training, helping the next generation appreciate the long-term impact of their decisions.
Life beyond IP
Outside work, Simon is an enthusiastic walker, particularly in the Lake District, where he has been visiting since childhood and has completed all of the Wainwrights. Football also plays a big part in his life, both as a player in five-a-side matches and (with the rest of the family) as a supporter of Sunderland AFC.
These activities provide a welcome counterbalance to the demands of professional life. Even if they sometimes have to be managed carefully alongside ageing knees and ankles.
Looking ahead
What continues to motivate Simon is the constant exposure to new technologies and the depth of long-term client relationships. Whether working with a familiar client or exploring a new disclosure, there is always something new to learn.
For those considering a career in patent law, his advice is to research the profession carefully. Also, join an organisation that is actively engaging with technological change, including the growing role of AI. Adaptability, he believes, will be as important in the future as experience has been in his own career.
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. 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.
Emilio Berkenwald is Partner and Head of the Patent Department at BERKEN IP in Argentina, where he leads a technically trained team handling substantive patent drafting and prosecution work. With a background in engineering, research and teaching, Emilio brings a European-style approach to patent practice, focused on technical depth, strategy and international collaboration.
Quick profile
Name: Emilio Berkenwald Role: Partner, Head of the Patent Department Firm:BERKEN IP Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Areas of expertise: Patent drafting and prosecution, cross-border patent strategy, technically complex inventions, patent infringement and validity opinions, freedom-to-operate analyses, patent litigation counselling, IP training and education
A technical foundation shaped early on
Emilio’s route into patent law was shaped by both family influence and technical curiosity. Trained initially as a chemical engineer, he went on to complete a PhD in engineering before studying intellectual property law in Europe, including formal training in France.
Growing up in a household where patents were a regular topic of conversation — with a chemical engineer mother and a lawyer father — gave Emilio early exposure to the intersection between technology and law. While it didn’t immediately appeal, that combination later proved compelling. Particularly as he recognised the opportunity patents offered to work internationally, learn continuously, and engage deeply with innovation and new technologies.
Leading the patent function at BERKEN IP
As Head of the Patent Department at BERKEN IP, Emilio oversees all patent-related work at the firm. His role spans team leadership, technical supervision, strategic decision-making, and client communication, including the preparation of patent infringement and freedom-to-operate opinions, as well as strategic counselling in patent litigation matters, acting as the main interface between inventors, foreign associates and the firm’s legal and paralegal internal team.
Day to day, his focus is firmly technical. He works closely with the firm’s patent attorneys on drafting applications, responding to office actions, and shaping prosecution strategies and cooperates with the firm’s legal team specialized in technology contracts, litigation and enforcement. Administrative and formalities work is handled by a specialized team, allowing the technical team to concentrate on substantive patent matters.
Emilio also remains hands-on with his own cases, often reserving quieter periods of the day to work directly on complex files that require deeper technical attention.
A European-style approach in a Latin American context
One of the defining features of Emilio’s practice is his deliberate adoption of a European-style patent model within the Argentine system. While Argentina’s patent law itself draws heavily from European traditions, much of the local market is dominated by incoming foreign filings, with limited emphasis on drafting or strategic development.
Many firms, Emilio explains, are lawyer-led and focus primarily on procedural prosecution. By contrast, BERKEN IP has built a team of engineers and scientists who are trained to engage directly with inventors, draft applications from scratch, and think strategically about claim scope and future amendments.
This approach allows the firm to work closely with Argentine innovators from the earliest stages of development, rather than only entering the process once an application already exists.
Why technical training matters more than ever
For Emilio, strong technical training is fundamental to good patent work. It builds trust with clients, particularly inventors, who want reassurance that their ideas are fully understood and accurately represented.
As technologies become more complex and prior art landscapes more crowded, that technical grounding becomes even more critical. Patentability increasingly turns on small but meaningful distinctions, especially for incremental innovations. Understanding those distinctions — and how to defend them — requires more than legal knowledge alone.
Emilio also believes it is generally easier to teach patent law to engineers than to teach advanced engineering concepts to lawyers, particularly in a system where obtaining a technical degree can be lengthy and demanding.
Training the next generation of patent attorneys
Emilio personally oversees much of the in-house training at BERKEN IP. New technical team members begin with a broad grounding in intellectual property law, covering patents, trade marks and designs, to ensure they understand the wider IP context and client needs.
From there, training becomes increasingly patent-specific. Topics such as novelty, inventive step and priority are explored through real examples and practical exercises, encouraging critical thinking rather than rote learning.
This mirrors Emilio’s approach to teaching at university, where he focuses on helping students learn to develop critical thinking and to how to ask the right questions — a skill he sees as essential for both researchers and patent attorneys.
Adding value across borders
BERKEN IP’s technical approach also strengthens its relationships with foreign clients and associates. Having experience drafting applications themselves allows Emilio and his team to engage more meaningfully with prosecution strategies, suggest technically sound amendments, and adapt arguments across jurisdictions. This technical depth also supports the preparation of infringement, validity and freedom-to-operate opinions, and provides a solid foundation for advising on patent disputes and litigation strategies.
Their familiarity with practices in Europe, the US and elsewhere enables them to explain where Argentine requirements differ — and where flexibility exists — helping clients navigate cross-border portfolios more efficiently, both in prosecution and in litigation contexts.
By carrying out much of the technical work locally, the firm is also able to manage costs more effectively for Argentine clients while maintaining international standards.
Academia, communication and clarity
Alongside his legal practice, Emilio has maintained a long-standing academic role, teaching engineering subjects at university. His research background helps him understand the pressures researchers face, particularly around publishing and timing patent filings.
This dual perspective allows him to act as a bridge between inventors and business stakeholders, balancing scientific urgency with legal protection. It has also shaped his communication style — something clients frequently remark on — enabling him to explain complex patent systems in clear, accessible terms.
An international outlook
Active involvement in the global IP community is central to Emilio’s work. He regularly attends international conferences and participates in professional committees. Seeing this as essential both for staying current and for building trusted working relationships.
For a firm based in Argentina, this global engagement also signals reliability to overseas clients. Many of whom rely on BERKEN IP to coordinate filings across Latin America and beyond.
Life beyond IP
Outside the office, Emilio enjoys travelling, often extending work trips to explore new cities. Languages are another passion, and he is currently learning Mandarin, both for the challenge and the cultural insight it offers.
Music plays a significant role in his life. A trained violinist, Emilio continues to play for pleasure. Finding it a welcome contrast to the technical demands of patent work. His partner is a professional classical pianist, and performing or listening to music together provides a creative outlet beyond the legal world.
Looking ahead
Emilio believes the Argentine patent profession is likely to evolve towards a more technically focused model. Particularly as startups and inventor-led companies become more prominent and seek international protection.
For engineers and scientists considering a move into patent law, his advice is clear: technical skills are essential, but legal training, communication, client-oriented service, teamwork and curiosity matter just as much.
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.
Nidhi Anand is a Partner at Chadha & Chadha, leading the firm’s Bangalore and Hyderabad offices. With a background in biotechnology, she advises clients across life sciences and pharmaceuticals on patent drafting, prosecution, oppositions and portfolio strategy, bringing a people-centric and insight-led approach to leadership and IP practice.
Quick profile
Areas of expertise: Biotechnology and life sciences, patent drafting and prosecution, oppositions, portfolio strategy, IP leadership and mentoring
Nidhi’s path into intellectual property was not a carefully mapped plan but a gradual realisation that patents could play a powerful role beyond the laboratory. Early in her biotechnology training, an article shared by her father about a biopharmaceutical company using patents to scale affordable insulin production left a lasting impression. It reframed patents as tools that could balance innovation, access and fairness.
That early curiosity stayed with her. Drawn to problem-solving and understanding how complex systems work, she found that IP aligned naturally with her strengths. Over the past 14 years, that alignment has shaped her practice, allowing her to move from the lab into a profession where scientific depth meets real-world impact.
Leading with trust and perspective
Nidhi describes her leadership style as people-centric rather than hierarchical. For her, effective leadership is rooted in presence, clarity and empowerment. Creating an environment where expectations are clear and collaboration feels natural allows individuals to perform at their best.
She places particular emphasis on long-term development over short-term output. By encouraging ownership and independent thinking, while remaining available as a mentor, she aims to help teams grow not only as professionals but as individuals.
Finding reward in strategy and growth
Nidhi remains closely involved across the full spectrum of patent work, from drafting and prosecution to oppositions and portfolio strategy. What has evolved over time is her perspective on that work. Increasingly, she finds fulfilment in building client trust, contributing to firm growth and shaping portfolios that are robust and forward-looking.
Portfolio strategy, in particular, stands out as especially rewarding. It allows her to connect technical detail with commercial insight, helping clients strengthen their positions in a way that is thoughtful, fair and sustainable, while also supporting the broader direction of the firm.
Advising across a changing life sciences landscape
Working in biotechnology, life sciences and pharmaceuticals means operating in sectors that are both complex and fast-moving. Recent years have seen a rise in litigation around biosimilars and biologics, requiring careful navigation of biologics patents, data exclusivity gaps and trade secret protection. At the same time, AI-driven diagnostics and digital health tools have introduced new uncertainties around patentability under Indian law.
Advising such a diverse client base, from start-ups to multinational companies, demands flexibility. For start-ups, Nidhi focuses on clarity, accessibility and prioritisation, helping founders decide what needs protection now and what can wait. For multinationals, the emphasis shifts to refining mature strategies, pressure-testing positions and occasionally offering a contrarian view to strengthen decision-making. Across both, trust and clear communication remain constant.
India’s evolving IP ecosystem
Over the last decade, Nidhi has seen significant progress in India’s IP framework. Improvements at the Indian Patent Office, including digitisation and more predictable examination practices, have increased confidence in prosecution outcomes. The establishment of dedicated IP Divisions within the High Courts has also strengthened enforcement and aligned Indian jurisprudence more closely with international standards.
These changes have allowed advisors to move beyond procedural navigation and focus more on portfolio quality, enforcement readiness and long-term value. Collaboration across Chadha & Chadha’s offices plays a central role here, ensuring that every matter benefits from shared knowledge, consistent quality standards and the firm’s collective experience.
Learning, mentoring and paying it forward
Staying connected to training and knowledge-sharing is both professionally grounding and personally motivating for Nidhi. Preparing for lectures and mentoring sessions gives her space to step back, revisit fundamentals and engage with emerging issues. At heart, she remains deeply curious.
Mentoring, however, carries a deeper responsibility. Having benefited from being trusted with responsibility early in her own career, she now aims to strike the same balance for others, offering stretch opportunities alongside guidance. For her, training and mentoring are integral to practice, reinforcing a culture of learning and mutual value creation for the team and the firm.
Experience as a woman in IP
Since entering the profession in 2012, Nidhi’s experience as a woman in IP has been shaped by an inclusive environment. With women making up a significant proportion of leadership at her firm, competence and judgment take precedence over gender. This has allowed her to focus on building technical depth, client trust and mentoring the next generation.
While the profession continues to evolve, she sees the trajectory as positive. The increasing adoption of flexible career structures and well-designed re-entry pathways, refelcts a broader recognition that diverse career stages can coexist with long-term professional growth in IP for women.
Switching off
Outside of work, Nidhi values time with family and close friends. Simple pleasure such as shared meals, board games and converation provide an opportunity to unwind and recharge.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on her journey, Nidhi emphasises the importance of technical depth, curiosity and adaptability for today’s IP practitioners, particularly in high-tech and biotech fields. As emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing and synthetic biology reshape patent landscapes, she believes thoughtful strategy, sound judgment and clear communication will matter more than ever. For those willing to invest in learning and take ownership of their work, IP remains a profession where experience compounds and impact grows over time.
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.
With more than four decades as a dual-qualified Chartered Patent Attorney and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Keith Loven, founder of Loven Patents & Trademarks in Lincolnshire, has built a reputation for frank, business-focused IP advice that prioritises the client’s commercial interests over billable hours. In a recent conversation, Keith reflected on his career journey, the evolving needs of SME clients, and why early, honest guidance remains the cornerstone of his practice.
From chemical engineering to a lifelong IP career
Keith’s route into intellectual property was far from planned. After studying chemical engineering at the University of Birmingham, he quickly realised that a career with large oil companies held little appeal, partly, he admits with a smile, due to the “bit of a hippie thing” prevalent at the time.
A university jobs brochure changed everything. A friend pointed out an advert for a London firm of patent agents. One rejection later, a second application succeeded, and Keith found himself in a small London office wondering what he had let himself in for.
What hooked him was the blend of skills the job demanded: technical understanding (his chemical engineering background proved surprisingly broad and useful), precision with language, and an introduction to the legal world. “Chemical engineering gave me the basics of mechanical, electrical and civil engineering too,” he explains. “When an inventor starts talking, I can usually say ‘yes, I understand the fundamentals’, that builds confidence straight away.”
SME needs: the impact of Brexit and beyond
Over 40 years, Keith has watched SME requirements shift, often driven by external forces rather than changes in the businesses themselves. The creation of the European Patent system and, for a time, frictionless EU trade encouraged many smaller UK exporters to seek broader protection. Brexit reversed that trend sharply.
“For smaller clients, exporting became harder and more expensive,” Keith notes. “Many have refocused almost entirely on the UK market. It’s not been a positive development for most of them.”
Despite political and legislative upheavals, core SME needs remain constant: affordable protection that adds genuine value and, crucially, advice they can trust.
The importance of saying “don’t file”
Loven Patents & Trademarks has long been known for telling clients when not to pursue an application, advice that is rare in some quarters.
“If there’s no commercial advantage in filing a patent or registering a trade mark, I’ll say so,” Keith states. “Clients quickly learn that we’re not just trying to sell services. That honesty builds trust, some clients have stayed with me for 25 or 30 years because they know I’ll give them the advice that’s right for their business, not mine.”
Common (and costly) pitfalls
Keith regularly sees clients arrive in crisis having launched products without basic freedom-to-operate checks. A recurring theme in recent years is UK sellers sourcing goods from platforms such as Alibaba, reassured by suppliers that “everything is fine”, only to face infringement claims weeks later.
“A little research upfront saves a lot of tears later,” he says. “Naivety isn’t an excuse when cease-and-desist letters land.”
Building long-term relationships in the SME space
Transparency on costs and options is central to Keith’s approach. “I lay out the routes forward, the pros, cons and likely costs. Clients hate surprises, so we try to eliminate them.” He also pushes businesses to think strategically: where does IP fit into the broader plan? How will it add value in three or five years’ time?
Global networks built on trust
Strong relationships with overseas attorneys are vital. “You work with people you trust to do excellent work at sensible cost,” Keith explains. “Reciprocal arrangements exist, but the real value is the mutual help, a quick call to sort a problem without an immediate invoice. Some of those relationships have lasted decades.”
Patents, trade marks and the bigger picture
When a client arrives with “a great invention” that isn’t actually patentable, Keith’s role shifts to holistic strategy: registered designs, powerful branding, or sometimes just disciplined commercial execution.
“A strong brand can protect you even when technical IP can’t,” he points out. “People assume copies will flood the market the moment they launch. Often the bigger challenge is getting anyone to notice the product in the first place.”
Giving back through CIPA
Now Chair of CIPA’s Small Practice Committee and a member of its Council and Internal Governance Committee, Keith has a deeper appreciation of the profession’s representative work.
“For years I was out in Lincolnshire, getting my CPD points and little else. Becoming involved showed me everything CIPA does behind the scenes, shaping policy, supporting members, and giving [KL1] patent attorneys a voice.” His current focus is two-way communication: helping sole practitioners and small firms understand the benefits CIPA delivers while feeding their specific concerns back to the Institute.
Looking ahead: AI and the SME challenge
Asked about the next five years, Keith highlights artificial intelligence as the dominant theme.
“Large companies are already blanketing AI-related technologies with patents. SMEs will increasingly have to navigate that crowded landscape, and avoid assuming that adding ‘with AI’ suddenly makes something inventive.”
Still enjoying the craft
After more than 40 years, what keeps Keith engaged? “It’s still fun,” he laughs. “Solving tricky examination objections, finding the argument that turns a refusal into a grant, there’s real satisfaction in that. And of course the occasional ‘thank you’ when a client realises you’ve saved them time and money.”
Outside work, grandchildren, a never-ending battle with the garden, and decades of family-history research (“they’re all peasants, no aristocrats in sight”) keep him occupied.
As Keith prepares to hand over more day-to-day responsibility to the next generation at Loven Patents & Trademarks, his core philosophy remains unchanged: give honest, commercially grounded advice as early as possible, and never be afraid to tell a client when not to file. It’s an approach that has served both him and thousands of UK innovators remarkably well for over four decades.
About Loven IP
Lincolnshire-based and founder-focused, LOVEN Patents & Trademarks delivers patent strategies, trademark and design protection, and IP-portfolio management for innovators, inventors and brands across the UK and beyond. Established in 1989, the firm combines technical know-how and legal expertise to help clients lock in their inventions, designs and brand identity — ensuring ideas stay protected as the business grows. LOVEN partners with SMEs, inventors and larger organisations to craft robust IP that underpins innovation, commercialisation and long-term value.
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