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.
At PatWorld, we’re proud to support IP firms like Loven IP with comprehensive patent search and intelligence services. From prior art and freedom-to-operate searches to competitor and landscape analysis, our tools help attorneys and their clients make informed, strategic decisions — saving time and improving the strength of every patent application. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can assist with your next project.
With a career spanning private practice, in-house leadership, and now consultancy, Emily Teesdale has developed a deep appreciation for how intellectual property (IP) strategy underpins commercial success. Today, through her own consultancy Pivot IP, Emily helps engineering and technology businesses navigate the complex IP landscape — ensuring that protection, collaboration, and opportunity go hand in hand.
A career combining engineering and law
Emily’s path into intellectual property began with a degree in aerospace engineering and a love of technology. “I wanted to find a way to combine my technical background with something broader,” she explains. “Becoming a patent attorney allowed me to do exactly that.” Over the next 18 years, she worked in private practice with clients of all sizes, gaining experience across a wide range of technologies. Her expertise later took her in-house — first with Airbus, where she became heavily involved in collaboration projects, and then into a Head of IP role at another global aerospace company. “In that role, I was responsible for the IP terms across every kind of contract you can imagine,” Emily recalls. “I was also raising IP awareness across the business and managing a portfolio team. It was a fantastic opportunity to see how IP strategy really works at every level.” After more than two decades in demanding corporate roles, Emily took some well-earned time off to travel — a journey that would ultimately inspire the creation of Pivot IP.
A practical approach to IP strategy
When Emily returned from her travels, she wanted to use her experience to help other businesses make sense of IP in a way that was practical, strategic, and aligned to their goals. “At Pivot IP, I effectively act as Head of IP to engineering companies on a consultancy basis,” she explains. “That means helping them navigate the IP landscape in the way that’s best for them and their objectives — whether that’s advising a start-up on early IP steps, negotiating a collaboration agreement, or unpicking a complex issue to find a pragmatic solution.” It’s an approach that reflects Emily’s view of what IP strategy really means. “Any good strategy should maximise opportunities and minimise risks,” she says. “From an IP perspective, that means reducing exposure to risks like patent infringement or misuse of confidential information, while using the IP system to create and protect opportunities. It’s about far more than just obtaining patents or trade marks — it’s about embedding IP thinking into every aspect of the business.”
Recognition and collaboration
Earlier this year, Emily was recognised as a Notable Practitioner by IP Stars, a distinction that carries particular meaning. “It honestly means so much — especially as it came just six months after setting up Pivot IP,” she says. “When you’re working independently, you don’t always have the encouragement that comes from being part of a big team, so this recognition was a real boost. It’s also an honour to know that my work — which is rather different to the traditional patent attorney role — is valued.” Emily also collaborates closely with Iain Russell of Russell IP, where she provides consultancy support alongside her own practice. “I love working with Iain and am very grateful for his support,” she says. “My work there includes providing IP strategy advice and helping clients understand what to prioritise. I also still enjoy getting involved in drafting and prosecution work — it keeps me more connected to the technical side of things.”
Making IP strategy work in practice
For Emily, helping businesses develop a strong IP strategy begins with understanding where they are and where they want to go. “It’s essential to know what assets they already have, the industry landscape they are in and what their commercial objectives are,” she explains. “Only then can you design a strategy that supports those goals.”
She also highlights the importance of IP awareness and education within organisations. “You don’t always need a big budget to improve your IP position. Building awareness among employees about what to protect, what not to disclose, and when to raise potential risk issues is one of the most effective steps a company can take.”
A key part of her role involves helping clients navigate the practical realities of IP — often under pressure. Emily recalls one instance where a careful review of collaboration terms completely changed the outcome for her client. “I reviewed the IP clauses of a potential collaboration and realised they wouldn’t give my client the access they needed once the development project ended,” she explains. “It meant going back to senior management, explaining why the terms had to change, and renegotiating them at a late stage. It was challenging, but ultimately the new agreement ensured that when the technology is commercialised, my client can move forward with a secure and effective supply chain, even if the collaboration partner doesn’t proceed.”
It’s an example that perfectly captures Emily’s approach — balancing technical insight with commercial foresight. “Patent searches and freedom-to-operate analyses also play a crucial role,” she adds. “These are vital tools to understand where you sit in the IP landscape around you. Only when you know where you are can you plan where you’re going.”
The global dimension of collaboration
Having worked extensively in the aerospace sector, Emily understands that innovation today is rarely confined to one country or organisation. “Increased global collaboration is a great thing. It allows more companies to develop technology together, particularly in emerging cross-sector areas,” she explains. “But with that comes the need to ensure your IP protection reflects the global nature of your work, that your contracts are aligned across jurisdictions, and that you’re partnering with the right organisations.”
Life beyond IP
When she’s not advising clients or speaking on IP strategy, Emily loves to explore the world — quite literally. She has visited more than 70 countries, with New Zealand, Costa Rica and Japan among her favourites. “Discovering new places, especially through food, is a real joy” she says. “I love dining out and experiencing different cultures that way. I also enjoy dancing and spending time with animals — not the most compatible combination, perhaps!”
Her travels have brought some unforgettable experiences. “Getting a helicopter onto Fox Glacier in New Zealand and scrambling through the ice caves was incredible,” Emily recalls. “And volunteering at an animal sanctuary in Namibia, where I helped feed baby baboons, was truly special.” She laughs when recalling another of her adventures — hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. “Mainly for Machu Picchu itself rather than the four-day hike! I’m not much of a camper, but the porters and chefs were incredible and made the experience truly memorable.”
The value of effective IP strategy
Emily sums up the importance of IP strategy simply but powerfully. “An effective and well-implemented IP strategy enables a business to achieve — and often exceed — its objectives,” she says. “Whether it’s growth, attracting investment, or increasing valuation, the right IP approach provides the foundation for long-term success.”
Emily also works with Iain Russell at Russell IP, providing IP strategy consultancy and patent support.
At PatWorld, we’re proud to support IP professionals like Emily. Our comprehensive patent search and intelligence reports help inform freedom-to-operate, state-of-the-art, and competitor landscape decisions. By providing accurate and timely data, we help attorneys and consultants worldwide strengthen their clients’ IP strategies and unlock greater commercial value. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can assist with your next project.
From mobile communications research to global IP diplomacy, Daniel Chew’s career has been shaped by curiosity, connection, and commercial instinct. Now a partner at HLK and Chair of CIPA’s International Liaison Committee, his story is one of strategic thinking and a passion for building strong relationships – across borders, across professions, and across generations.
From PhD to Patent Attorney
Daniel Chew’s path to the patent profession began with an invention. During the first year of his PhD in mobile communications at the University of Surrey, Daniel was preparing to publish a breakthrough in a scientific journal, only to find the university blocked the submission in favour of filing a patent.
“I was frustrated,” he admits, “I just wanted to publish. I had no idea what a patent was, let alone that it could be licensed.” Fast forward a couple of years, and Daniel returned home one day to find a cheque and a letter telling him the university had licensed his patent. Shortly afterwards, the licensee offered him a job, an opportunity he accepted, though only briefly. Determined to pursue a career in the patent profession, he soon moved on. It was the beginning of a journey that would shape his future in Intellectual Property.
Building a Career on His Own Terms
Daniel’s early experiences shaped a mindset that would define his professional approach: one of independence, ambition, and a clear-eyed focus on business development. “I realised quite early on that in private practice, many attorneys inherit clients from retiring partners. I didn’t want to spend my career working only on other people’s clients.”
Determined to build his own practice, Daniel began networking as a trainee, attending events, building connections, and investing time after hours to grow his pipeline. “We talk a lot about the importance of client service, but when you’re the one making promises to new clients, you feel a real responsibility to deliver. That changes how you approach everything.”
After gaining experience at two other London based firms, Daniel joined HLK, where he quickly established his own client base. Before long, nearly all his work came from relationships he had built himself. He’s at his best when out meeting clients or on the conference circuit, listening, learning, and understanding what really drives their business. That hands-on approach, coupled with an instinct for connection, has become his hallmark and one of the keys to his success as a patent attorney.
Business Development as a Mindset
Daniel is a passionate advocate for embedding business development (BD) into the culture of IP firms. “It shouldn’t be something people only do for career progression. It should be a natural part of working in professional services. If you don’t have a network, you don’t have prospects. If you don’t have prospects, you can’t build a practice.”
“Business development takes practice, patience, confidence and resilience. The more you do, the more satisfying it becomes to give our clients the best. Afterall, it’s all about helping clients succeed.”
He’d like to see BD skills offered more formally, particularly to early-career professionals. “Whether you’re in-house or in private practice, soft skills like networking and relationship-building are essential,” he explains.
“At HLK, our attorneys are trained with these client relationships at an early stage in their careers,” he adds. “They continue to build on these skills by working closely with in-house teams, so that together we operate as one highly effective team.”
A President with Global Perspective
It was Daniel’s extensive international network, built through years of active engagement and collaboration within the IP community, that positioned him for his appointment as President of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) in 2023, making him the first person of Asian heritage to hold the role. “When I was first approached, I thought it was madness – I was in the middle of growing a busy practice. But I realised I could use my network to help promote CIPA globally.”
During his term, Daniel focused on raising CIPA’s international profile, connecting with sister organisations, patent offices, and industry leaders. One highlight was a meeting with then USPTO Director Kathi Vidal, whose energy and commitment to emerging technologies and diversity left a lasting impression.
He also undertook international missions across the USA and Asia, representing CIPA at major IP events and fostering collaborations that strengthened the UK’s standing in the global IP community.
Strengthening the UK’s Voice Post-Brexit
Now Chair of CIPA’s International Liaison Committee, Daniel continues to ensure the UK profession remains visible and competitive on the world stage. A key focus has been demystifying the UK’s continued representation rights before the Unified Patent Court (UPC), which many overseas organisations initially misunderstood post-Brexit.
“The narrative has shifted,” he says. “At first we were explaining that UK-based European Patent Attorneys have rights of representation before the UPC. Now we’re showing that we are actively representing parties before the UPC and doing it well.”
Leadership, Visability and Representation
Daniel made history as CIPA’s first Asian President, a fact he initially found uncomfortable. “I hated it, to be honest. I’ve lived in the UK for 26 years, and it didn’t feel significant to me. But then someone from an ethnic minority background came up to me and said, ‘It made me believe it’s achievable.’ That really changed my view.”
He now sees it as a platform to inspire others and to demonstrate what leadership in the profession can look like.
Advice to Future IP Leaders
Daniel’s advice to young professionals is simple: get involved. “Be open-minded. Go to events. Build a network. You never know who you’ll meet or what opportunity might follow.”
He’s also a strong supporter of engaging with professional bodies. “CIPA has 23 committees – there’s something for everyone. It’s a great way to give back, learn, and build your presence in the profession.”
A Dolphin Trainer in Disguise?
Outside of work, Daniel loves hiking (most recently at Torrey Pines, California) and long walks near his home in St Albans. One of his most memorable business trips? A prospective client cutting straight to the chase: “Daniel, we know why you’re here. Just tell us what you can offer.” He laughs, that directness, he says, was a dream for someone who appreciates straight talking.
And while he once joked that, 21 years ago, back then hardly anyone knew what a patent attorney was, telling people his profession was the “ultimate conversation killer,” he’d instead tell curious strangers at bars that he was a dolphin trainer. Who knows, maybe there’s still time for that second career?
Meet Daniel at APAA 2025
Daniel will be attending the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) 2025 Conference in Kuala Lumpur next month. If you’re also planning to be there and would like to connect, feel free to reach out via LinkedIn or say hello at one of the networking sessions.
Daniel is a partner at HLK, a full-service intellectual property firm that helps clients around the world to protect, exploit, and defend their IP rights. HLK combines patent and trademark attorneys with a legal team to deliver strategic, technically informed advice across all sectors of innovation.
PatWorld is proud to support patent attorneys like Daniel by offering expert-led patent searches. Our experienced patent search analysts deliver tailored, high-quality results to help IP professionals make informed decisions and add value for their clients. Check out our search services: Patent Search | Non-Patent Search | All Technologies
Interested in being featured in our Meet the IP Professional series? There’s no fee to take part, and you’ll help inform readers about IP. Get in touch with our editor, Sue Leslie at [email protected].
Within the Bartle household, “being a patent attorney” has long been understood as a playful insult. “It means you’re being pedantic, analytical, contrarian and generally insufferable,” laughs Robin Bartle. “My family seem to think I was just cut out for the job – and they’re probably right.”
It’s an introduction that captures Bartle perfectly: sharp, humorous, and thoughtful in equal measure. As co-founder and director of Bartle Read, a boutique intellectual property firm with offices in Liverpool and London, Robin brings more than twenty years of experience helping clients acquire, maintain, commercialise and enforce patents across mechanical, electrical, electronic and computer-based inventions.
The road to Bartle Read
Robin in his home-built replica of a 1960s sports car.
After two decades in practice, including a long stint as an equity partner, Robin decided it was time to build something of his own. “It was the best decision of my working life, bar none,” he says. “It’s never easy to walk away from a secure position and from colleagues one likes and respects. But there’s something hugely liberating about being able to arrange things just as one wants — especially in terms of how we work with clients. I think at some point in life, a lot of us just want to be our own boss.”
That independence has shaped Bartle Read’s culture ever since. “We’re a small firm with low overheads. That allows us to focus on what matters most: giving honest, practical advice and maintaining close, long-term relationships with clients.”
From LEDs to AI: the evolution of innovation
Across his career, Robin has seen successive waves of technological change transform the work of a patent attorney. “When a new enabling technology comes along, we’re suddenly inundated with projects based on interesting new ways to use it,” he explains. “That happened when LEDs became bright enough for general illumination, or with satellite-based geolocation, Bluetooth®, phone apps — there are many examples.”
Today, he says, the same is happening with artificial intelligence. “At the moment a great proportion of the start-up projects I’m seeing involve new ways of employing AI. It’s exciting because there’s no doubt the world is going to change enormously. There’s real commercial opportunity for organisations creative and determined enough to carve a niche. But it’s also a difficult area in terms of patentability. I worry the UK’s current approach could prove unhelpful to our domestic AI industry.”
The art of argument
Known for his love of intellectual wrangling, Robin has handled a wide range of contentious work — from European oppositions to infringement litigation. His advice to younger attorneys? “Keep calm, prepare meticulously, and never be afraid to give the client a blunt assessment.”
He adds, “The truth is that outcomes in contentious matters are often uncertain. The law presents itself as a coherent system leading to right and wrong answers. However, so much of what we do in IP — like judging whether an invention is ‘obvious’ — is inherently subjective. Two equally skilled judges can look at the same facts and come to opposite conclusions. That’s not a flaw, it’s part of the system. As advisers, we just have to be honest about uncertainty.”
Designs and disputes
Robin also has a particular interest in designs, having co-authored the Community Designs Handbook. “Rights in designs are actually quite limited in scope,” he says. “We see fewer blatant product clones than we did thirty years ago. Although, disputes still arise — often between parties who’ve worked together before. In those cases, unregistered design right can be a very useful tool for bringing a wayward manufacturer to heel.”
Straight talk and sound judgement
Despite the technical nature of his work, Robin believes that most legal issues aren’t as complex as they might seem — provided you’ve done the thinking first. “An adviser’s job is to focus on the questions that matter to the client. Once you’re clear in your own mind what needs to be said, explaining it clearly tends to be easy enough. The tricky conversations are usually the ones where you haven’t quite decided what you think.”
Balancing budgets and business reality
Working with start-ups has given Robin a pragmatic view of IP strategy. “I tend to encourage them to put attracting capital right at the top of the to-do list from day one,” he says. “Usually, patenting costs in the early stages are small compared to what’s needed to get to market. Once investment is secured, decisions about IP spend are rarely difficult. I often tell clients that the happiest projects are the ones spending other people’s money.”
That frankness extends to his advice on priorities: “I’m not someone who thinks IP is always the answer. Many great innovations can’t be patented, and many patents never make money. The key is to understand what job IP is going to do for the business — whether that’s securing funding or deterring competitors — and to plan spending accordingly.”
A philosophy of patience and precision
Asked what he’d tell his younger self, Robin offers an admirably dry answer: “Follow your dreams, young man. Tear up that pinstripe suit and go on the stage!” Then, more seriously: “The life of a patent attorney is ruled by deadlines. Procrastination is the cardinal sin. A retired admiral once told my wife the secret to a happy life was always doing the difficult jobs first — and the older I get, the more I try to observe it.”
Outside the office
When he’s not drafting patent applications or debating inventive step, Robin is most at home in his workshop. “I like making things of all sorts — furniture, toys, prototypes, even a home-built replica of a 1960s sports car,” he says. “Just let me alone in the shed, surrounded by wood or metal shavings with Radio 4 in the background, and I’m a happy man.”
About Bartle Read
Founded by Robin Bartle and David Read, Bartle Read is an independent intellectual property firm with offices in Liverpool and London, offering patent, design and IP enforcement expertise across a wide range of technologies. The firm’s ethos is built on clarity, accessibility and deep technical understanding — values reflected in the way its attorneys work closely with clients to craft practical IP strategies.
At PatWorld, we’re proud to support boutique IP firms like Bartle Read with comprehensive patent search and intelligence services. From prior art and freedom-to-operate searches to competitor and landscape analysis, our tools help attorneys and their clients make informed, strategic decisions — saving time and improving the strength of every patent application. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can assist with your next project.
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