Role:<\/strong> Founder
Firm:<\/strong> Scintilla<\/a>
Location:<\/strong> United Kingdom (Glasgow, Aberdeen, Manchester)
Areas of expertise:<\/strong> Patents, trade marks, IP strategy, deep tech, client advisory<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From physics to patent law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Peter\u2019s route into intellectual property began during his time studying physics. Like many in the profession, he had not initially been aware of the career path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After discovering the blend of technical and legal work involved, he applied directly to firms and secured a trainee role straight out of university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His early career saw him develop within private practice, learning the technical and client-facing aspects of the role. Along the way, he credits several influential figures and colleagues who helped shape his development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the idea of running his own business had been present much earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking the leap to found Scintilla<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Peter\u2019s entrepreneurial mindset dates back to his school years, when he set up a small gardening business with a friend. While not a long-term venture, it sparked an interest in building something of his own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over time, that interest grew. As his career progressed, he began to feel that traditional firm structures did not align with how he wanted to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI slowly just started getting frustrated\u2026 I\u2019ve got ideas of how I want to do things,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After careful consideration, he took the step to establish Scintilla in 2013. Starting alone, he handled every aspect of the business, from client work to finance and business development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those early days were challenging but rewarding. Building relationships and meeting potential clients played a key role in establishing the firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Evolving from practitioner to business leader<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As Scintilla has grown, Peter\u2019s role has shifted significantly. What began as a hands-on technical role has evolved into leading and developing a business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He describes the transition as a common challenge for founders: moving from doing the work to building the organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the clich\u00e9 of working on the business instead of in it,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, his focus is more on team development, client relationships, and strategic direction. He still enjoys client work but increasingly values the opportunity to build a strong team and create opportunities for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This people-focused approach is a key motivator, alongside the satisfaction of growing the business itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rethinking client relationships and pricing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A defining feature of Scintilla\u2019s approach is its move away from the traditional billable hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peter has long questioned whether time-based billing reflects the true value delivered to clients. Instead, the firm has introduced a model based on agreed pricing and defined outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have to focus on the outcomes that we deliver for clients,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By agreeing fees in advance, clients gain predictability and avoid unexpected costs. This approach also shifts the focus away from time tracking and towards delivering meaningful results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peter believes this change improves trust and reduces one of the most common sources of tension in client relationships: fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Translating innovation into practical IP strategy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Working with innovators requires more than technical knowledge. For Peter, the key lies in understanding each client\u2019s needs and communication style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some clients want detailed explanations, while others prefer concise guidance. Adapting to these differences is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also emphasises the importance of practical advice. Rather than presenting abstract legal analysis, he focuses on helping clients make informed decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat they want is guidance and a direction for you to steer them in,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This includes balancing legal considerations with commercial realities, particularly in fast-moving and complex sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Industry trends and the rise of deep tech<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Peter is seeing strong growth in areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAI is in everything,\u201d he notes, reflecting its widespread integration across industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, Scintilla works extensively in what he describes as \u201cdeep tech\u201d, covering areas such as semiconductors, photonics, and sensing technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These sectors present both opportunities and challenges, particularly in terms of how innovation is protected and commercialised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Building a culture around values and trust<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As the firm has expanded across multiple offices, maintaining a strong culture has been a priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peter has defined a set of core values, including being down to earth, authentic, visionary, compassionate, and resolute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These values underpin a collaborative and supportive environment, where team members are encouraged to speak openly and learn from mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is also a strong emphasis on long-term thinking. This applies not only to team development but also to client relationships, where flexibility and trust are key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re looking at the bigger picture all the time instead of just the short term,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside the office<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Away from work, Peter enjoys spending time with his family and staying active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His hobbies include road cycling, mountain biking, running, and playing guitar. Recently, he has also added gardening to the list after moving house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of his favourite walks is Ben A\u2019an, near Glasgow. It offers a rewarding climb with panoramic views, making it a popular choice for a quick escape from the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to downtime indoors, he admits he is not particularly drawn to board games. However, he does enjoy playing Catan<\/em> with his family\u2014especially when it avoids becoming too competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Peter, the future of IP lies in combining technical expertise with commercial insight and strong client relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As technology continues to evolve, the role of the adviser becomes even more important. Clients need clear guidance, practical thinking, and a trusted partner who can help them navigate complexity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That philosophy continues to shape both his approach and the ongoing development of Scintilla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/peter-mcbride-patent-attorney\/<\/a> Peter and members of the Scintilla team will be attending the International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting<\/a> in London this May. If you\u2019re also planning to be there and would like to connect, feel free to get in touch to arrange a meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>, and find out more about PatWorld \u2014 a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions \u2014 on our About Us page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Peter McBride is the founder of Scintilla, a UK-based patent and trade mark firm. With a background in physics and private practice, he has built a business focused on client relationships, commercial clarity, and innovation, offering a modern approach to intellectual property strategy and advisory work. Name: Peter McBrideRole: FounderFirm: ScintillaLocation: United Kingdom (Glasgow, Aberdeen, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2888,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[236,1],"tags":[159,280,150,32,358,359],"class_list":["post-2887","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-meet-the-ip-professional","category-news","tag-ip-strategy","tag-leadership","tag-patent-attorney","tag-patents","tag-peter-mcbride","tag-scintilla-ip"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/patworld.com\/gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/pete-mcbride-Patent-Attorney-hiking-on-ben-aan-e1774281099842-1400x1316.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLooking ahead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Contact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Website: https:\/\/www.scintillaip.com<\/a>
Email: peter.mcbride@scintilla-ip.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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