After completing my degree in physics, my first step into intellectual property was through the UK Intellectual Property Office, as a patent examiner. A desire to expand my knowledge into the whole lifetime of the patent, however, led me to join Boult.
Since joining the firm, I have taken a much deeper dive into the world of intellectual property and have become adept at the preparation, filing and prosecution of patent applications in the UK, Europe and worldwide.
My work has exposed me to developing technologies in a wide range of subject-matter areas. This helps keep me on my toes intellectually and is, I believe, one of the best ways to utilise my scientific knowledge and understanding in a commercial setting.
Assisting with the prosecution and opposition of applications and patents in the medical device sphere has strengthened my appreciation of the importance and impact intellectual property has on the world around us. There is a story and a motivation behind all inventions – both with respect to the inventors and applicants, and the end user – and it is always thrilling to be able to contribute to the telling of that story.
By this stage in my career, I have prepared amendments, responses and arguments to address all manner of objections and observations from patent offices and third parties. As a former examiner with the UK Patent Office, I have also been on the receiving end of such arguments and amendments. The combination of these experiences has developed my skills in navigating the potential pitfalls of the patent application process, crafting amendments and arguments to help maximise the chances of making progress in prosecution.