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I work across many different sectors as a Partner, but I have an in-depth knowledge of the food and beverage industry due to working closely with several international companies in this sector for many years.
I’m proud of the longevity of these relationships since they demonstrate my clients’ trust in me and in my expertise. I have worked with them on numerous cross-border IP strategies, IP arbitrations and patent applications, and have welcomed the opportunity to understand their commercial concerns and challenges deeply as well as find them an IP-related solution on numerous occasions.
Over the years, I’ve developed expertise in complex IP disputes and regularly represent my clients at the European Patent Office. I have been lucky enough to lead several high-profile proceedings for huge international companies where the results of a hearing really do matter to the business. This type of pressure is incredibly motivating.
I also have in-depth experience of freedom to operate (FTO) and have lectured on the topic all over the world. Conducting and analysing the results of an FTO search can be highly complex: commercialising a product or process is critical for a client and finding a way to do so without infringing on others’ IP rights can be a challenge. I always focus on getting the very best for my clients which, I feel, reflects the culture here at Boult.
My technical background is chemistry, particularly inorganic and materials chemistry. However, I often find myself working at the interface between chemistry and engineering, particularly for industrial processes and commercial products. In recent years I have been working with clients that require patents for food and beverages, exhaust systems, catalysts and graphene electronic devices.
Being a Partner here is rather like the role of a custodian, working to preserve Boult for the next generation of fee earners. Finding and retaining new talent is an important element of this and take great satisfaction in managing a vacation scheme for potential candidates. Introducing a career as a patent attorney to scientists, as well as opening the profession to some who might otherwise never have thought of it, is a real joy.
