Boult Wade Tennant LLP

Tessa, Partner and Head of the Engineering and Designs Group, is a Chartered Patent Attorney and European Patent Attorney.

Partner

I am a Partner specialising in engineering and designs, and I am responsible for Boult’s IP management software and information systems software.

My client base includes several large companies, mainly in automotive, construction machines and engines; security features for currency, passports and counterfeit devices; and packaging and processes in the food and beverage sector. I find the concept of currency security features especially fascinating and it’s so rewarding to pick up a banknote knowing that I was responsible for the patent for the security features in it.

I enjoy the fact that I’m always dealing with a huge range and mix of technologies, and therefore constantly learning and growing my knowledge. Dealing with inventions means everything is pretty much new and exciting, and I love having the ability to transfer from one technology to the next. One minute I’ll be working on something for an internal combustion engine; next minute I’m working on an optical filter.

As a Mechanical Engineer, I’m passionate about the pure engineering aspect and the way things work. One of my favourite business trips was a visit to a client’s banknote processing plant when I saw their huge machinery in operation, mixing the paper and feeding in the security features I had patented. You can’t help but be drawn along by the thrill of going from a client’s idea to an actual product that is out in the real world and doing something amazing. You never know what you’re going to get through the door next, which is all part of the excitement.

I like to ensure that client relationships run like clockwork. Efficiency is the key in everything I do, whether it’s on the software side, or managing the client’s portfolio or their expectations. I feel very fortunate to have worked with some wonderful clients over the years with whom I’ve built a great working relationship.

In the past, I have enjoyed lecturing on IP at universities and speaking at conferences, exhibitions and seminars and, in particular, helping new enterprises and inventors understand patents better.

With my experience in running our IP management system, I am actively involved in providing advice to other attorney firms on this.

CIPA EPI IMechE

Chartered UK Patent Attorney European Patent Attorney BSc Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham