Boult Wade Tennant LLP

Paul, is a Chartered UK Patent Attorney, European Patent Attorney and European Design Attorney in the Engineering and Designs Group.

Partner

I am privileged to work with my clients on a diverse range of technologies in the engineering and design fields. We work collaboratively on protecting their innovation, addressing the challenges and seeking out the opportunities that come with that. With over 25 years’ experience in the field of intellectual property, the particular mix of technical, commercial and legal aspects involved in the role is one that really enthuses me.

Developing longstanding client relationships is of particular importance to me, and I have had the pleasure of working with a good number of my clients since starting out in the profession. They have adopted me as part of their team, and I am proud to have been actively involved in growing their businesses over that time.

My particular areas of expertise and practice in the engineering field include the aeronautical, mechanical, automotive, marine and civil/structural engineering sectors. Greentech innovation forms an important and exciting growth area in these sectors.

I work with start-up, SME and multinational clients. One longstanding client is a civil engineering and construction multinational headquartered in the US with regional offices in Europe. It has acquired numerous businesses over the years, and I have been involved in integrating, developing and managing its expanding IP portfolio, working with its R&D and management teams, and providing strategic and commercially-focused advice on capturing, protecting and enforcing its IP.

Another longstanding client is a pioneer in the field of high-speed amphibious vehicles. I have worked closely with the development engineers, the board and the owners, creating an IP strategy and worldwide filing program in support of the licensing of its technology, resulting in a significant IP portfolio. I’ve also had the opportunity to roll up my sleeves and get involved in the building of the vehicles, and in the testing of them on land and on water.

A particular career highlight has been working with a client who, ahead of time, identified the need for, and developed, a fully recyclable multi-layered packaging material with oxygen barrier properties for use with personal care products. Having drafted, prosecuted and secured patent protection, we then successfully defended the granted European patent through Opposition and Appeal proceedings brought by competitors, resulting in licenses being sought and granted for the client’s technology.

Working closely and collaboratively with my clients is key to understanding their business. Not only does it enable me to provide strategic and commercially-focused advice, it also makes my part in that work so much more rewarding and enjoyable.

AMIMechE

Chartered UK Patent Attorney European Design Attorney European Patent Attorney BEng (Hons) Mechanical, University of Bath