IT & Engineering

Working for over a dozen large international and UK-based companies and academic institutions, Stephen has extensive experience in obtaining patents for clients in a wide range of technologies, including software-related inventions, avionics, telecommunications, consumer products, packaging and air conditioning technologies. Current clients include: Japan Tobacco International, Baidu, Abbott, TTP PLC, Schlumberger, CERN and The University of Cambridge.

Stephen’s time is divided almost equally between domestic and international clients. The clients range from academic institutions through to large multinational corporations. He supports the larger corporations in the cost effective management and prosecution of large patent portfolios that often run into thousands of filings. Smaller clients tend to seek support in developing strategies for protecting their IP in a manner which advance their business objectives and meet their long term ambitions for growth.

Stephen is skilled in handling hearings at the European Patent Office, including almost 20 in the last year. Many of these hearings involve complex technologies including software-related inventions in the fields of gaming, avionics, system control and signal processing. Recent successes include successful maintenance of a software patent with licence revenue in the order of US $1Million in EPO opposition proceedings. He has worked in supporting a number of corporations in the development of their IP strategies worldwide and making cost effective use of the patent system. He also has a great deal of experience of protecting a wide range of consumer products through the registered designs system in the UK and overseas.

Stephen is always interested in understanding in detail the objectives of any business that he supports so as to provide advice and support that is tailored to the needs of that business.

Managing Partner

University of Birmingham, Electrical and Electronic Engineering