Kilburn & Strode LLP

Patents, Tech Practice Group

Partner (London) & VP (San Francisco Liaison Office)

Nick specialises in complex patent portfolio management and IP strategy with a focus on software, hardware electronics, and audio technologies. While primarily based in London, since its launch in 2017, Nick has spent a significant proportion of his time in the firm's San Francisco office, which allows him to provide a uniquely international perspective on European IP.

Technically, Nick excels at handling inventions in sectors where software and hardware electronics collide, often creating emerging disruptive technologies. When it comes to software, Nick is particularly adept at getting the most difficult software patents granted at the European Patent Office. As a result, he has handled patents on the borderline of patentability especially in in the exciting cutting edge areas of blockchain, crypto, web3, fintech, and eCommerce.  As part of this work, Nick is also European Strategy and Growth Advisor at the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA), an organisation that aims to provide freedom from patent threats on foundational cryptocurrency technologies.

Having an MEng in Electronic Engineering, Nick also has a solid understanding of everything from computer architecture to electronic circuit design through to semiconductor fabrication. His ground-breaking semiconductor research into spintronic FETs at the University of York was published in 2019.  Nick also has a long-term passion for patents where music meets technology, as a result he has advised in relation to cutting-edge musical instruments, prestigious consumer-facing audio-visual devices, loudspeakers, headphones and more.

Nick is known amongst in-house counsel and C-suite execs for his ability to lead companies through strategic redevelopments of their use of intellectual property. For example, Nick has worked with leading technology companies to help them become more competitive, streamline costs, maximise return on investment in IP, successfully use IP to maximise VC investment and prepare portfolios for Initial Public Offerings. While his portfolio management work focuses on patent prosecution, Nick's strategic work extends across all IPRs and encompasses freedom of action portfolio building, litigation and opposition strategies, M&A activity including associated IP due diligence, and wider business considerations.

Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) The Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (EPI) Audio Engineering Society (AES) Silicon Valley Intellectual Property Law Association (SVIPLA) San Francisco Intellectual Property Law Association (SFIPLA)

European Patent Attorney Chartered UK Patent Attorney IP Litigator - Patent Foreign Legal Consultant (FLC) – State Bar of California MEng Electronic Engineering with Music Technology Systems - University of York