Region Area

Lawyers

Ian Whitfield

Work Department

Patents and Design

Career

Ian has developed particular expertise in assisting foreign attorneys in navigating through patent and registered design prosecution in the UK and Europe, working to secure valuable protection for their clients whilst also dealing with the unique issues raised by UK and European patent and registered design law.

Ian’s day to day work includes drafting and prosecuting portfolios of UK, European and PCT patent applications for multinational companies, and managing the prosecution of patent applications across the world.

Ian also provides advice on patent infringement and freedom to operate, and works on a growing opposition portfolio, both defensive and offensive.

Ian is experienced at protecting designs in the UK, the EU and internationally, and advising on infringement, validity and freedom to operate with respect to registered designs.

Ian has gained particular expertise in invalidating existing registered designs and in defending against invalidity actions.

Position

Senior Associate

Ian is a Chartered UK and European Patent Attorney working in the Advanced Engineering and Consumer Products & Manufacturing teams. Ian advises SMEs and multinational companies on patent and registered design matters.

Due to his breadth of experience, Ian is comfortable handling work in many different technical fields, from transport (including automotive, rail and micromobility), to consumer products, white goods, energy, and oil and gas.

Education

Chartered Patent Attorney (2016)

European Patent Attorney (2015)

MEng Chemical Engineering, University of Nottingham (2010)