Rhodri has experience handling patent applications in various fields of technology, including software, telecommunications, robotics, medical devices, cloud computing, control technologies, blockchain and semiconductor processing. He has particular experience in scientific instruments, having worked on cases related to mass spectrometry, ion mobility spectrometry, chromatography, electron microscopy and many different types of spectroscopy, as well as optical systems and ion optical systems for use in scientific instruments.

Rhodri has successfully represented clients at Oral Proceedings before the EPO on many occasions and has experience in oppositions, appeals, patent and design infringement disputes and design revocation proceedings at the UKIPO. He also advises on freedom-to-operate and has been involved with due diligence exercises for companies going through investment rounds. Rhodri is also an expert in registered designs, having managed worldwide registered design portfolios on behalf of multinational companies and startups.

Education & background

Before joining the patent profession, Rhodri obtained a Master’s degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge. He specialised in physics, but also studied chemistry and materials science, enabling him to handle a wide variety of technologies. His Master’s research was in computational modelling of synchronisation in biological systems using computational fluid dynamics.

Hendrik is experienced in the prosecution of patents, has handled cases in European opposition proceedings and worked in litigation of German cases.

Education & background

Hendrik studied physics at the Ruhr University Bochum. He completed his PhD there in 2014 in collaboration with RWTH Aachen University. His PhD thesis focused on the deposition of gas barrier layers on plastics using plasma.

He then worked in industry as a systems engineer on the development of fluid sensors, dealing with patents as well as safety integrity levels.

In 2017, he entered the field of intellectual property and completed his training as a German and European patent attorney at a law firm in Bochum, the German Patent and Trademark Office and the Federal Patent Court in 2020. He worked as a patent attorney at his training firm for four years before joining Withers & Rogers.

He specializes in the field of computer-implemented inventions. He has also been a registered representative for the European Unitary Patent since 2024.

Daniel is a keen chemist who has worked with a wide range of chemical companies throughout his career. He has particular experience in the oil & gas sector, as well as in mineral chemistry, green technology, industrial decarbonisation, materials, minerals, industrial cement manufacture and pharmaceuticals. He finds sectors that crossover with chemistry particularly interesting, such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, raw material recycling processes and paper technology.

Much of Daniel’s work focuses on patent prosecution, drafting and contentious matters relating to European and UK patents. He also has significant experience managing global patent portfolios for SMEs and fast-growing start-ups, having worked in-house at a successful German start-up where he was responsible implementing an IP system and developing a robust IP strategy to keep potential competitors off the market. From this first-hand in-house experience, Daniel understands the pressures faced and knows how to work with in-house counsel in the most effective, cost-efficient and useful way.

Education & background

Daniel graduated from St John’s College, at the University of Oxford, with an MChem degree in 2014. The master’s degree involved a final year research project, which Daniel focused on the synthesis of dihydroconduramines, investigated for their potential use in the treatment of conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Daniel joined the profession in 2014. He qualified as a UK patent attorney in 2017, receiving the prestigious Gill Prize for the highest aggregate mark in the qualifying examinations. He qualified as a European patent attorney in 2018, achieving the 14th highest mark in Europe. He joined Withers & Rogers in 2023, having previously worked in other top patent firms in Germany and the UK and leading the patent team for one of the fastest growing start-ups in Germany. Daniel is also currently an Examiner for the UK Patent Drafting examination paper.

Matthew has experience drafting and prosecuting applications primarily relating to telecommunications, mobile devices, computer implemented inventions, automobiles and software. He has particular experience of drafting and prosecuting telecommunications patent applications relating to standard essential patents (SEPs) and is knowledgeable about various communications standards, including 4G/LTE and 5G. Matthew has also successfully prosecuted many computer-implemented inventions and graphical user interface patents at the European Patent Office, and is well versed in the related case law.

Matthew has experience working with clients from individual inventors to large multi-national corporations. Matthew has also worked in litigation, and in particular has gained experience of SEP licensing negotiation and litigation in the telecommunications sector.

Education & background

Matthew has worked in the patent profession since 2016 and is a qualified Chartered (UK) and European Patent Attorney. Before joining the patent profession, Matthew completed a master’s degree in physics at the University of York, with a focus on plasma physics.

Joel entered the profession in 2021 and joined Withers & Rogers in 2023 in their Electronics, Computing & Physics group. Since entering the profession, Joel has gained experience in patent prosecution and drafting in a wide variety of technologies including telecoms, mechanical devices, computing, aerospace, and oil & gas.

Education & background

Joel graduated from Loughborough University with a Master’s degree in Physics in 2018, with his final year project focusing on MRAM devices. Following graduation, Joel spent time working in the software industry before joining the patent profession.

Ehsan is currently gaining experience in patent law and works with a range of clients and technologies varying from telecommunications to consumer electronics. His work involves prosecuting patent applications before the EPO and UKIPO. He is an active member of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems and Space sector groups.

Education & background

Ehsan studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The University of Manchester, graduating in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree. His final year project involved designing and building a robotic traffic cone that can be safely deployed without human assistance. The project included the design and construction of a chassis and internal electrical circuitry, as well as building and implementing a control system for the operation of the robot.

Ehsan was selected to receive the BP achievement award for his essay advising how BP could use blockchain technology to help achieve their net zero targets.

Ben works with a range of clients and technologies varying from the aerospace industry to electromechanical machines. Building upon his background in mechanical engineering, his work involves drafting and prosecuting patent applications before the UKIPO and EPO. He is an active member of the Automotive and Materials sector groups within the company.

Education & background

Ben studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath, graduating in 2022 with a Master’s degree. He specialised in computer modelling and design, investigating the modelling of latticework structures in heat exchangers during his final year at university. During his studies, Ben spent a year working as a chassis design engineer at Triumph Motorcycles, giving him an insight into industrial design processes.

Tim is currently gaining experience in patent law, registered and unregistered design law, and litigation. As a member of the Marine Sector Group and Defence Sector Group, Tim regularly attends Defence and Marine trade shows and conferences to meet with contacts and clients, and to keep up to date with the latest advancement in the sectors. Tim is also substantially involved in working for one of our large oil and gas clients, contributing to British, European, and French patent applications.

Education & background

Tim graduated from Loughborough University in 2020 with a 2.1 bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Tim completed an industrial placement year with BAE Systems during his degree before returning as a graduate working in design and manufacturing support roles.

She has broad experience in intellectual property law, including in-house experience managing IP teams in the automotive and IT sectors, coupled with extensive private practice experience, both in a traditional European patent prosecution firm and latterly as part of a litigation team in one of France’s first combined attorney-at-law and patent attorney firms.

Her experience particularly covers drafting and prosecuting patent applications, enforcing patent rights, managing and auditing patent portfolios, freedom-to-operate opinions, litigation in relation to patent infringement and validity, including opposition and appeal proceedings at the European Patent Office, and IP-related contracts.

Her technical fields of expertise include computer science, information technology, encryption, telecoms, smart cards, medical devices, automotive and aeronautics as well as mechanical inventions.

Marie-Claude is a tutor for Paper C of the European Qualification Examination within the French Association of Industrial Property Experts (Association Française des Spécialistes en Propriété Industrielle de l’Industrie – ASPI). She is also a member of the Licencing Executives Society, the Association of European Patent Practitioners (Association des Praticiens Européens des Brevets – APEB) and the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (Association Internationale pour la Protection de la Propriété Intellectuelle – AIPPI), whose events she regularly attends.

Education & background

Marie-Claude studied Computer Science to obtain a PhD at the National Institute of Polytechnics in Grenoble, France (Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble).

Marie-Claude then gained industry experience as a research engineer in the field of smart cards, during which she discovered the world of patents as an inventor.

She joined the patent profession in 2001. She has been a qualified French and European patent attorney since 2006. She has since held various positions in several large and well-known technology companies, as well as in an IP firm and in a firm of attorneys-at-law.

In parallel, she obtained the University Diploma “Patent Litigation in Europe”, a professional degree from the CEIPI in Trademarks and Industrial Designs and a Master 2 degree in law, economics, management with a specialisation in industrial property law, from the University of Strasbourg, France.

In March 2023, she was registered as a representative before the new Unified Patent Court, one of the first European patent attorneys to be entered on the list of UPC representatives.

Since joining Withers & Rogers in 2021, Thomas has gained experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the UK and Europe, working with clients across a broad array of technologies including those in software, electronics, medical devices and communications sectors. He also has a keen interest in renewable energy technologies and is an active member of the Clean Technology sector group.

Education & background

Thomas graduated from Loughborough University in 2021 with a 1^st class Master’s degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering. His final year project involved designing, developing, and operating a solar photovoltaic diagnostic system utilising junction-box cell-string voltage monitoring. During the project, Thomas investigated the most accurate way to reliably calculate internal photovoltaic cell temperature from external temperature sensors.

Thomas also completed industrial placements at British Steel and at the Phillips 66 Humber oil refinery. During these placements he worked as an Electrical, Control & Instrument Engineer – managing and assisting in the delivery of a wide variety of engineering projects.

Yannick is a qualified French and European patent attorney. His background includes more than 10 years of patent portfolio management, IP-related risk mitigation, budgeting, cost, process and change management, having held several key positions within Airbus and Safran groups.

Education & background

Prior to joining Withers & Rogers, Yannick held several IP management positions at Airbus, where he was ultimately responsible for patent portfolio optimisation. Yannick also led in-house patent operations at Safran Aircraft Engines for 5 years, where he managed a patent portfolio of 10,000+ filings, covering 3,000+ inventions. Among his key successes were the management of the transition to an Airbus-wide IP management system and the alignment of Safran’s patent portfolio to its innovation strategy.

Passionate about intellectual property, Yannick has spent the past 5 years developing new IP services, quality management, legal knowledge management and a worldwide attorney network at a leading service provider in the IP field, helping the company triple its headcount from 50 to 150 employees during his tenure.

Yannick is a qualified (Black Belt) Lean Six Sigma expert and is regularly consulted to support Lean IP management deployment across the IP sector. From 2009 to 2014, he was Secretary of the French association of in-house IP counsels (ASPI). He was elected again in early 2021 before moving to private practice at Withers & Rogers. He has been Secretary of the European Patent Institute (epi) Online Communications Committee since 2017 and is the current epi representative at the Standard Advisory Committee to the EPO (SACEPO) e-patent process working group. Yannick is also involved in the association for IP Data Exchange Standards (EDIPI), pushing for more efficient exchanges between IP stakeholders, as well as the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) and the Rhône-Alpes Group for the Protection of Intellectual Property (GRAPI).

Yannick holds a BSc in aerospace engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology and a master’s in innovation and technology management from Toulouse Business School. He has been continuously trained in people and project management within Airbus and Safran. He is a regular speaker at worldwide IP conferences and a former epi-CEIPI tutor. Yannick is also a former teacher in IP law and IP management at Skema Business School in Paris, Toulouse Business School and IAE Toulouse.

Samuel has experience working with clients at all levels, from start-ups and SMEs to large multi-nationals. He works across a wide variety of different technical fields, including analogue and digital electronics, display devices, mobile technology, battery technology, optical systems, and advanced robotics. Samuel also has experience in prosecuting computer-implemented inventions before both the UK Patent Office and the European Patent Office (EPO).

Education & background

Samuel graduated from the University of Bristol with an MSci in Physics, before completing a PhD in Non-Linear Photonics at the University of Bath. His academic research focussed on the non-linear behaviour of light in optical fibres, specifically of a type known as “Photonic Crystal Fibres”, and was primarily aimed at developing a fibre-based gas discharge laser using novel negative curvature fibres. He also carried out research directed towards developing a treatment for silica glass to prevent and repair defects in high power fibre laser systems, and worked on developing new technologies for solar energy generation.

During his PhD he worked on several papers which were published in peer-reviewed journals.

Samuel entered the profession in 2015, and joined Withers & Rogers in 2021 in their Electronics, Computing & Physics group. In March 2023, he was registered as a representative before the new Unified Patent Court, one of the first European patent attorneys to be entered on the list of UPC representatives.

Chris has worked on patent applications in a variety of technical fields, including display devices, battery technology, analogue and digital electronics and household appliances.  He also has experience in prosecuting computer-implemented inventions before the European Patent Office (EPO).

Chris has represented clients at hearings before the Examining Division and the Opposition Division of the EPO.

Education & background

Chris graduated from the University of Bristol with an MSci in Chemical Physics.  This was followed by a PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Sheffield.  His PhD focussed on growth and characterisation of a new semiconductor material with potential applications in infrared optoelectronics, particularly solar cells.  During his PhD he worked on several papers, which were published in peer-reviewed journals.

Chris began his patent career in 2014, and joined Withers & Rogers in 2021.  Chris holds a Certificate in Intellectual Property Law from Queen Mary, University of London. In March 2023, he was registered as a representative before the new Unified Patent Court, one of the first European patent attorneys to be entered on the list of UPC representatives.

Naomi has worked with clients from a broad range of sectors including oil and gas, packaging, automotive engineering, medical devices and construction.

Naomi has experience in drafting and prosecuting applications in the UK and Europe, as well as liaising with attorneys in the US and Asia.

Education & background

Naomi graduated from the University of Manchester with a first class MEng in Chemical Engineering with Industrial Experience in 2019. Her final year project involved designing a sustainable chemical plant which included process control, design of a distillation column and safety and environmental considerations.

Naomi spent a year working in industry as a Process Engineer on the design of a nuclear treatment plant at Sellafield Ltd. During this year, she gained experience in process design, nuclear power and waste and led a series of development trials to assist in the design of a system to treat a hazardous off-gas.

Atheer has experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the UK and Europe for clients in electronics and software fields. This includes telecommunications, semi-conductor devices, computing devices, signal coding and blockchain. Atheer has a keen interest in robotics and automation systems. As well as exposure to methods used for biomedical image processing and analysis, he also studied advanced image analysis technologies such as image segmentation, registration and morphological analysis.

Education & background

Atheer graduated from the University of Sheffield with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. His final year project involved building an electromagnetic transmission system for a passenger vehicle. The project included designing electromagnetic actuators using finite element analysis and building a control system for the transmission system to operate in a shift-by-wire fashion. Atheer also, studied the principles of biomedical imaging, including the basic physics and mathematics associated with the different modalities, including X-ray CT, SPECT, PET, and MRI.

André advises on topics specific to the German jurisdiction and market.

André enjoys working directly with clients and inventors alike and successfully developing and growing their IP portfolios. He has particular experience in many aspects of electronics, in the field of automotive inventions, process automation, and computer implemented inventions.

Education & background

André holds a Diploma Supplement in Computer Engineering and two Master degrees, one in Electrical Engineering and one in Business Administration. The main focus of his degrees was in autonomous driving mobile robots.

He entered the patent profession in 2014, and trained at a German IP firm, the German Civil Court, Mannheim and the German Patent and Trademark Office as well as the Federal Patent Court of Germany. In 2018, André qualified as a German patent attorney and has since worked as a Freelancer for several IP firms in Germany before joining Withers & Rogers in 2020.

Since joining Withers & Rogers in 2019, Matthew has gained experience in drafting and prosecuting European and UK patent applications in a variety of sectors, including analog electronics, signal processing and medical devices.

Education & background

Matthew graduated from the University of Bristol with a first class MEng degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. During his degree he enjoyed learning about renewable energy technologies, power electronics and communications. His final year project researched the use of Gallium Nitride HEMTs to improve power converter performance. He also assisted with designing technology demonstrators for nanowatt sensor systems, as part of a project spinning-out university research into a start-up company.

Matthew was awarded the Toshiba Prize and a scholarship from Boeing for his academic and project performance.

Eleanor has worked with clients from a broad range of sectors including automotive engineering, packaging, construction, control systems and heavy industrial machinery. She has experience in drafting and prosecuting applications in the UK and Europe.

Education & background

Eleanor graduated from the University of Sheffield with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Her final year project involved developing a computational model showing the dynamic effects of vibration on sports equipment.

Eleanor gained experience with condition monitoring and signal processing during her placement as a gas turbine engineer.

Since joining Withers & Rogers in 2019, Ailis has gained experience in patent prosecution in the UK and Europe. She has particular expertise in the areas of inorganic chemistry, catalysis, medicinal and biological chemistry and formulation chemistry.

Education & background

Ailis has a first class MSci degree in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry from the University of Nottingham, and a PhD from the University of Bristol which focussed on synthesising novel functionalised phosphine-based ligands for use in nuclear imaging. During her PhD, Ailis presented her research at multiple international conferences and has published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Nicholas’s practice includes drafting and prosecuting patent applications for inventions in the fields of chemistry and life sciences. His areas of technical expertise include specialist chemicals, batteries, pharmaceuticals, polymers, packaging, minerals & mining, biochemistry and bioprocessing. He also has experience advising on freedom-to-operate and conducting infringement and validity assessments.  He especially enjoys tailoring his advice to the various strategic requirements of different types of clients, from SMEs to universities and multinational companies.

Education & background

Nicholas has a PhD in chemistry and molecular biology from the University of Cape Town. His PhD project focussed on the synthesis of inhibitors of redox enzymes found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. He then became a research fellow at the University College of Dublin in the field of organic synthesis of carbohydrates, conducting multistep syntheses of derivatives of the anticoagulant drug, Heparin.

Prior to joining Withers & Rogers, Nicholas worked for one of the top patent attorney firms in South Africa and qualified as a South African patent attorney in 2017.

Peter has experience in drafting and prosecuting UK and European patent applications relating to technologies in a variety of sectors, including medical devices, aerospace, defence, construction and oil & gas.

Peter has helped a diverse array of innovative clients to obtain patents, from individual inventors to large multinational companies.

Experience gained during his PhD and postdoctoral research has afforded him the ability to gain an in-depth understanding of his clients’ inventions and to provide his clients with commercially relevant IP protection.

Education & background

Peter graduated from Imperial College London in 2011 with a Masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Peter then joined the University of Sheffield to pursue his PhD, which focused on developing control systems for reducing drag in turbulent fluid flows. After spending two years conducting postdoctoral research, Peter then spent two years at another leading patent attorney firm before joining Withers & Rogers in 2019.

Andie has experience in drafting and prosecuting applications in the UK and Europe. She has worked with clients from a broad range of sectors including semi-conductor devices, medical devices, software and telecommunications.

Education & background

Andie graduated from the University of St Andrews with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics. Her final year project involved developing a coding platform with applications in nuclear and particle physics.

During her time at university, Andie conducted and presented research in the areas of quantum theory, condensed matter physics and scanning tunnelling microscopy.

Phoebe joined Withers & Rogers in January 2019 and is based in our Warwick office. She has experience in patent drafting, prosecution and opposition, and has worked for clients in the automotive, aerospace, and medical device sectors.

Education & background

Phoebe graduated in 2017 from the University of Cambridge with a masters degree in Natural Sciences. She spent her final two years specialising in Materials Science and Metallurgy. During her time at University, Phoebe completed a research project into the design and testing of hydrogen embrittlement resistant bearing steels; and also spent time at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich developing room temperature CO₂ sensors based on poly(ionic liquid)/alumina composites.

Prior to starting University, Phoebe worked for a mould making and casting company in London, and therefore has a particular interest in casting materials and technology for displays.

In March 2023, she was registered as a representative before the new Unified Patent Court, one of the first European patent attorneys to be entered on the list of UPC representatives.

Since joining Withers & Rogers in 2018, Talia has gained experience in patent prosecution and opposition in a variety of sectors including oil & gas and aerospace & defence. Specifically, Talia has worked on a range of downhole drilling technologies and aircraft landing gear assemblies.

Education & background

Talia graduated from the University of Exeter with a Master’s degree in Physics in 2018. In her final year, Talia worked on a recently developed fluorescent microscopy technique which allows for high resolution imaging of biological samples.

During her time at university, Talia also worked on a project aimed at adapting light microscopy techniques for use with electron microscopes.

These projects have given Talia an understanding of a variety of sensing techniques as well as the physical concepts underlying biological systems.

Since joining Withers & Rogers, Josh has gained experience in drafting and prosecuting UK, European and International patent applications. He also assists with Freedom to Operate (FTO) advice. Josh has worked with clients from a broad range of engineering sectors including medical devices, agricultural, automotive, aerospace, space and satellite sector, and materials science.

Education & background

Josh graduated from the University of Birmingham with a Bachelors in Materials Engineering. Subsequently he continued at Birmingham to study a PhD funded by the European and German Space Agencies as part of the MICAST Project. The research focussed on casting and analysing aluminium alloys in three-dimensions using a computerised tomography machine. The work also incorporated the design and commissioning of a lightweight furnace for Earth and rocket based castings.

He is lead author on a number of conference papers and his work was presented at an invited plenary talk at a solidification conference in Hungary.

Sheri has experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications in both UK and European patent practices, as well as global IP strategy. Sheri has a background in mechanical engineering with a specialism in medical devices. She has experience with surgical equipment and medical machinery, such as MRI and CT machines.

Sheri has worked for clients in a broad range of sectors, with an express interest in medical technology and in the aerospace and defence sectors. She has experience in prosecution patents to grant, IP strategy for companies, as well as drafting applications.

Education & background

Sheri graduated from Cardiff University with a First-Class Honours in Medical Engineering. She has also worked at a leading medical device company and has also completed research projects alongside top researchers at Cardiff University; this has given Sheri the opportunity to gain insight and work alongside those at the forefront of their fields, as well as developing her specialist knowledge along the way.

Since joining Withers & Rogers, Heather has gained experience in drafting and prosecuting UK and European patent applications relating to a wide variety of technologies in the life science and chemical sectors.

Education & background

Heather graduated from the University of Oxford with a Master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.  In her final year, Heather specialised in immunology and her research project focused on the purification and testing of vaccine candidates to protect against Malaria.

Heather continued her study at University College London and gained her PhD in Immunology.  Her research focused on characterising the immune disruption within the skin following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of leukaemia.  She has authored and co-authored several papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented her research at an international conference in New York.

Uli handles both German and European patent applications in the fields of mechanical, process and chemical engineering.

Uli has represented clients also before German courts in matters concerning infringement, cancellation and nullity proceeding and employee inventions.  He also has significant experience of drafting licensing agreements.

Uli is a member of multiple organisations including the German Patent Attorney Association, FICPI, INTA, AIPPI, European Patent Litigators Association (EPLIT), Munich paper manufacturers association (Vereinigter Papierfachverband München e.V. (VPM)), the Association of Chemical Pulp and Paper Chemists and Engineers (Verein der Zellstoff- und Papier-Chemiker und -Ingenieure) and the Academic Association of paper engineers at the Dresden Technical University (Akademischer Papieringenieurverein an der Technischen Universität Dresden e.V.).

Education & background

While studying for his Dr.-Ing. at the University of Dresden, in corporation with the University of Applied Science in Munich, Uli focussed his thesis on biological/enzymatical processes to prepare and bleach recycled fibres. He then went on to gain a special qualification in paper technology before spending several years working in mechanical engineering and process technology areas.

Uli trained at Wallinger & Partners, Munich, the German Patent and Trademark Office as well as the Bundespatentgericht (Federal Patent Court of Germany) and spent 14 years as a partner at Fleuchaus & Gallo PartmbB in Munich. In March 2023, he was registered as a representative before the new Unified Patent Court, one of the first European patent attorneys to be entered on the list of UPC representatives.

As part of the Advanced Engineering group Chris has worked with clients from a diverse range of sectors such as aerospace & defence, automotive engineering, oil & gas, packaging, medical devices, construction and heavy industrial machinery. He assists with filing and prosecution of design and patent applications in the UK, Europe and worldwide. He recently assisted with three opposition appeals in the oil and gas sector at the EPO, in which all three patents were successfully revoked.

Education & Background

Chris graduated from the University of Sheffield with a MEng in Systems & Control Engineering in 2014. This involved a year working in industry which was split between the aerospace firm ITP Aero and the Phillips 66 Humber oil refinery.

He went on to study for a PhD in the Rolls-Royce Control, Monitoring & Systems Engineering University Technology Centre at the University of Sheffield, finishing in 2018. His PhD research focused on improving methods of designing complex engineered systems, such as gas turbine engines and nuclear reactors. He has authored numerous scientific papers and presented his research at international conferences.

Ben is interested in all aspects of advanced engineering and is experienced in advising clients on a broad range of technology areas, including in the aerospace, automotive, robotics, electric motor, renewable energy, medical equipment, micro valve, oil & gas, and construction equipment sectors.

Ben works with a variety of clients from SMEs to multi-national corporations and his practice involves drafting and prosecuting patent applications and advising on commercial issues, such as obtaining the most useful scope of protection and reducing the risk of infringement of competitors’ patent portfolios.  He also has a successful track record in defending clients’ patents at appeal proceedings before the European Patent Office.

Education & Background

Ben graduated top of his class at Leeds University with a First Class Master’s degree in Engineering. During his studies, he worked alongside engineers at Bentley Motors as part of a small team to scope, design and source an optimised rear suspension component.

Following graduation, Ben worked for Toyota as a chassis design engineer at their European HQ in Brussels where he was responsible for the development and manufacture of various chassis components.

Ben entered the patent profession in 2008 and qualified as a UK and European patent attorney in 2012, obtaining the second highest mark in the country for the UK infringement and validity exam. He joined Withers & Rogers in 2018 to become part of the rapidly growing Advanced Engineering team in London. In March 2023, he was registered as a representative before the new Unified Patent Court, one of the first European patent attorneys to be entered on the list of UPC representatives.

Abbie has a breadth of experience in a wide variety of technologies. She has specific expertise in diagnostic methods, immunology, molecular diagnostics, medical devices, tissue engineering and alternative proteins, diagnostic biomarkers, formulations and genetics.

Abbie is also a member of the firm’s biotechnology & pharma, and food & drink sector groups.

Education & background

Abbie graduated with a first class honours degree and PhD from the University of Leicester. She was awarded the AstraZeneca Physiology and Pharmacology prize for her undergraduate dissertation on the characterisation of ischaemic injury in neonates by electron microscopy.

During her PhD she published widely in the fields of clinical mycology and respiratory medicine, working towards the development of diagnostic biomarkers of airway colonisation in asthma and COPD. She presented her research at national and international conferences, and was the recipient of a number of awards for her research. Postdoctoral research in oncology focused on  mutation detection in liquid biopsies by next-generation sequencing and digital PCR.

Greg is interested in all aspects of chemistry and has worked with the full spectrum of chemical inventions over the course of his career.  Some of the diverse fields in which he has helped clients include industrial-scale fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, halocarbons, polymers, food and drink, agriculture, printing methods and inks, nonwoven materials, detergents, photochemistry, materials chemistry and batteries.

The majority of Greg’s work is conducted at the European Patent Office, where he has a long and successful track record defending and attacking patents in opposition and opposition-appeal proceedings.  Away from the EPO, Greg conducts patent prosecution and portfolio management in upwards of 70 countries, drafts new applications and provides advice relating to patent validity and infringement.

Education & background

Greg graduated from Loughborough University with a first class chemistry degree.  He was then awarded a PhD in chemistry by the University of Nottingham for a thesis titled “Nitroalkenes as Latent Nucleophiles for the Nitro-Mannich Reaction”.  He has also conducted research with GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Pfizer.

Greg entered the profession in 2007 and qualified as a patent attorney in 2012. He qualified as a European patent attorney with the 15th highest exam mark in Europe and his legal paper answer was selected by the EPO as that year’s model answer. He joined Withers & Rogers in 2017, having previously worked with other top patent firms in Germany and the UK. In March 2023, he was registered as a representative before the new Unified Patent Court, one of the first European patent attorneys to be entered on the list of UPC representatives.

Adam has experience drafting and prosecuting UK and European patent applications covering a range of technologies, primarily related to telecommunications, consumer electronics, and lone-worker systems.

Education & background

Adam completed his interdisciplinary PhD at the University of York in 2016, where his research involved developing a new method to treat prostate cancer using cold plasmas, sat at the interface between physics and biology.  He then continued to lead and develop the project further during a short postdoctoral stint before joining the patent profession.

He presented his research at UK and overseas conferences, winning awards for his conference presentations.

Adam published four scientific publications in highly regarded journals, the most recent of which was a comprehensive review of how the emerging field of low temperature plasmas could revolutionise cancer treatment.  He was also interviewed on live BBC radio about his research.

During his time at University Adam spoke at many outreach events.  He was also a finalist in the 3-Minute Thesis competition, where speakers were required to explain their research to a general audience in under three minutes.

Prior to his PhD Adam completed an MSc degree in Fusion Energy and has a keen interest in sustainable technologies and the environment.  He also holds an undergraduate masters (MPhys) in experimental physics.

Since joining Withers & Rogers as a trainee, Theo has experience drafting and prosecuting UK and European patent applications across Europe and North America.  Theo’s experience and interests are primarily related to technology in the electrical, electronic, and robotics technology sectors.  He has worked closely with SMEs and Start-ups around Bristol, and understands the benefits and importance of capturing early stage innovations to help them to secure valuable patent protection for their inventions.

Education & background

Having attained a Masters’ degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with First Class Honours from the University of Bristol, Theo is well equipped to understand the latest technology. In his final year Theo focused on Radio and Optical Communications, and Power Electronic Systems; this gave him the opportunity to work on a range of technologies, developing industrial and commercial interests along the way.

During his final year Theo also developed and tested a low cost, energy efficient and portable air quality monitoring system for smart cities.  This project combined his enthusiasm for communications, power electronics and clean technology.  Theo’s work was recognised and awarded a prize for best overall final year project.

Harry’s practice is focused on helping clients obtain patent protection for technologies that sit on the edge of patentability. He regularly advises clients on IP considerations surrounding software and business methods as well as technologies such as deep learning, blockchain, and machine vision. He has experience drafting patent applications directed to machine learning, artificial intelligence, industrial control, and complex software systems. He also has experience representing clients before the UK Intellectual Property Office and the European Patent Office, including first instance and technical board of appeal hearings.

Harry is passionate about providing his clients with unique, data driven, and practical insights. This is evidenced by the extensive research he has conducted on the patentability of AI and machine learning inventions in Europe, with a particular focus on the requirements for sufficiency of disclosure. He has presented this research to numerous clients throughout the UK & Europe and the US, as well as a various bar and IP law associations.

Education & background

Prior to joining Withers & Rogers, Harry worked at University College London (UCL) where he was module coordinator for courses on machine learning and software engineering. Whilst at UCL, Harry was also a visiting researcher at Birmingham Children’s Hospital where he helped to develop novel protocols for predicting the outcomes of cleft lip surgeries.

Harry holds a BEng in software engineering and a PhD in machine learning, both from the University of Wales. After obtaining his PhD, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher and held a National Institute of Social Care and Health Research (NISCHR) research fellowship in biomedical image analysis. Harry has authored numerous journal articles and conference publications and has presented his work at both national and international conferences. He is also author of the book, “Open Problems in Spectral Dimensionality Reduction” published by Springer.

Shu has significant experience in drafting and prosecuting applications in a wide variety of technical fields, including MEMS fabrication, nanotechnology, photonics, 2D and 3D displays, analog and digital electronics, scientific instrumentation, mobile applications, computer-implemented inventions and consumer products.

Her practice spans from multinational companies to individual inventors and start-ups, and she always aims to understand her clients’ commercial and strategic goals in order to tailor her advice accordingly.

Shu also helps her diverse range of clients with managing their IP portfolios and defining their IP strategies in the UK and Europe as well as overseas. She has particular expertise working with inventors from China and Taiwan, often travelling to visit them and is familiar with patent practices in East Asia. Shu is a Mandarin speaker and is happy to converse with clients in Mandarin.

Shu is one of a few UK practitioners to have successfully overcome an excluded subject matter objection at a hearing before the UKIPO and go on to obtain a granted patent for her client. She has also represented clients before the EPO at both Examining Division and Opposition Division hearings.

Education & background

Shu graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Masters Degree in Engineering, specialising in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.  Her Masters project involved designing, fabricating and testing Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator-based biosensors at the Centre for Advanced Photonics and Electronics in Cambridge.

Shu trained and qualified as a European and UK patent attorney at another leading private practice firm in London prior to joining Withers & Rogers.  Shu also holds the Certificate in Intellectual Property Law (with Distinction) from Queen Mary, University of London. In March 2023, she was registered as a representative before the new Unified Patent Court, one of the first European patent attorneys to be entered on the list of UPC representatives.

Georgia has experience with a wide variety of chemical inventions. She has particular expertise in the areas of electrochemistry, polymers, food chemistry, and formulation chemistry.

Since joining the profession, Georgia has worked with a wide range of clients, including large multi-national companies, SMEs, lone inventors and local universities.

Education & background

Georgia has a first class MChem degree and a PhD from the University of Sheffield. Her postdoctoral research focused on the use of dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers and other polymeric systems as vehicles for encapsulation and delivery, and the use of dendrimers to study and inhibit protein-protein binding. Georgia has co-authored numerous scientific papers and presented her research at the World Polymer Congress in 2012.

Before joining Withers & Rogers, Georgia worked in Switzerland for a scientific publishing company. She liaised closely with authors and editors during article preparation. As such, she has a wealth of experience working with academic professionals and has working proficiency in French.

Philip specialises in analog and digital electronic circuitry and semiconductor design, fabrication and operation.  He also has a wide-range of experience in other technology areas including: telecommunication systems; scientific instruments; automotive engineering and control technologies.

Additionally, Philip regularly advises clients on the patentability of software and business methods in the UK and Europe and has significant experience with computer implemented inventions, including encryption and blockchain related technologies.

Philip has worked with a diverse range of clients in the UK, the US and Japan, from large multinationals with substantial patent portfolios to small and medium sized entities.  He has also advised a number of start-ups at various stages of growth.

Education & background

Philip has a Masters degree in Engineering from the University of Cambridge where he studied a variety of engineering disciplines, from thermodynamics to systems and control. His specialisation was in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, with a particular focus on semiconductor device fabrication and operation. His Masters level research focussed on the optimisation of high power SOI MOSFETs in the forward blocking mode.  He went on to enter the patent profession in 2008. In March 2023, he was registered as a representative before the new Unified Patent Court, one of the first European patent attorneys to be entered on the list of UPC representatives.

Having joined Withers & Rogers as a trainee in 2016, Alex has significant experience in drafting and prosecuting UK and European patent applications, primarily relating to technology in the materials and engineering sectors.

Alex has previously worked for global technology companies as well as academic institutes, and has a particular interest in the fields of composites, Titanium and Steel metallurgy and conductive polymer research. His experience in research has afforded him the ability to gain an intimate understanding of inventions in these fields, and this enables him to provide clients with commercially relevant IP protection.

Education & background

Alex graduated from the University of Sheffield in July 2015 with a first class Masters degree in Aerospace Materials, his thesis focussing upon the life cycle analysis of materials used in global stainless steel production. He also received the 2015 Armourer’s and Braziers Prize during his course of study, as well as an SMEA award in 2014, in recognition of his research in the field of conductive polymers.

Gemma works with businesses and individuals to effectively protect inventions across a wide range of technology fields, including packaging, engineering materials, consumer appliances and medical devices. With a background in Chemistry and Mathematics, Gemma has a broad technical knowledge which has enabled her to work in a variety of technical sectors, including those requiring interdisciplinary skills.

Gemma advises a diverse range of clients including multinational companies, SMEs, start-ups and universities.

Education & background

Gemma graduated from the University of Durham in 2005 with a master’s degree in Chemistry and Mathematics. She worked as an analyst in the field of sensor systems for a global R&D company before training as a patent attorney. Gemma qualified as both a UK and European patent attorney in 2013.

Prior to joining Withers & Rogers, Gemma worked for a leading firm of patent and trade mark attorneys in London. Gemma has also spent time working as part of the in-house patent team of a global R&D company, gaining a valuable understanding of the management of IP and the commercial considerations involved in obtaining IP protection from an in-house perspective.

Dr John-Paul Rooney is a partner and European and UK patent attorney in our Electronics, Computing & Physics group with 20+ years of experience. He has particular knowledge of the electronics and software fields including smartphones and their associated UIs, antennas, displays, and communications standards including LTE and 5G, plus other computing devices and signal coding technologies, particularly hierarchical video coding including the MPEG5-LCEVC standard, and instrumentation and measurement devices. John-Paul successfully manages large client relationships and their portfolios providing them with strategic insight into European patent law practice and changes, and also provides full service IP support to innovative multi-nationals and SMEs. John-Paul is a professional representative before the Unified Patent Court in the EU.

John-Paul has an electronics & electrical engineering background to PhD level with industry experience as a technician and design engineer, and has delivered presentations on intellectual property law issues internationally for various organisations, including the UK Intellectual Property Office, UKTI, and the China-Britain Business Council. John-Paul has also written for and contributed to articles in several national and international publications, including The Telegraph and The Guardian.

Education & background

John-Paul holds a PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from the University of Leeds, and joined Withers & Rogers in 2003 in London after a spell in industry designing electrical distribution systems in hazardous areas. He rejoined us in 2011 to develop the Electronics, Computing and Physics group in the North of England after spending 5 years at another firm in Yorkshire. Unusually, John-Paul completed a trade apprenticeship in instrumentation and electrical engineering at AstraZeneca prior to joining the patent profession.

John-Paul has knowledge and experience of working with Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) in the United Kingdom and in compatible territories overseas, such as in Europe, Australia and New Zealand and is familiar with telecommunications technology including coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation techniques from his PhD studies. John-Paul works with MPEG standards, such as MPEG-2 video, MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) commonly referred to a H.264, and MPEG-5 HEVC. John-Paul also works with non-MPEG technologies in video coding and broadcast.  In addition, John-Paul has successfully prosecuted many difficult graphical user interface (GUI) patents before the European Patent Office and has knowledge of aspects of various audio codecs (such as ALAC, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, FLAC, MPEG-4 ALS, MLP, etc.).

In March 2023, he was registered as a representative before the new Unified Patent Court, one of the first European patent attorneys to be entered on the list of UPC representatives.

Mark supports a wide range of clients in the filing and prosecution of patent and design applications in the UK, Europe and worldwide. He supports a variety of clients including universities, individual inventors, start-ups, SMEs and multinational corporations.

Mark’s particular areas of technical expertise include construction machinery, building materials, modular building systems, electrochemical machining, materials engineering, battery technology, and medical devices.

Education & background

Mark has an undergraduate degree in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Sheffield. Following graduation, Mark went on to study for a PhD in nanomaterials engineering at the University of Sheffield, focusing on synthesis, deposition and characterisation of nanomaterials, graduating in 2011.

Mark subsequently worked as a research associate at Loughborough University focusing on the use of novel micro and nanomaterials in electronics manufacturing. This research resulted in the filing of a patent application for his invention, which introduced Mark to the patent attorney profession.

Mark joined the patent attorney profession at Withers & Rogers in 2013, and qualified as a European patent attorney in 2017 and as a UK patent attorney in 2019. In March 2023, he was registered as a representative before the new Unified Patent Court, one of the first European patent attorneys to be entered on the list of UPC representatives.