From Liverpool to Impact -Notes from a patent attorney

Have you ever wondered how intellectual property is protected and enforced? Are you working in science, engineering, technical or a mathematics-based field and have considered becoming a patent attorney? Join two Liverpool alumni who went on to become patent attorneys and learn about the industry, what you need to know as a university researcher, and what it is like to be a patent attorney.

Presenters:

Andy Tranter

Andy Tranter Managing Partner, Barker Brettell Andy is Managing Partner and Head of Automotive Sector at Barker Brettell LLP. Barker Brettell is a full service IP firm, and handles all aspects of IP including patents, designs and trademarks.

Andy specialises in cases involving electronics, engineering and software. Andy regularly works with large multi-national companies within the defence, infrastructure and transport industries to provide advice on patent portfolio management and strategy.

Andy is experienced in handling complex Opposition and Appeal cases before the EPO, both defending clients patents and attacking others. More recently, he has worked extensively before the UKIPO alongside EPO filings with a view to helping clients benefit from the UK Patent Box scheme.

Before becoming a Patent Attorney Andy completed his PhD in optical electronics at Liverpool and worked for a Tier 1 Automotive supplier.

Jeremy Smith

Jeremy graduated from Liverpool University in 1994 with a BEng in Electronic & Integrated Circuit Engineering.

Jeremy is a Partner with Mathys & Squire, a European firm of specialist Intellectual Property Attorneys with offices in the UK, Germany, France and Luxembourg.

Jeremy entered the intellectual property profession from an industry background in semiconductor device design and development. During his time in industry, Jeremy was involved with thin film transistor technologies, analogue process and device development, and transient suppressor design. Jeremy is also a named inventor on a number of semiconductor device related patents.

Jeremy specialises in patent prosecution and strategy in the software, electronics and mobile telecommunications sectors. Jeremy has particular expertise in the evaluation and prosecution of standards essential patent applications throughout the world."

Chair: Dr Andrew Spencer

Dr Andrew Spencer is Senior IP Commercialisation Manager at the University of Liverpool. The University’s IP Commercialisation Team (the University’s Tech Transfer Office) supports our researchers in identifying, protecting and commercialising their inventions and other intellectual property. We also advise researchers on IP matters and support applications for translational funding. Commercialisation is normally achieved through licensing to existing companies, or through the establishment of a spinout company. Andrew has over 20 years experience in tech transfer and has set up a number of spinout company, developed partnerships with a range of companies, and secured patent protection for technologies in a range of fields. He currently manages a portfolio of 40 patents, and sits on the Board of three companies. Andrew has a background in academic research, law and IP management.

The Researcher Development Framework (RDF) attributes developed during this session are relevant to the following sub-domains:

Domain A: Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities

A1: Knowledge base

A2: Cognitive Abilities   

A3: Creativity    

Domain B: Personal Effectiveness

B1: Personal Qualities   

B2: Self-Management

B3: Professional and Career Development

Domain C: Research Governance and Organisation        

C1: Professional Conduct

C2: Research Management        

C3: Finance, Funding and Resources       

Domain D: Engagement, Influence and Impact

D1: Working with Others            

D2: Communication and Dissemination

D3: Engagement and Impact

Accessibility Adjustments and Alternative Format requests

If you require any accessibility reasonable adjustments or have any questions about this session, please contact the RSA at ResearchStaffAssociation@liverpool.ac.uk at least 7 days before the session date so that your requirements can be referred to the facilitator(s) who will make every effort to address them where possible.

Academy Researcher Development Inclusivity Statement

The Academy is committed to providing an environment which recognises and values people's differences, capitalises on the strengths that those differences bring to the institution and supports all staff and students in maximising their potential to succeed. In line with the Academy's firm commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, we offer all postdoctoral and research-related opportunities to develop and network irrespective of a researcher’s gender, ethnicity, age, self-identification, disability, religious affiliation, or any other criteria used to separate and define.

Academy Code of Conduct

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