Matt, a British and European patent attorney with over 25 years’ experience and who is currently a consultant at Cranach Patent Attorneys, took up his presidential responsibilities yesterday (January 1), succeeding Daniel Chew.
He said that he had three main priorities for the year: promoting the work of UK-based Chartered Patent Attorneys before the Unified Patent Court to clients and stakeholders around the world; supporting the work of the intellectual property regulator (IPReg) and the UK Intellectual Property Office, and supporting the work to promote diversity and inclusion in the patent profession.
Matt said: “The position of UK attorneys as representatives before the UPC is a huge opportunity for members to increase their activities and influence in Europe. We must work harder than other European nations to ensure that our clients and colleagues around the world recognise the capabilities and expertise of UK patent attorneys before the UPC.
“My second priority is the new IPReg code of conduct. We as regulated patent attorneys need to show that IPReg’s approach is correct, by embracing the provisions. In particular, I see the requirements for financial transparency as a significant development for patent attorneys and I look forward to supporting members adhering to those terms.
“Another thing I have a particular passion for is supporting SMEs and small businesses, and I think we could support them better by working with the IPO.
“My third priority is the excellent work being done in diversity and inclusion. Even by looking around the CIPA Council table, you see a lot of people who have risen into successful positions from perhaps quite humble backgrounds. This is enabled by the way that we train and develop patent attorneys. I think we must protect, celebrate and support that and I look forward to continuing this.”
Matt’s Vice-President for 2024 is Bobby Mukherjee, Chief Counsel for Intellectual Property and Technology Law at BAE Systems.
Date published: 2 January 2024
