Hi, I’m Jim.
I help businesses, universities and public sector organisations navigate the full spectrum of intellectual property - from building robust IP strategies and securing protection, to licensing and commercialisation.
I bring strategic and practical expertise with a particular focus on the life sciences sector.
When does IP protection matter?
The answer can define your ability to attract investment, secure the right partnerships and build long-term commercial value from the business assets you might already have. The patent system alone is complex and costly - and international filing strategies require careful planning. Getting this right from the start is critical. That's where I can help.
How I can help
Strategise
Shaping IP strategies that go beyond protection - aligning your intellectual assets with broader business objectives to unlock their full commercial potential.
Translate
Navigating the complexities of UK and international IP systems - translating legal nuance into clear, practical guidance for your current and future activities.
Connect
Drawing on a strong network of trusted patent attorneys, licensing lawyers, IP litigation firms and business associates — connecting you with the right expertise, at the right time.
Deliver
Securing the most relevant and cost-effective legal support across different technologies and jurisdictions - so you get exactly what you need, without unnecessary complexity or cost.
IP Training
I offer tailored IP training drawing on a blended experience of commercialising IP, delivering patent judgements, and participating in IP court cases on behalf of the UK Intellectual Property Office.
30 Years of IP experience
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Hearing Officer on 18 patent cases. Legally rigorous decisions across a broad range of technologies. One landmark decision was subsequently appealed and upheld by both the UK High Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union, a testament to the depth and quality of legal reasoning applied. Complementing this, I have a rare ability to grasp technical detail across multiple technology sectors enables precise, well-rounded IP advice at the highest level. Inaugural member of IPO senior leadership team.
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Responsible for developing UK and European IP policy in university-business relations. Led the Lambert IP Group -a influential think-tank dedicated to fostering university-business relations - whose toolkit has been widely recognised as making a significant and lasting contribution to the UK's university research commercialisation ecosystem. Senor adviser and speechwriter to 6 government Ministers. Vice Chair- European Knowledge Transfer and IP Committee.
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Responsible for all aspects of IP and commercialisation at UWE Bristol -securing patent and trade mark protection, managing an international patent portfolio, and research contracts. Secured an extensive range of IP licences; spin-out company creation and management. Delivered IP training to undergraduates, PhD students and academics at all levels. Worked closely with academics to support IP development programmes including iCURE (Innovate UK), helping translate research into real-world commercial outcomes.
What Clients are Saying
"Jim's expert IP and sector knowledge was invaluable to our success with Innovate UK’s iCURE programme. He went above and beyond to support the team and his level of professionalism, measured approach, and advice was very much appreciated."
Claire Renwick
Head of Business Engagement, London Metropolitan University.
"Working with Jim has been invaluable. He demystified the patent process and language from the outset. Beyond supporting my application, he provided strategic guidance on both UK and international filings, acting as a trusted sounding board and helping me avoid potentially costly mistakes."
Mark Lulsens
Founder, Soundtribe Ltd
"I was fortunate to attend an IP training session delivered by Jim. He made complex issues around research commercialisation accessible, offering practical advice on protecting ideas while enabling impact."
Dr Leila Ellis
Wellcome GW4 Clinical Doctoral Fellow.
"I feel fortunate to have found Jim at an important stage, building IP and credibility, as well as connections. Like all ventures, we rely on our purpose, strategy and assets (incl. IP) but most of all relationships. Jim has helped us with all of these aspects, in approachable and thoughtful ways. Advice has been substantial, clear and precise, tailored to our needs and always personal. Utilising his experience and network has been a great way to expand. Thanks for being part of the team."
Rick Entwhistle
Founder Huceno Ltd
My impact in IP
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Senior Responsible Owner for "Intellectual Asset Management for Universities"​, UK Intellectual Property Office.
Lead for Business-to-Business IP licensing programme, UK Intellectual Property Office.
European Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) IPR Committee - lead for “Member States” Group.
Editor of “European Research Area Guidelines on the management of IP in International Research Collaboration Agreements between European and Non-European Partners"​ European Commission.
National expert, IP Committee - OECD Programme - Guidelines on Testing for Chemicals.
Member of the six person IP Committee of the Human Genetics Commission.
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Inaugural member of the Science Advisory Council for Wales.
Inaugural member of the Senior Leadership Team of the UK Intellectual Property Office.
VC Chair European Commission, DG Research Knowledge Transfer and IP Committee.
Assistant Director Knowledge Transfer and IP Commercialisation, National Institute Social Care and Health Research, Welsh Government.
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European expert for the “Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research”, Ottawa, Canada
European H2020 innovation funding (appointed knowledge transfer expert)
Health and Social Care Wales, “Invent” awards (programme lead and panel chair)
Health Innovation Programme Awards, Health Innovation West (West of England, Academic Health Science Network)
MRC Impact Accelerator Awards
Before We Talk - A Note on Confidentiality
First off
Be cautious about sharing novel ideas - particularly inventions - with anyone or through search engines/AI tools before the appropriate protections are in place. The risks of doing so are real and worth taking seriously.
And then…
If you'd like to move forward together, I'd recommend we start with a confidentiality agreement. The choice of what that covers is entirely yours - though I'd suggest considering the NDA templates available through the UK Government’s Intellectual Property Office as a solid starting point.