Kilburn & Strode builds on success of San Francisco Liaison Office venture by expanding team in San Francisco

Kilburn & Strode builds on success of San Francisco Liaison Office venture by expanding team in San

Emily Collins and Tom Hamer bolster the firm’s offering in the United States by responding to market demand for European IP in California.


Following the launch of its United States liaison office in California, leading European IP firm Kilburn & Strode announced the recent addition of Emily Collins and Tom Hamer to its Tech group in San Francisco. With more than 12 years of European-focussed patent experience in the area of telecoms, computer software, medical devices, and aerospace, they will provide unparalleled support to the who’s who of the tech world in the Silicon Valley, the Bay Area and beyond.

In 2018, Kilburn & Strode became the first European IP firm to receive Foreign Legal Consultant (FLC) status by The State Bar of California to be able to advise on European IP issues in the state. In a short timeframe, the firm has been recognised locally as a gamechanger for client service and strategic support on European IP.
 
“Before we opened in the Bay Area, clients had no choice but to work at an eight-hour time differential to other European IP firms. We’ve effectively erased the need for those out-of-office-hours conference calls. Clients have praised our ability to work on European IP, on the ground with them, in their time and at their pace,” stated Nick Shipp, Partner and Vice President of the San Francisco liaison office.

In 2019, the firm hired Albert Keyack, former EPO attaché to the United States. A steady uptick in local market demand for European IP services in US timezones has created the need for further expansion of the firm’s US presence.
 
“The Silicon Valley is the heart of the tech industry and protecting European IP for the prospering global innovation that pulses from the area is essential,” said Alexander Korenberg, head of the firm’s Tech practice. “Emily and Tom’s appointment in America gives our clients in the US an incredible support that no other firm is able to provide. We will have unparalleled medical device, AI, and telecoms capabilities on the ground in the Bay Area.” 

Emily Collins is well-versed in all stages of European patent prosecution, from initial drafting and filing to post-grant appeals. Emily’s specific expertise includes: telecoms, particularly network infrastructure, data transmission and encryption, medical devices, aerospace and software. Emily is particularly skilled at advising on filing strategy for large and complex products ahead of product launch. Emily brings unparalleled knowledge of accelerator physics and radiofrequency engineering for medical use. Emily is also passionate about femtech and is increasingly involved in protecting femtech innovation.
 
Tom Hamer is trusted by a range of clients to handle their global patent portfolios. His particular areas of expertise include: mathematical algorithms and AI, medical devices, video games, and software. Tom is skilled at pushing the boundaries of the patent system to help clients obtain commercially useful protection in patent eligibility grey areas. He excels at the extensive work required before a new product is brought to market, such as IP capture and review, risk management and due diligence. Client focused, he not only creates bespoke IP strategies for his clients but helps them to communicate and implement those strategies internally.


Kilburn & Strode is a top-tier European intellectual property firm that protects value for some of the world’s most innovative organisations.
 
Everyone matters
We are trusted to provide strategic IP advice and navigate the complex world of IP for an impressive roster of clients of all sizes, including leading brands, as well as some of the world’s most impressive technology companies.
 
Whether obtaining protection, clearing the path or defending key technologies; we offer a unique combination of experience, technical expertise and, most importantly, an approach that makes us a true extension of our clients’ teams. We have technical, legal and commercial nous second to none and we combine this with an attitude that makes working together easy. Many firms have competent patent attorneys, but we distinguish ourselves by our complete focus on building deep relationships.
 
Our commitment
Fiercely committed to diversity and social responsibility, we created the Innovation for All Foundation, which donates 1% of our annual profits to up-and-coming innovators. We were one of the first signatories of the IP Inclusive Charter, making a public commitment to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the IP professions. 
 
Kilburn & Strode is one of just a handful of leading IP firms in Europe ranked in the top tier for both trade mark and patent prosecution in each of the Legal 500, Chambers, World Trade Mark Review and IAM listings.
 
With offices in London (HQ), Munich, The Hague, Amsterdam (Hilversum) and San Francisco, we’re the only firm to connect these centres for European IP with the pulse of the Silicon Valley.
 
For more information, visit www.kilburnstrode.com.
 
For media inquiries: media@kilburnstrode.com

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