Nick is a commercially focused patent attorney that specialises in the creation, development and management of complex, high-value patent portfolios, developing IP strategies and advising on third party risk. Having launched Kilburn & Strode’s San Francisco office in 2017, Nick has spent a significant proportion of his time in the United States, which allows him to provide a uniquely international perspective on IP.
Technically, Nick excels at handling inventions in sectors where software collides with other industries often creating emerging disruptive technologies. When it comes to software, Nick is particularly adept at getting the most difficult software patents granted at the European Patent Office. As a result, he has handled patents on the borderline of patentability especially in exciting cutting-edge areas such as AI, bioinformatics, genomics, blockchain, crypto, and fintech.
Having an MEng in Electronic Engineering, Nick also has a solid understanding of everything from computer architecture to electronic circuit design through to semiconductor fabrication. His ground-breaking semiconductor research into spintronic FETs at the University of York was published in 2019. Nick also has a long-term passion for patents where music meets technology, as a result he has advised in relation to cutting-edge musical instruments, prestigious consumer-facing audio-visual devices, loudspeakers, headphones and more.
Nick is known amongst in-house counsel and C-suite execs for his ability to lead companies through strategic redevelopments of their use of intellectual property. For example, Nick has worked with leading technology companies to help them become more competitive, streamline costs, maximise return on investment in IP, successfully use IP to maximise VC investment and prepare portfolios for Initial Public Offerings. Nick's strategic work extends across all IPRs and encompasses freedom of action portfolio building, FTO analysis and risk management, litigation strategies, M&A activity including associated IP due diligence, and wider business considerations.
Beyond the day-to-day work, Nick is an advocate for giving back to society. He played a key role in founding Kilburn & Strode's Innovation for All Foundation, where the firm gives 1% of profits to charity, he coordinates the firm's support for qLegal, a pro-bono legal advice centre in London that helps the next generation of lawyers flourish, and is proud to chair the European working group of leading DEI organisation ADAPT.