Matthew Philpotts

Associate
UK Patent Attorney

Based in Birmingham

Tel: +44 (0)121 456 0028

Email

Overview

Matty is an associate UK patent attorney with a background in physics. He has worked with multiple university technology transfer offices and spinout companies, drafting and prosecuting a number of patents relating to technologies ranging from medical devices (including imaging algorithms, organ perfusion systems and prosthetic implants) to quantum-based devices for applications including gravitometers and ultra-precise clocks. He particularly enjoys working with inventions in the fields of optics and condensed matter physics, having previously obtained a Master’s degree focused on experimental methods and analysis of laser-based particle trapping systems.

Prior to joining Barker Brettell, Matty worked as a research scientist at a UK defence company, developing hardware and software for radar and signals intelligence platforms. He has used this experience, assisting a large US defence firm prosecuting European patent applications and having worked on several non-military, geolocation/timing inventions.

Matty is the 2026 Honorary Secretary of The Informals; the student-body of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA). As well helping to organise the Informals’ activities and events, he sits on CIPA Council and regularly works with other committees to help further the wider profession.

Experience

Has become deeply embedded in the patenting strategy of several investment-stage startups. For one company developing transcranial ultrasound systems, Matty drafted and filed 7 applications in ~ 12 months, receiving search reports with allowable claims on each case. For another startup, focussed on photonic switching technologies, Matty is advising on a large-scale, multi-country filing strategy as they look to commercialise their product and leverage/expand their IP portfolio.
Drafted and prosecuted a patent application focused on electrical discharge machining (EDM) for a university spinout company, obtaining a granted UK patent in under 12 months from first engaging with the inventors
Prosecuted a number of European patent applications relating to computer-implemented inventions (CIIs) for a large payment provider. These often involve overcoming European-excluded subject matter objections regarding computer programs and business methods and addressing inventive step arguments in the crowded FinTech space
Awarded the Chris Gibson Prize for the highest mark in the FC2 English Law exam and the Mike Higgins Prize for the highest mark in the FC4 Design and Copyright Law exam

“Our involvement with Matty Philpotts, and Barker Brettell has paid for itself many times over. Matty helped us successfully fend off a competitor trying to use their patent to stop us selling a product. By judicious use of the system, he attacked the patent, and it was reduced in scope and we carried on selling (profitably) for years during the dispute, and after. Pragmatic, commercially focussed, advice is what we get from Matty and its valuable.”

Matt Dibble, Deligo.