BB 517 1 e1786016910616

John Lawrence

Senior Partner (Board member)
UK & European Patent Attorney
UPC Representative

Based in Birmingham

Tel: +44(0) 121 456 0006

Overview

John has over 30 years’ experience as a patent attorney and acts for a diverse range of clients, from startups and SMEs to large global corporates. His degree in Natural Sciences means he is well placed to help clients in the physics and computer-implemented technologies fields. John has deep and varied experience in writing and prosecuting patents in advanced engineering, aerospace, lasers and optics hardware, medical devices and implants and software controlled telemedicine/robotic surgery, and medical IT systems.

John heads the Aerospace sector as well as leading the corporate IP support & outsourcing initiative.

Experience

  • Worked at QinetiQ investigating III-IV semi-conductor properties using laser-induced phonon excitation. He undertook patent work on a wide range of technologies, including optical laser diffraction and ultrasound dispersion for particle size distribution determination on optics and software
  • Drafting and filing patents for computer-implemented technology inventions
  • Worked with HP on computer networks and media delivery
  • Worked on backbone internet optical networks, switches and routers for Ericsson and for Cisco
  • Drafting and filing patents on security software/technology for QinetiQ
  • Drafting and filing patent for clients in the Fin Tech sector on and financial technology such as credit cards
  • Worked on vehicle telematic systems, control systems and display systems

“It’s rare in business that you come across true professionals and when you do, it’s a reassuring feeling. When it comes to patents, there is not much that is more complicated. Knowing we have Barker Brettell by our side is mighty reassuring. It’s a pleasure to do business with them – John and the team have a broad range of technical experience which means they can quickly help us identify valuable IP in the technology we’re developing.”

Expertise

  • Computers & Electronics
  • Designs & Copyright
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Dispute Resolution – Patents
  • Dispute Resolution – Services
  • Due Diligence
  • IP Audits
  • IP Consultancy
  • IP Strategy
  • IP Valuations
  • Infringement Opinions
  • International Portfolio Management
  • Life Sciences
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Oppositions and Appeals
  • Patent Drafting and Prosecution
  • Patent Portfolio Planning & Management
  • Patent Validity & Freedom to Operate
  • Patents
  • Physics & Materials
  • Portfolio Planning & Management
  • Reviewing and Responding to Cease and Desist Letters
  • SMEs
  • Secondments
  • Unitary Patent
  • Validity and Freedom to Operate

Sectors

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Computing, AI & Software
  • Energy
  • Food & Drink
  • Life Sciences
  • MedTech
  • Universities

Technical Specialisms

  • Advanced engineering
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer modelling
  • Computers and electronics
  • Consumer products
  • Electronics and semiconductors
  • Fintech
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Medical devices
  • Nanotechnology
  • Optics
  • Physics and materials
  • Security and cryptography
  • Telecommunications
  • Wearable technology

Credentials

  • CPA
  • EPA
  • RTMA
  • UPC Representative
  • MA (Cantab)
  • Natural Sciences (Physics)

Education

  • University of Cambridge

Insights from John…

Three years of the Unitary Patent and Unified Patent Court; what do the statistics tell us?
John Lawrence 4

September 2, 2026

Three years of the Unitary Patent and Unified Patent Court; what do the statistics tell us?

EPO official fees rising from 1 April 2026
John Lawrence 5

February 2, 2026

EPO official fees rising from 1 April 2026