About

I am a UK and European Patent Attorney who leads our Intellectual Property practice group. Having started my career at a firm of patent attorneys in Japan handling patent applications for the consumer electronics industry, my practice now focusses on mechanical, electrical and software patents, as well as European oppositions and infringement work. I am also a representative before the European Unified Patent Court.

I have a Masters degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Birmingham University, and I handle patent portfolios over a broad range of technologies, with an emphasis on automotive, sustainability, and connectivity. I particularly enjoy helping businesses develop IP prosecution, licensing and enforcement strategies to open new markets and collaborate with new partners, and I am secretary of the Licensing Executives Society (Britain & Ireland).

Experience

Mechanical, electrical & software patents

  • Prosecuting patent portfolios particularly in the fields of automotive technologies, autonomous control, telecommunications, power generation and processing systems
  • Managing large patent portfolios, and coordinating international filings and ongoing matter management
  • Opposing competitor patents, European oppositions and third-party observations, as well as corresponding defensive actions
  • Assessing infringement and validity, pre-action negotiations, and dispute settlement
  • Advising on patent licensing

IP strategy

  • Advising on IP strategy, including on the interplay between patents and trade secrets and the development of multi-layered IP protection
  • Developing invention harvesting protocols, innovation hub governance policies, and trade secret protection processes
  • Analysing competitor portfolios, building market intelligence, IP landscaping and horizon scanning
  • Identifying infringement and licensing opportunities

IP due diligence

  • Undertaking IP audits and valuations to assess the strength of an IP portfolio
  • Identifying potential acquisition opportunities
  • Supporting M&A activity, R&D team hires and innovation investment

Testimonials

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"I would not hesitate to recommend Tom Gaunt to anyone needing help with intellectual property matters. He is responsive and engaged and on several occasions has gone the extra mile to assist me with complex matters. He has extensive knowledge of European and UK patent practice and has regularly provided me with excellent advice."
Legal 500
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