As long as I can remember, I’ve had an interest in computing and technology. Computer science seemed a natural fit for me.
I realised during my studies that my strength lay in words rather than numbers. I thought that IP law would be a great way to combine my legal reasoning skills with my background in computer science and technology.
It has allowed me to understand technology at a fundamental level, which is crucial when formulating case strategy. It also enables me to communicate effectively with technical experts and develop the most effective way of educating the court on complex technical concepts.
Spending my workday grappling with cutting edge technologies is a dream! The breadth of technologies that I have the opportunity to work on is also fantastic.
Cases that end up in court tend to be very finely balanced. Developing the most effective case theory for a client is therefore a challenging part of the process particularly when there are several issues to balance. Whilst challenging, it’s also very rewarding.
HTC v Gemalto and Rovi v Virgin Media, which were precedent setting for the approach to patenting computer software inventions.
Combining an MRI machine and a linear accelerator to deliver targeted therapeutic radiation.
Being a computer enthusiast, quantum computing would be a fascinating area to litigate.
The rapid rate of technological innovation sometimes leaves IP law struggling to keep up. This can lead to gaps in protection, or policy struggles to ensure that rights can be secured and enforced. Emerging tech areas such as AI, blockchain, and quantum computing are pushing the boundaries of traditional IP concepts and may call for new legal paradigms.
I have worked at Powell Gilbert since 2011. I once held a series of expert meetings in a fantastically ostentatious suite in a Las Vegas hotel during the Consumer Electronics Show. Our expert was attending the show and it was the only time he was available before an evidence deadline, and CES participants had booked out virtually all of the meeting rooms. My overriding memory is lunch being served by our suite butler!
Securing a high-quality technical degree, such as in computer science, is the standard starting point for UK practitioners. Various options are then available for converting to law. Work experience or internships are helpful particularly in tech-oriented businesses or law firms with an IP capability. I would also recommend being proactive in networking within the tech and legal spheres.
The development of self-driving or autonomous vehicles is a really exciting area. This revolutionary technology combines various engineering disciplines such as robotics, computer vision, artificial intelligence, sensor systems and low latency wireless telecommunications.
In my spare time a I volunteer at my local Sikh temple where we make food packages for local food banks. We cook around 300 meals a day and have been doing so since April 2020 (the beginning of the Covid lockdown).
