Duncan specialises in protecting inventions in the general mechanical, electrical and software fields.
Since joining the firm in 2008, Duncan has gained extensive experience working across a range of technologies, reflecting his background in physics. Areas of particular expertise include: the energy sector (both conventional oil & gas as well as renewables); medical devices; cooling and general airflow systems; smartphones; consumer products; packaging; high-speed manufacturing machinery; and various IoT and software-related inventions.
Duncan’s clients range from Fortune 500 multinationals to disruptive UK-based start-ups, with his main practice involving invention capturing, and the drafting and prosecution of UK and European patent applications for various UK and overseas clients. He also advises on complex commercial issues, such as due diligence and Infringement Risk Analysis (Freedom to Operate), and has in-depth experience representing clients at Oral Proceedings, at the Examining Division, Opposition Division and Appeal Board levels of the European Patent Office. Duncan also has a great track record in advising overseas patent attorneys, mainly in the US and China, on reliable and cost-effective ways to protect their clients’ intellectual property in Europe.
Earlier in his career, Duncan spent nearly two years working as an in-house patent counsel for a multinational innovator in Switzerland. In his time there, he advised various business groups of potential infringement risks for new product launches; assisted with strategic IP capture for new product designs; advised on commercially focused filing strategies and portfolio maintenance; and implemented new procedures for optimising workflow with external counsel. This experience helped Duncan develop a deep understanding of the commercial realities of innovative organisations and the role IP can play in achieving key business objectives.
