James Ward - Partner

UK and European Patent Attorney
MPhys Physics
University of Oxford

"My favourite invention is the laser. The reason I have chosen this is because of the remarkable way in which the laser has found application across a broad range of technologies, spanning surgery to nuclear fusion research, since its initial development in the 1960s. Some of those applications, including data communications, consumer electronics and barcode scanners, form part of my professional activities. "

James joined Haseltine Lake in 2002 and qualified as a UK and European Patent Attorney in 2007. James specialises in the fields of electronics and solid state devices, in particular relating to computer hardware and software, telecommunications and robot control systems.

Based at our Munich office, James regularly attends oral proceedings at the EPO before the first-instance Examining and Opposition Divisions and before the Boards of Appeal. Opposition proceedings form a significant part of his practice, acting both for opponents and patentees.

James also has experience of conducting freedom to operate studies, assessing competitor patents with regard to infringement risks and validity, and reviewing patents ahead of purchase.

James’ clients include multinational electronics corporations and IP attorney firms from various jurisdictions.

During his training, James completed a secondment at a major US patent law firm where he gained valuable experience of US patent prosecution practice.