Dr. Alex King

UK and European Patent Attorney - Partner

I qualified as a U.K. Chartered Patent Attorney and a European Patent Attorney in 2005, joining the legal profession after a number of years in scientific research.

I received my Chemistry degree and PhD in Surface Science from the University of Southampton. After 3 years of hands-on innovation as a research scientist in BP's Research Laboratories, I moved to the patent department at BP, and subsequently of INEOS, where I qualified as a UK Chartered and European Patent Attorney. After several years in the patent departments of BP and INEOS, I co-founded Compass Patents LLP, which merged with Mathisen and Macara in 2011.

In terms of subject matter, I have a wide range of experience in IP protection across a number of sectors, from fishing equipment to solar energy collection. I have significant experience in Industrial chemical patents, including polymer production processes such as production of polyolefins and PVC, and electrochemical processes, such as chlor-alkali.

Across the different aspects of patent work, my specialisms include:

Industrial chemical patents.

All aspects of UK, European and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) practice.

European Patent Office Opposition and Appeal Proceedings.

Recent involvement in successfully defending client’s patents in German nullity proceedings

Freedom-to-operate and validity assessments, for both European and UK patents.

Working with non-European attorneys on patents and applications in other jurisdictions worldwide, including prosecution and FTO, including filing nullity suits in China and US patent analysis and review.

With emphasis on building and maintaining close relationships with my clients, I understand how their inventions will contribute to wider business strategy and can therefore provide focused advice on whether patent applications can add value to the business and how to maximise this.