Mr Mrs Miss Ms Dr Other

Dr
Rob
Walton

Patent Director

Birmingham Office

Engineering

Telephone. +44(0) 121 265 7930
Email. [email protected]

Experience

Robert advises in the engineering, physics and electronics fields, with specialisms in the fields of fast moving consumer goods, medical devices, non-conventional manufacturing, MEMs, micropower generation and rapid prototyping. Prior to joining the intellectual property profession he completed a Mechanical Engineering MEng degree and a PhD in nuclear batteries at the University of Birmingham.

Robert works with a broad range of clients including multi-national corporations, universities, SMEs and lone inventors. The major part of his practice is focused on fast moving consumer goods (electronic cigarettes and mobile phone technology). He also works in construction, automotive engineering, advanced manufacturing techniques, wound care therapy, medical devices, and steel processing.

His specialty is in oppositions and appeal work before the EPO where he helps clients oppose and defend business critical patents. His practice also includes patent drafting and prosecution, due diligence and freedom to operate opinions. Two of his main clients are university spin-out companies.

Robert joined the intellectual property profession, in HGF’s Birmingham office, in July 2014 as a trainee patent attorney and qualified as a UK and European patent attorney in 2018. In his spare time Robert enjoys playing squash and travelling.

Robert has been recognized as a Managing IP Rising Star in both 2022/2023 and also 2023/2024.

Qualifications

Patent Attorney

Chartered (UK)
Europe


MENG

1st Class in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham

PHD

in Nuclear Batteries at the University of Birmingham

Recognition

Managing IP Rising Star 2022/2023

Managing IP Rising Star 2023/2024

Publications

Managing IP Rising Stars 2024

View publication online

G01/18: An appeal is deemed ‘not filed’ if the appeal fee is paid late and/or the notice of appeal is filed late

View publication online

G01/18: An appeal is deemed ‘not filed’ if the appeal fee is paid late and/or the notice of appeal is filed late

View publication online

Conferences: 2023

23-11-2023

Opposition Matters - EPO

Attended

09-11-2023

Boards of Appeal and key decisions conference

Attended

Conferences: 2020

21-10-2020

Opposition Matters - EPO

Attended

Related News

G2/24: A new referral to the Enlarged Board seeks to clarify whether a third party who intervened during appeal proceedings can acquire full appellant status

In the referring decision, T1286/23, the Board of Appeal referred the following questions to the Enlarged Board of Appeal: After the withdrawal of all appeals, may the proceedings be continued …

Read article

Innovation protection recovery begins in the Aircraft Engine Sector

With patent filing data for 2022 now available, we follow up our January 2023 article with an IP review update for the major players in the aircraft engine sector. Filing …

Read article

Can Patent Box Help Keep The Lights On?

The UK energy sector is undergoing a transformative shift, with innovations in renewable energy, carbon capture, and advanced drilling technologies driving progress. Patent Box, a tax relief scheme introduced in …

Read article

Agritech Thymes: Exploring the Agritech IP landscape – past trends and future insights

The agrifood patent landscape analysis recently reported by WIPO provides interesting insights into key areas of innovation and the IP strategies being adopted. The agrifood industry, encompassing both agritech and …

Read article
Event - 8th, 22nd February 2024

Dresden & Salzburg Seminar: Patent applications and grants in Europe

HGF is pleased to invite you to our upcoming German-language seminar on “Patent applications and grants in Europe” in Salzburg and Dresden. The seminar provides participants with a comprehensive overview …

Event details
Event - 10th October 2024

Webinar: Patents and business activities in harmony

In today’s highly competitive world, patents are not only a legal tool but also a strategic instrument to strengthen your market position and maximise your business success. But how do …

Event details
Event - 8th, 22nd February 2024

Dresden & Salzburg Seminar: Basics of trade mark protection - National and European perspectives

HGF is pleased to invite you to our upcoming German speaking seminar on “Fundamentals of trade mark protection: National and European Perspectives” in Salzburg and Dresden. The seminar will cover …

Event details

EPO Annual Fee Increases

The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced that revised Official Fees will apply to payments made on or after Monday 1st April 2024. The majority of fees will increase by …

Read article

Let's talk

If you would like to discuss how HGF could help you, contact one of our IP specialists.