Christopher Gibbs - Partner

UK and European Patent Attorney
MA Natural Sciences (Physics)
Cambridge University

"My favourite invention is one I have actually been involved in – our client Hoyland Fox's 'Head-Tilt' umbrella. It has a tilting joint above the runner, which gives it a very stable construction. Next time you go past a pavement café you will probably see one. Tilt it by pulling down the edge of the umbrella – the owner probably doesn't even know it tilts! "

Christopher's studies were followed by six years experience as a Search Examiner with the European Patent Office (EPO) in the field of Semiconductors. He has since been involved with patent prosecution in semiconductors and displays and in diverse fields of mechanical and electrical engineering including computers, SAW filters, CNC machines, satellite control systems, aero-engines, printing presses and vehicle brakes.

Christopher acts for a wide range of companies from electronics and engineering conglomerates to university spin-outs and private engineering companies. He has a number of clients in Japan and is learning Japanese.

An affiliate member of the UK Science Park Association (UKSPA), Christopher contributes a regular IP column to their quarterly journal 'Innovation into Success'. A member of Vereinigung von Fachleuten des Gewerblichen Rechtsschutzes (VPP) (an IP society serving German industry), Christopher speaks fluent German and makes regular visits to Germany and the rest of Europe. He is also a member of the Licensing Executives Society (LES) and is a regular visitor to the US states of Minnesota and Wisconsin.