Designs

Our dedicated team, EIP Designs, specialises in protecting the appearance of products across a wide range of industries. We understand that design is more than aesthetics, it’s a strategic asset. Whether it’s a sleek consumer device, a distinctive logo, or a cutting-edge interface, we help safeguard the visual identity that differentiates your business. Our approach goes beyond registration, adding value to your IP portfolio and ensuring your designs are protected with precision and foresight.

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The revolutionary hybrid intelligence patent service: Visser AI

A new client-focused service leveraging AI for better outcomes and greater agility in European and US patent work.

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Our dedicated team leverages specialist AI for patent work, getting better results than humans alone.

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Send us a case to benchmark. We'll show you the difference.

No obligation. Just a side-by-side comparison of what your US or European patent work could cost with Visser AI.

Where human insight meets AI precision

Every engagement is strategic, relevant and aligned with commercial objectives. Tailored AI workflows combine the strengths of generative AI with the nuance of expert legal and technical judgement.

Visser AI is for you if you want to benefit from generative AI in your patent drafting, prosecution or challenges. The Visser AI team are experts in Patently, a specialist AI platform for patent work, and how to deliver your desired outcomes using hybrid intelligence.

Are you overspending on patent prosecution?

Discover smarter, more efficient prosecution at the EPO and USPTO.

Contact us

Designs

Our dedicated team, EIP Designs, specialises in protecting the appearance of products across a wide range of industries. We understand that design is more than aesthetics, it’s a strategic asset. Whether it’s a sleek consumer device, a distinctive logo, or a cutting-edge interface, we help safeguard the visual identity that differentiates your business. Our approach goes beyond registration, adding value to your IP portfolio and ensuring your designs are protected with precision and foresight.

Oppositions & Challenges Experience

The Unified Patent Court (UPC) is also now gaining traction in Europe and increasingly interacting with EPO opposition practice. Whether defending a granted patent or challenging one, success depends on experience, precision and a deep understanding of the process.

EIP's mixed practice and depths of experience in EPO oppositions, as well as UPC and national litigation make us the firm of choice for clients seeking representation in these proceedings across all technical areas.

Services

We offer compenhensive patent protection services tailored to your business needs.

Design clearance & watching services

Dispute resolution

IP litigation and dispute resolution

Patenting

Portfolio management

Registered design applications

Our specialisms

Additive manufacturing

Applied maths & cryptography

Applied physics

Artificial Intelligence / AI

Audio codecs

Automotive electronics

Computer hardware

Consumer electronics

Digital health

Electrical engineering

Electromechanical systems

Fintech

Gaming and graphics

Image and signal processing

Medical imaging

Photonics and optics

Quantum communication

Quantum computing

Quantum sensors

Robotics

Semiconductors

Software

Telecommunications

Telemedicine and remote surgery

Video codecs

Case study

Fast track with us

Several patent offices offer fast-track schemes for energy-related innovations, including clean and energy-efficient technologies. If rapid patent grant is needed for investment, licensing, marketing, or enforcement, we guide clients through these schemes step by step.

Several patent offices offer fast-track schemes for energy-related innovations, including clean and energy-efficient technologies. If rapid patent grant is needed for investment, licensing, marketing, or enforcement, we guide clients through these schemes step by step.

Speak to an expert

Meet the team and get started today

EIP Designs is a specialist team within EIP, combining deep technical knowledge with commercial acumen. Our attorneys are experts in design law across multiple jurisdictions and have a track record of success in protecting high-value, complex IP assets. We work closely with clients, from start-ups to global brands, to ensure their designs are not only protected but strategically positioned to support business growth. With EIP, you gain a partner who understands the nuances of design protection and delivers results that are better, different.

Rob Barker
Partner, UK and European Patent Attorney, Design Attorney, UPC Representative
Rick Gordon-Brown
Partner, UK and European Patent Attorney, Design Attorney, UPC Representative
Ben Willows
Partner, UK and European Patent Attorney, Design Attorney, UPC Representative
Rebecca Oliver
Senior Associate, UK and European Patent Attorney, Design Attorney
Darren Smyth
Partner, UK and European Patent Attorney, Design Attorney, UPC Representative
Xiaofan Chen
Partner, Chinese Patent Attorney
Eric Williams
Partner, Registered US Patent Attorney
Stuart McKellar
Patent Scientist
Insights

FAQs

Standard-essential patents (SEPs) are patents that protect technology required to comply with industry standards, meaning companies must use them to produce compliant products. Because of this, they are licensed under FRAND terms (Fair, Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory) to ensure broad, balanced access to essential technologies.

For Chinese companies, SEPs present a significant opportunity to generate licensing revenue at scale. As adoption of global standards increases, SEP owners can license their portfolios across multiple markets, creating recurring income streams and strengthening their competitive position.

Europe is a key jurisdiction for SEP strategy. The UK is a leading forum for global FRAND rate-setting, while Germany and the Unified Patent Court (UPC) provide strong enforcement tools, including injunctive relief. This combination enables companies to align litigation, negotiation and licensing strategies to maximise commercial outcomes.

With a well-structured cross-border approach, Chinese-origin innovation can be transformed into sustainable, long-term licensing income.

We advise on SEP prosecution, enforcement and defence before the UK courts, German courts and the UPC, helping clients develop coordinated strategies that combine legal and technical expertise to maximise portfolio value.


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Testimonials
Legal 500 logo

"EIP has one of the best patent litigation teams in the country. They are resilient, insightful and determined. They always pursue their client's commercial goals in a determined, focused and resourceful way."

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Legal 500 2025

We work with clients to devise customised strategies for commercially important oppositions.

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This includes:

  • Strategic collaboration with other parties sharing a common interest
  • Conducting mock hearings to refine arguments and tactics ahead of official proceedings

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Mock hearings can range from internal simulations to full-scale exercises involving independent consultants acting as the Opposition Division or Board of Appeal, with attorneys, experts and clients participating.

A truly global team

Find your match

We work closely with clients, from C-suite to IP teams, to unlock the full potential of their intellectual property. Our integrated team of litigators, patent attorneys and commercial IP experts helps drive business growth by protecting and strategically leveraging patents.

Search by expertise, industry or location to find the right team for your business.

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