Professional Qualifications:
European Patent Attorney
Chartered Patent Attorney
As a Chartered and European Patent Attorney and European Patent Litigator, James is able to represent clients in matters before the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Unified Patent Court (UPC).
Academic Qualifications:
M.A. Engineering, University of Cambridge
James joined Abel + Imray in 2003 and is based in the Bath Office. Prior to joining Abel + Imray, James worked for two years as a research scientist for QinetiQ in the field of aerospace and defence
James works closely with the in-house patent departments of several multinational businesses.
His work covers a broad range of disciplines, focused on patent and design work in the engineering field. Within that field James works on a wide range of aerospace, defence and automotive inventions.
James has led numerous high-profile EPO oppositions. Between 2019-2023 this included a large portfolio of 25+ oppositions forming part of international patent litigation between two global technology companies, and which concluded in a settlement of over £200 million for our client. James has also led, and won, other critical opposition proceedings on patents linked to UK litigation, notably in the aerospace field. In those disputes and others, James has an exemplary success record in oral proceedings (including T776-21, T1004/21, T1808/21, T1850/21, T1091/11, T1144/07 and opposition of EP2289734 and EP2272711).
James also advises clients on patent prosecution strategy, and has an excellent track record of extracting the maximum possible value from patent portfolios. He also advises clients on the relevance of third party patent rights to their planned activities, with projects ranging from very brief reviews to major worldwide monitoring of patent prosecution and litigation.
"In my long experience of EPO oppositions yesterday's was very unusual and throughout it all you remained calm and professional and yet again prevailed. It was clear the immense amount of work you had put in and the dedication of bank holiday working did not escape me! We are lucky to have you."
Lucy Wojcik, Chief Intellectual Property Counsel. Ocado Group plc
"James Ford should be praised for his legal, technical and sector expertise coupled with commercial accumen. In difficult circumstances, he has shown real ingenuity in the legal arguments he has developed, while illustrating a first class understanding of aeronautical engineering and the aerospace sector. He is very responsive, providing succinct, commercially aware advice. Modest and self-effacing, he is a pleasure to work with."
Mr. C, UK lawyer handling IP Litigation
"We have been extremely pleased with James’ work on this key project. He has been instrumental in Acumen obtaining a robust and commercially-focused patent portfolio. He has also demonstrated a superb understanding of the business background by tailoring the patent portfolio to enable it to be used to leverage commercial success. His dedication, skills and professional prowess cannot be overstated"
Ian Dryburgh CEO – Acumen Design Associates Ltd
