As part of our 'meet the team' series, we talked to recently appointed senior associate Chloe Flower about why she chose a career as a patent attorney, the role of battery technologies in making renewable energy work for us, advances in medical device technology, and her love of club swimming.
When studying for her Natural Sciences degree at Cambridge University, Chloe, who was on the college rowing team and, curious about potential future careers, made a habit of asking the rowing coaches about their jobs.
“One of them was a patent attorney,” explains Chloe. “When he told me more about the job it really appealed to me. I liked the variety, the way that you got to work on lots of different areas of science and engineering rather than just in narrow subject areas like lots of other scientific careers”.
After graduating top in her year for Materials Science, she completed a PhD examining biomaterials that could be used to support the structure of a failing heart.
“Although I enjoyed the research, my PhD experience made me aware of the need for academics to regularly apply for grants to secure funding,” says Chloe. “As a patent attorney I knew that as well as it being a challenging and stimulating role there would be a clear career path, financial security and opportunities for progression.”
Chloe decided to go for it and successfully secured a trainee role with a top UK IP firm 13 years ago. Since then, she has worked across a spectrum of technologies in the chemistry, materials and medical technology sectors including medical devices, energy storage, polymers and 3D printing.
Environmental credentials
Chloe joined Mewburn Ellis this summer, attracted by the firm’s forward-thinking approach and inclusive culture. “I liked the fact that Mewburn Ellis prioritises strategic planning and future growth. During my interviews, it was clear that the firm is driven by genuine energy and a commitment to delivering outstanding client service. The firm’s “forward-looking” approach is not merely a marketing slogan but is reflected in their actions and approaches, including their dedication to diversity and inclusivity,” says Chloe. “For example, part time working is supported - there is a good understanding that some people have caring responsibilities and need a certain level of flexibility to accommodate that.”
In 2024, Mewburn Ellis was awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, a global standard demonstrating sustainability. It was the first IP firm to receive the award. “I’ve always been very passionate about the environment,” says Chloe. “Mewburn Ellis’s credentials on green issues as well as the work the firm does on green technology patents were real pull factors for me.”
Energised by energy storage
Chloe grew up in Guernsey and has always seen the potential of renewable energy. “Living on the Channel Islands made me very aware of the possibilities of wind and wave power and lead to my interest in how we can progress towards sustainable energy production,” she says. “Energy sources like wind and solar are intermittent, so their availability and output vary depending on weather patterns, and while tidal power is predictable, it also suffers similar fluctuations in availability. One way to approach the mismatch between supply and demand is through energy storage systems. The ongoing development in this area has been reflected by a huge increase in patent filings in this sector over the last 20 years. It’s been a pleasure to join the Mewburn battery team and support tech innovations in this dynamic and increasingly contentious area.”
Commercial drivers in medtech
Another area which Chloe specialises in is medical devices and medical technology. “I’ve done a lot of work on implantable materials and wound care, from hip replacements to sutures,” says Chloe. “It’s an area where there is still a lot of advancement and materials are improving all the time. In the past when people had hip operations there were problems like corrosion or wear and tear on the implants that would see debris finding its way into the body. The advanced materials used now can better withstand the cyclic loading and last far longer.”
“We are also seeing advancements in surgical procedures with robotics and precision software for the placement of tooling. I think it’s an area where we are going to continue to see considerable development in the years to come.”
Chloe relishes working closely with clients. “I really enjoy getting to know them, understanding their technology, their business and how I can help them,” she explains. “Knowing what the business need is gives you the drive to get the best possible outcome for the client, especially when you are working on challenging contentious matters and oppositions.
“One of the most interesting matters I worked on was for a multinational pharma and medtech company in an ongoing battle with a competitor. For years we were filing oppositions and third party observations and getting opposed back. Getting involved in so many of those actions meant I really got to grips with the technology and understood the commercial drivers behind them.” The multi-year battle included proceedings before both national courts and the Unified Patent Court, and Chloe clearly enjoyed this deep involvement in contentious matters: “As well as the deep dives associated with each set of proceedings, I worked hard to achieve a ‘whole picture’ perspective across all of these contentious matters, which in turn helped us secure commercially focused outcomes”
Balancing detail and downtime
Chloe, who describes herself as dedicated, organised and efficient, explains that the nature of patent work means you often find yourself totally immersed in the detail. It can be challenging to know when it’s time to clock off.
“The work can be very technical and absorbing – you give it everything and time just flies. I’ve had to put some firm boundaries in place to keep a good balance, particularly now that I have a young family.”
Outside work, much of Chloe’s time is taken up by her two- and four-year-old boys. “They're very active so we are out and about a lot, kicking a ball and generally running around. We go swimming as a family regularly – my husband and I met at the university swimming club,” she says.
“My event is 1,500m freestyle. Although I don’t swim competitively at the moment, I’m still part of a swimming club and I try to keep up the training. As well as keeping me fit, it’s great for socialising and my overall wellbeing.”
