Our People Alex Burns

Alex specialises in the handling of patent applications in the electronics, physics, computer software and engineering sectors.

In particular, he specialises in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications for computer-implemented inventions, including those directed towards artificial intelligence (AI) and its application to fields such as bioinformatics and digital health. His work frequently includes arguing in favour of the patentability of software and business method applications at the European Patent Office, during both the prosecution and appeal stages.

He has extensive experience handling oppositions at the European Patent Office, representing both patent proprietors and opponents. His opposition experience also extends to handling opposition appeals at the European Patent Office, often with a focus on the procedural aspects of appeal proceedings.

He works on registered and unregistered designs too, including filing and providing infringement/validity opinions.

Areas of Expertise

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning, including neural networks
• Applications of AI, including bioinformatics, digital health and cheminformatics
• Cybersecurity and cryptography, including the application of blockchain technology to cybersecurity
• Data and image/video processing methods, including those with a strong mathematical focus
• Television systems and video recognition technology
• Computer software and business methods
• Medical devices, with a focus on visual prostheses and the associated hardware and control electronics

Clients

Alex works with technology companies of all sizes from the UK, Europe and the US, as well as attorney firms in the US and elsewhere. He also manages worldwide patent portfolios for several UK-based clients.

Background

Alex has BA and MSci degrees in Natural Sciences (Experimental and Theoretical Physics) from Cambridge University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in IP from Queen Mary University. He joined Mewburn Ellis LLP in 2013, qualifying as a Chartered Patent Attorney in 2016 and European Patent Attorney in 2017.

Recommendations

Alex is recognised as a 'patent practitioner to watch' - MIP IP Stars 2021