Andrew Mears

Andrew advises innovative engineering-led businesses on the development, protection and commercialisation of intellectual property. He has particular expertise in MedTech, medical devices and healthcare technology, advising clients ranging from high-growth technology companies to multinational organisations on patent strategies that support product development, investment, commercialisation and growth.

His practice focuses on patent drafting and prosecution, freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis, patent portfolio management, international filing strategy, due diligence and strategic IP advice. He is particularly experienced in advising MedTech businesses, coordinating complex international patent portfolios and leading multi-jurisdictional filing and FTO programmes, helping clients manage risk and maximise the value of their innovation.

Andrew is known for combining technical expertise with practical commercial advice. Having worked both in-house and in private practice, he understands the challenges faced by engineering and R&D teams and the need for intellectual property strategies that align with commercial priorities and product development plans. He works closely with inventors, engineers, scientists, in-house counsel and Heads of IP to develop protection strategies that deliver meaningful business value.

MedTech and Healthcare Technology

A significant part of Andrew's practice is devoted to MedTech and healthcare technology, where he has extensive experience supporting clients throughout the product development lifecycle, from early-stage innovation through to product launch and commercialisation.

His experience includes technologies such as surgical endoscopy systems, electrosurgical generators, tissue ablation and coagulation technologies, tissue resection and sealing devices, plasma-based surgical systems, fluid aspiration and injection technologies, drug delivery devices, contact lenses, auto-injectors, diagnostic systems and analyte sensing technologies.

Andrew manages the worldwide patent portfolio for a leading UK medical technology company and has led numerous FTO projects supporting multiple generations of commercial products. This experience gives him a detailed understanding of the commercial, technical and regulatory challenges associated with bringing innovative medical devices to market while maintaining freedom to operate in competitive patent landscapes.

Engineering, Energy and International IP Strategy

Andrew also advises clients across a broad range of engineering sectors, including renewable energy, consumer products, automotive, aerospace, defence and agricultural technologies.

His renewable energy work includes advising a leading solar technology company on innovations relating to photovoltaic devices, manufacturing technologies, module reliability and performance optimisation. He manages substantial international filing programmes and FTO projects within the solar sector.

In the consumer products sector, Andrew leads teams delivering large-scale patent drafting programmes for a major global appliance manufacturer. His work covers a wide range of electromechanical products and performance-driven engineering innovations.

His wider engineering practice includes automotive systems, aerospace technologies, aircraft propulsion systems, defence and naval engineering, agricultural automation technologies, advanced manufacturing processes and complex mechanical and electromechanical products.

Andrew brings an international perspective to client matters, having practised in Europe, North America and Asia. He previously worked as a patent attorney in Singapore, where he qualified as a registered Singapore Patent Attorney and specialised in helping clients obtain patent protection throughout South-East Asia, China and the Indian sub-continent. He also worked in Canada, developing expertise in North American patent protection and international portfolio management. This experience enables him to provide commercially focused advice on global patent filing strategies and the effective management of patent portfolios across multiple jurisdictions.

Representative Experience

Andrew's experience includes:

• Managing the worldwide patent portfolio for a leading UK medical technology company.

   

• Leading FTO programmes supporting multiple generations of medical devices.

   

• Managing the worldwide patent portfolio for a leading solar module manufacturer.

   

• Coordinating international patent portfolios spanning Europe, North America and Asia.

   

• Leading large-scale FTO projects for engineering-led businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.

   

• Leading teams delivering high-volume patent drafting programmes for major consumer product companies.

   

• Supporting investment, acquisition and due diligence activities through strategic IP analysis and portfolio review.

Recognition

Andrew has been recognised as a 'key lawyer' in the 2021-2024 editions of Legal 500.

He is also recommended for Patent Prosecution in IAM 1000 2026.

“Andrew provides an excellent patent drafting, prosecution and due diligence service. He is dedicated to understanding his clients’ technology in order to provide practical advice and high-quality deliverables. Andrew always makes the effort to understand the business aspects too, and devises forward-looking IP strategies and a clear roadmap for success.”
IAM 1000, 2025