Mr
David
Akerman

Experience

David brings over 20 years of in-house IP management experience to his role at HGF, where he supports companies investing in innovation and intellectual property. His approach emphasises collaboration with clients to identify, develop, and protect commercially valuable IP assets. David is particularly passionate about working with start-ups and SMEs, helping them craft patenting strategies, implement IP management processes, and train employees on IP matters.

He also leads teams in complex patent clearance and due diligence projects, developing bespoke search and review programs that provide clients with a deep understanding of their patent landscapes. Additionally, David plays a key role in patent drafting and prosecution for some of HGF’s largest clients.

Before qualifying as a UK and European Patent Attorney, David gained 20 years' IP management experience through in-house roles in textile and consumer-goods companies. David has had significant involvement in contentious IP matters in Europe, USA and Japan, including a range of IP rights. He has also had involvement in IP due diligence in company and asset purchase projects.

After graduating from the University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology with an honours degree in Chemistry, David stayed on to undertake a PhD in Textile Chemistry. His research investigated the mechanism of oxidative bleaching of dyed cotton substrates during domestic laundering. The project was funded by industry and led to the publication of a patent application and three academic papers.