Mr Mrs Miss Ms Dr Other

Mr
Chris
Vaughan

Senior Partner

Leeds Office

Engineering

Telephone. +44(0) 113 233 0100
Mobile. +44(0) 779 875 7925
Email. [email protected]
UPC Representative
Our team of specialist European patent litigators, oppositions specialists and patent attorneys bring together an extensive depth of legal and technical knowledge and are qualified to represent you in the UPC.

Experience

Much of Chris’ practice involves working closely with SMEs, often born out of promising academic research by major UK universities, helping them to develop effective intellectual property strategies and secure multi-million pound investments. He also works with in-house patent attorneys and senior executives at major multinationals, and has expertise in worldwide patent prosecution.

Chris has particular experience in relation to fuel cell technologies, mobile phone antennas, metal coatings, oil and gas exploration, medical devices, civil engineering, electronic article surveillance and endoscopy.

After taking his first degree in natural sciences and a postgraduate diploma in computer science at Christ’s College Cambridge, Chris entered the profession directly in 1991, training with a large private practice firm in London. He qualified in 1995, and joined HGF as a partner in 1999.

Chris is fluent in German, and is experienced in acting before the Opposition and Appeal Divisions of the European Patent Office in Munich.

Chris heads the Engineering team in HGF's Leeds office, and serves as Chair of HGF's Conflicts Committee.

Qualifications

Patent Attorney

Chartered (UK)
Europe


MA

Natural Sciences (Cantab)

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE

Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science (Cantab)

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE

Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law (London)

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE

Intellectual Property Litigation Certificate

Recognition

"Best for SME IP Strategy - UK", Acquisition International Awards 2015

"UK – Niche Intellectual Property Lawyer of the Year (Academic Spin-Off)", ACQ5 Global Awards 2019

"UK – SME Intellectual Property Lawyer of the Year", ACQ5 Global Awards 2020

CSR

Chris regularly leads tutorials, both in-house and externally, for trainee patent attorneys preparing for UK and European qualifying examinations.

Related News

Event - 18th March 2025

Salzburg Seminar: Pitfalls in trade mark practice - What can be protected as a trade mark?

The registration of trade marks is a central component of trade mark protection – but which signs can actually be protected? In recent years, the national trade mark offices and …

Event details

G2/24: A new referral to the Enlarged Board seeks to clarify whether a third party who intervened during appeal proceedings can acquire full appellant status

In the referring decision, T1286/23, the Board of Appeal referred the following questions to the Enlarged Board of Appeal: After the withdrawal of all appeals, may the proceedings be continued …

Read article

Innovation protection recovery begins in the Aircraft Engine Sector

With patent filing data for 2022 now available, we follow up our January 2023 article with an IP review update for the major players in the aircraft engine sector. Filing …

Read article

Can Patent Box Help Keep The Lights On?

The UK energy sector is undergoing a transformative shift, with innovations in renewable energy, carbon capture, and advanced drilling technologies driving progress. Patent Box, a tax relief scheme introduced in …

Read article

Agritech Thymes: Exploring the Agritech IP landscape – past trends and future insights

The agrifood patent landscape analysis recently reported by WIPO provides interesting insights into key areas of innovation and the IP strategies being adopted. The agrifood industry, encompassing both agritech and …

Read article
Event - 8th, 22nd February 2024

Dresden & Salzburg Seminar: Patent applications and grants in Europe

HGF is pleased to invite you to our upcoming German-language seminar on “Patent applications and grants in Europe” in Salzburg and Dresden. The seminar provides participants with a comprehensive overview …

Event details
Event - 10th October 2024

Webinar: Patents and business activities in harmony

In today’s highly competitive world, patents are not only a legal tool but also a strategic instrument to strengthen your market position and maximise your business success. But how do …

Event details
Event - 8th, 22nd February 2024

Dresden & Salzburg Seminar: Basics of trade mark protection - National and European perspectives

HGF is pleased to invite you to our upcoming German speaking seminar on “Fundamentals of trade mark protection: National and European Perspectives” in Salzburg and Dresden. The seminar will cover …

Event details

Let's talk

If you would like to discuss how HGF could help you, contact one of our IP specialists.