Phil Merchant

About me

Phil joined the profession in 2012, and qualified as a European and UK Patent Attorney in 2016.  Phil advises on the preparation, filing and prosecution of patent applications worldwide.  Phil has advised clients of all sizes from start-ups to large global organisations.

Phil has experience across a variety of practice areas, including artificial intelligence/machine learning, distribution of digital content, blockchain, solid state physics, computer interfaces, scientific instrumentation, medical devices, telecommunications and aerospace engineering.  Phil has particular interest and expertise in handling applications and patents directed toward “non-technical” subject-matter, including presentations of information and business methods.

Phil has a First Class MPhys degree from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics from University College London. His research experience is based in the field of Quantum Magnetism, with focus on excitations and criticality in low-dimensional spin systems. His experimental work included developing and applying neutron scattering techniques and instrumentation, using large-scale facilities at the Institut Laue–Langevin in Grenoble and the Paul Scherrer Institut in Switzerland.

Phil joined Marks & Clerk in 2021, having previously worked with another IP firm. Phil was awarded the best mark in Europe for patent drafting in the European Qualifying Examination, and has been recognised as a “Rising Star” by Managing Intellectual Property, IP Stars publication (2019, 2020 and 2021).