COMPANIES wanting to protect their product designs, technical processes, computer programmes or trademarks can now access specialist patent advice in Worcester.

Worcester-based law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys, in Deansway, which holds a Tier 1 ranking in the Legal 500 listing of the major law firms in England and Wales, is thought to be the first law firm in Worcestershire to offer the skills of two consultant patent attorneys as part of its team.

Experienced chartered and European patent attorneys Richard Bailey and Kate Lees, both of whom were previously partners with a leading national patent firm, began working with Harrison Clark Rickerbys in early October.

Whereas intellectual property services are usually available only through specialist providers – often in London and major cities – their arrival at Harrison Clark Rickerbys will enable business clients in the region to access city-quality, affordable legal advice on complex matters such as patents, industrial designs, design rights and copyright, as easily as solving their commercial, corporate, emp-oyment and other legal needs.

“With only about 2,000 qualified patent attorneys in the UK and the number of UK patents filed increasing by four per cent year on year, the two appointments bring much-needed specialist knowledge to the doorstep of local businesses,” said Robert Capper, partner, commercial department at Harrison Clark Rickerbys.

“Richard and Kate’s arrival marks a significant expansion in our intellectual property capabilities, both inside and outside the law courts.

“Each of them has many years of experience that will add immense value for our business clients, as well as opening new doors for our firm.”