About Me
I’m Alex, a Chartered UK & European Patent Attorney and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys with over 14 years’ experience in the patent profession. With a blend of experience including at a top-tier private practice firm and a highly-regarded in-house IP department of a FTSE-100 telecommunications company, I have a comprehensive understanding of the patent system and, more importantly, how it can be leveraged by businesses.
What I Do
As a specialist in digital technologies, I work with patents relating to computer hardware and software, networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), robotics and drones, the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices. I help innovative high-tech businesses and investors navigate the patent system with confidence.
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I work closely with clients to meet their patent needs - whether to protect new technology, strengthen their competitive positioning, build new revenue streams, or attract investment. I also help clients understand, assess and navigate the patent portfolios of other companies.
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My goal is to make the patent system clear, easy and, most importantly, commercially useful for every client I work with, effectively acting as their in-house patent counsel, providing flexible, personalised support tailored to the needs of their business.​​​​
My Firm
In 2025, I took the leap of establishing my own firm, Alexander Barnes IP Limited, bringing my expertise to innovative businesses, particularly start-ups and SMEs, in the Cotswolds and beyond, including in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, and Wiltshire, and the cities of Oxford, Cheltenham and Swindon, amongst others.
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Operating through my own firm allows me to provide a genuinely flexible and personal service, gaining a deep understanding of both my clients’ technologies and their broader commercial context, ensuring that the advice I provide is always aligned with their overarching business objectives.​​
My Background
I hold a first-class Master’s degree (MEng) in Electronic Engineering with Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Warwick, studying topics such as digital electronics, computer systems, high-integrity systems, intelligent systems, automation, robotics, and biomedical engineering.
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Before entering the patent profession, I worked in several technical and engineering roles in software development, cybersecurity and electromechanical control systems at various high-profile institutions operating in the finance and defence sectors.
Ready to Talk?
Interested in a no-cost, no-obligation discussion to explore how I can help your business?
