Chartered and European Patent Attorney Chris Burnett has joined Ellisons as a Legal Director, strengthening the firm’s intellectual property offering in response to growing client demand.
Chris advises businesses on the protection, commercialisation and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including patents, trade marks, designs and copyright. His work spans the full lifecycle of intellectual property, from protecting new ideas and technologies to helping businesses commercialise and realise the value of those assets.
Joining Ellisons with more than 20 years’ experience, Chris has advised clients ranging from international corporations to high-growth SMEs across sectors including life sciences, pharmaceuticals, engineering, medical devices and AgriTech. With a scientific background and a reputation for combining technical expertise with commercially focused advice, he is well regarded by businesses across the region.
The appointment reflects continued investment in Ellisons’ Corporate and Commercial teams and increasing demand from businesses seeking specialist advice as intellectual property, technology and brand value become increasingly important commercial assets.
Paul Forsyth, Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial at Ellisons, said: “Chris is a highly respected patent attorney with an outstanding reputation for combining technical expertise with commercially focused advice. He brings an exceptional blend of technical knowledge, commercial insight and practical experience, which will be a real asset to both our clients and colleagues. Businesses are investing more heavily in products, software, brands and manufacturing processes than ever before. Protecting those assets has become a commercial priority rather than simply a legal exercise. Chris’s appointment reflects both our continued investment in the team and the growing demand we’re seeing from clients across the East of England.”
Chris Burnett added: “Some of the most valuable assets a business owns are the ideas, technology and brands it develops. Protecting them at the right time helps businesses avoid problems later and puts them in a stronger position to grow, attract investment and make the most of future opportunities. Ellisons has built a strong reputation for supporting ambitious businesses with practical, commercially focused advice. The opportunity to bring specialist intellectual property expertise into that environment, working alongside colleagues across the firm, was one I was keen to be part of.”
Ellisons’ Commercial team advises businesses of all sizes on a broad range of commercial matters, combining legal expertise with practical, commercially focused advice to support clients through every stage of their business journey.