Dr Michelle Pratt

I have extensive experience of portfolio management which involves managing teams of fee earners to successfully prosecute large patent portfolios in a cost effective, consistent, and timely manner. I have significant experience dealing with prosecution of applications and providing strategic advice. I also handle Oppositions and Appeals before the EPO.

I pursued a career as a patent attorney as I wanted to put my years of studying chemistry at university (for my undergraduate and doctorate) to good use. I joined Boult shortly after leaving university and have worked here ever since. I have experience working across a diverse spectrum of technologies in the chemical area, including pest control, chemical engineering, petrochemicals, catalysts and zeolites, polymers, healthcare products, colloids and small molecule chemistry. I work for large corporations as well as individual inventors and start-ups. When I started in the profession, I undertook a short secondment with one of our clients to build an in-depth understanding of their technology and field work, and to better understand their commercial interests.

I am on the UK Council of the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), where I was also Treasurer for a number of years.

I thoroughly enjoy working at Boult and feel proud that many of the trainees I have been involved in recruiting and training have stayed at the firm. Indeed, some of those trainees are now partners themselves. We have an amazing team of people, with supportive colleagues at every level. I believe our inclusive, collegiate atmosphere distinguishes us from many other firms. Working this way means we can collaborate to provide the very best team and solution for our clients. I also feel immensely grateful to be able to work with our clients who are at the forefront of leading technological innovations which will help to shape all our futures.

“I also feel immensely grateful to be able to work with our clients who are at the forefront of leading technological innovations which will help to shape all our futures.”