Conor Wilman

Background

Conor graduated from the University of Manchester with a First-Class Honours degree in physics (MPhys), with course modules in later years focussing on semiconductor and laser physics. In his master’s project, he worked with the Jodrell group in Manchester to develop resonant transmission line structures for use in radio astronomy and cosmology.

Conor joined the Engineering department at Dehns in 2017 as a Technical Assistant. Conor qualified as a European Patent Attorney in 2021 and as a UK Patent Attorney in 2023. He became an Associate in 2023. Conor is also an Authorised Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC). 

Type of clients and client work

Conor works on cases for a range of clients – from large multinationals to SMEs and lone inventors – and in a breadth of jurisdictions. The subject-matter involved varies significantly as well, with Conor working on aeronautical technologies for RTX to medical devices with Q-Linea and Veryan Medical. Conor provides support to several partners and associates for all aspects of patent drafting and prosecution.

Expertise

Conor works on cases covering a variety of subject matter within physical sciences and engineering, including airfoils, medical devices, and wireless networks.

Qualifications and Memberships

• Authorised Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) 2023
• UK Patent Attorney, 2023
• European Patent Attorney, 2021
• Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law, Queen Mary University, 2018
• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA)
• Member of the European Patent Institute (epi)
• Member of AIPPI (Junior)

Higher Education

MPhys (Hons), University of Manchester, Physics, 2017

Other

In May 2025, Conor received a Highly Commended Award from the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI). The award recognised Conor’s significant contribution to the UK group’s response to AIPPI’s 2025 Patent Study Question, focusing on compulsory licensing under UK patent law. Conor led key research, contributed extensively to the harmonisation proposals, and played a role in shaping the final document, which will be debated at the AIPPI Congress in Yokohama in September 2025.

Conor has been part of Dehns’ Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee since 2020 and was previously an active committee member of IP Out from July 2018 to July 2022.