Background
James joined Dehns in 2013 fresh from completing his PhD in Theoretical Physics at the University of Bristol. His research was focused on optics and catastrophe theory, and introduced to the field several new laser beam profiles with unusual propagation properties. James became a Partner of the firm in 2026.
Type of clients and client work
James works with innovative companies of all sizes to identify and protect their IP in a wide variety of high-tech industries throughout physics and engineering. Some interesting examples of work include: Formula 1 technology, solid-state lasers, satellite sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles, 3D-printed prosthetics, laser-fabricated optical fibres, robotic warehousing, fire suppression systems, medical devices, and sports equipment. He particularly enjoys working closely with clients to understand the core concepts at the heart of their technology, as well as the commercial realities guiding their wider strategies, in order to build resilient, growth-oriented IP portfolios.
Expertise
James heads the firm’s Automotive group, and has particular experience with robotics and automation of vehicles, as well as electrification and fleet management. He has a special interest in invention harvesting and portfolio development, working directly with inventors to create robust coverage of their technology, and advising on worldwide filing strategies to balance reach and impact with real-world commercial pressures. As a result, James has a long history of working with multi-national clients using efficient, high-volume filing strategies, as well as startups and scaleups looking to leverage their IP to maximum effect.
Qualifications and Memberships
- Authorised Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) 2023
- Intellectual Property Litigation Certificate, 2019
- UK Patent Attorney, 2017
- European Patent Attorney, 2017
- Intellectual Property Law Post-Graduate Certificate, 2014 (Brunel University)
- Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys
Higher Education
PhD in Theoretical Physics, University of Bristol, 2013
First Class Honours in Physics MSci, University of Bristol, 2009
Other
James has been named as a “key lawyer” in the 2025 edition of the Legal 500 directory.
Departments
Physics, Engineering, Software, UPC Representative