Michael Linehan

Senior Associate, UK and European Patent Attorney
London

Michael Linehan

Michael specialises in technologies based on innovations in physics and mathematics. His interests include quantum technologies, such as quantum computing (both hardware and software), cryptography, signal processing, medical devices, semiconductor systems, algorithm and AI-based technologies and all aspects of computer-implemented inventions.

Clients appreciate Michael’s ability to engage with the science-communication challenge of presenting some of the most apparently abstract inventions, such as in the quantum technology and AI spaces, in ways that patent office examiners can readily understand and appreciate. He is also adept in finding creative ways of arguing for the patentability of software inventions, where a more straightforward approach might risk an invention being refused protection as unpatentable subject matter.

Michael particularly enjoys defending the patentability of inventions in person, in hearings and oppositions, where his ability to deploy creative arguments and analogies has often proved decisive in securing commercially useful patent protection to support client’s business objectives.

Published articles

  • July 2021
    Science Direct, Combustion and Flame, Three dimensional measurements of surface areas and burning velocities of turbulent spherical flames (link)
  • January 2019
    Cambridge University Press, Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Reconciling turbulent burning velocity with flame surface area in high-intensity turbulence (link)
  • January 2017
    AIP Publications, Physics of Fluids, Scalar transport and the validity of Damköhler’s hypotheses for flame propagation in intense turbulence (link)
  • July 2016
    Science Direct, Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, Direct Numerical Simulation of the bending effect in turbulent premixed flames (link)

Education

  • 2010
    LLB, BPP Law School, London
  • 1999
    PhD Theoretical Physics, University of Exeter
  • 1995 — 1999
    BSc Physics, University of Exeter

Career history

  • 2025 — present
    Senior Associate, EIP
  • 2018 — 2022
    Senior Associate, Potter Clarkson LLP
  • 2015 — 2017
    Associate, Potter Clarkson LLP
  • 2012 — 2014
    Assistant, Potter Clarkson LLP
  • 2005 — 2007
    Deputy of Electronic and Electrical Engineering Research Fellow, Trinity College Dublin
  • 2001 — 2005
    Deputy of Microtechnology and Nanoscience, Chalmers University, Sweden

Specialisms

Digital

  • AI
  • Applied maths & cryptography
  • Computer hardware
  • Electrical engineering
  • Image and signal processing
  • Medical imaging
  • Quantum computing
  • Semiconductors
  • Software
  • Telecommunications
  • Telemedicine and remote surgery

HealthTech

  • Digital health
  • Medical devices
  • Personalised healthcare

Subscribe to The Patent Strategist newsletter

Thank you for your interest.

Subscribe to The Patent Strategist newsletter

Get expert insights and the top patent stories delivered straight to your inbox.