Elspeth Doyle

Elspeth Doyle joined the profession in 2006, after completing a Bachelors (Hons) degree in Chemistry with Patent Law at the University of Manchester. Her degree included a sandwich year of working in the IP department of a multinational company.

During that year, she received a good grounding in patent law. She assisted in drafting and prosecuting patent applications related to home and personal care products, as well as their associated manufacturing processes. She also gained exposure to contentious matters, such as European oppositions and appeals, becoming involved in preparation for and attending oral proceedings before the EPO.

After university, Elspeth initially worked for a small firm of patent and trade mark attorneys in South Yorkshire, before joining Murgitroyd’s York Office in 2008. Since then, she has been involved in drafting and prosecuting patent applications before the UKIPO, the EPO, and all other major jurisdictions.

She has experience in managing patent portfolios for multinational companies and small to medium-sized businesses, as well as helping universities protect the IP they generate. Elspeth also has experience in obtaining registered designs for products such as computer accessories, storage devices, homeware, and other home and office accessories.

In the chemical field, Elspeth’s experience spans organic, inorganic, and polymer chemistry, as well as coatings, silica, and pesticides, in addition to analytical and laboratory equipment. She also has extensive experience in the field of medical devices, including implants, prosthetics, endoscopic devices and wound dressings, as well as chemical substances used in the treatment and prevention of disease.

She has also been involved in drafting and prosecuting inventions relating to mechanical devices, such as fitness and fishing equipment and cosmetic devices.

Elspeth was appointed Director, Patents in August 2021.