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 relating to home and personal care products and the associated manufacturing processes. She also gained exposure to contentious matters like 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’s been involved in drafting and prosecuting patent applications before UKIPO, the EPO and all other major jurisdictions.

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

In the chemical field, Elspeth’s experience ranges from organic, inorganic and polymer chemistry, coatings, silica and pesticides 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 of 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.