Kate Harkness

Kate Harkness is a dual-qualified patent and trade mark attorney. She specialises in drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the field of computer software and hardware, especially in Europe, the UK and the US. Kate has considerable experience in obtaining protection for computer-implemented inventions that are often considered difficult to patent.

A background in mathematics underpins Kate’s expertise in subject areas such as cryptography, signal processing, networks and communications, media streaming, blockchain, image processing, database design and data management, as well as general engineering and manufacturing.

Throughout her years in private practice, Kate has worked with a range of clients, from start-ups to multinationals. This has given her a deep understanding of different business needs and IP objectives. Kate provides focused advice aimed at building, maintaining and enforcing strong IP portfolios, always considering each client’s unique commercial requirements as well as the protection needed for both products and brands.

Kate entered the profession in 2000. She qualified in 2006 and joined Murgitroyd in 2022.