James Cross

Qualification:

• Chartered Patent Attorney

• European Patent Attorney

• Higher Courts Litigator

• UPC Representative

• BA, Physics, Oxford

Overview:

James has been recognised as a leading patent attorney for the past 13 years by Chambers and Partners, and as a Patent Star for the past 10 years by Managing IP.

According to one client ‘”He is one of the cleverest patent attorneys I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and is a real team player”. Another client describes James as “an outstanding individual, able to understand quite complex technical matters very quickly and propose a range of options to solve a problem.”  Further, clients have commented: “James Cross is clear thinking and knowledgeable, but equally important is an excellent communicator. He summarises complex issues and patiently explains matters so we can take decisions and find solutions.”

“James is top of class across all conceivable metrics.” – James’s client to Chambers UK & Partners 2025

“James Cross has always provided advice whenever needed. We are very grateful to have him on our team.” – James’s client to Chambers UK and Partners 2024

“James Cross completely understands what patents his clients are trying to achieve, and he has excellent suggestions and references where needed.” – Legal 500 2024

James advises blue chip clients on worldwide patent protection, portfolio management and enforcement, as well as freedom to operate. His technical expertise includes mobile and contactless payment systems, wireless chipsets, mobile satellite and terrestrial cellular communications, satellite broadcast receivers and personal video recorders, biometric scanners, green tech, automotive and aircraft engineering, domestic appliances and thermostatic controls.

James has been a partner of Maucher Jenkins for 27 years and previously managed the IT department, having introduced an entirely paperless document management system in 2009.

Interests outside of work:

Outside work, James is an award-winning amateur brewer and a BJCP recognised beer judge.

Publications:

‘The benefits of the EPO-CNIPA PCT deal’, Managing Intellectual Property IP STARS, December 2019.

‘Innovation Capture – Identifying and Protecting IP‘, Financier Worldwide, January 2018.

‘Roundtable – Resolving Patent Disputes‘, Financier Worldwide, October 2017.

Recent cases:

Epoch Company Ltd v Character Options Ltd [2017] EWHC 556 (IPEC) – clarified the exclusion of aesthetic creations under UK patent law.