Expertise
Experienced in working with market leading companies from fields as diverse as optics, communications, computer hardware and software, and electronic and mechanical engineering, Avi also takes great satisfaction in assisting start-ups and young companies, especially when the IP infrastructure he has helped to create supports their growth. He also enjoys supporting international hi-tech companies, either directly or through local patent attorneys.
Widely admired for his experience in the engineering, physics and electronics sectors, Avi has considerable expertise in advising on and obtaining patent protection for computer hardware and software. Valued by clients for his strong strategic sense, technical knowledge and real-world business skills, he prides himself on taking time to understand their products and deliver pragmatic advice, on time and to budget.
Avi is skilled at drafting, filing and prosecuting cases at the European Patent Office and at the UK Intellectual Property Office, acting for multinational corporations and start-ups alike. He has comprehensive experience of post-grant procedures at the EPO, achieving a high success rate in oppositions and appeals. Avi also has a large caseload before international patent offices, particularly the USPTO, where he prosecutes applications on behalf of direct clients with the assistance of local counsel. In addition to his patent workload, Avi also advises on the protection of both registered and unregistered designs. His problem solving skills mean that Avi is often brought in by clients when value added advice is at a premium, or asked to take over troublesome cases from other firms.
Active in thought leadership, Avi writes and publishes in the field of computer-implemented inventions, an area in which he is internationally recognised. He travels widely to the US, Asia and the Middle East, speaking and presenting on matters of European law ranging from general developments, like the European unitary patent, to the more specific, such as the European and UK approach to the protection of computer-implemented inventions. Avi, having been invited, recently chaired a round table on the subject of AI at the Asian Patent Attorneys Association Council Meeting.
Recommendations
Avi is listed as a band one individual in Chambers & Partners 2024 and is recommended for patents in The Legal 500 UK 2024 and IAM Patent 1000 2023.
“We have been working on technological patents with Avi Freeman for over six years. It is a pleasure to partner with someone who can understand our technology and can assist us throughout the entire patent process. Avi and his team were particularly good at rebutting comments from patent offices and allowed us generally to get broad coverage and protection for our medical devices.”
Client testimonial, IAM Patent 1000 2023
“Avi is an experienced professional who is always available for his clients.”
Client testimonial, Chambers & Partners UK 2023
“Avi Freeman has excellent foresight in applying the most appropriate strategy to progress on application.”
Client testimonial, Chambers & Partners UK 2023
“I would recommend Avi Freeman, who succeeded in obtaining a complex and unusual patent for our company. He is responsive, explains issues/challenges clearly and provides a clear roadmap of how the process will likely unfold over forthcoming months.”
Client testimonial, Legal 500 UK 2023
“For almost the last 20 years I have worked with Avi Freeman and have achieved an excellent mutual understanding with him of the unique characteristics of my technology.”
Client testimonial, Legal 500 UK 2023
‘Captaining the practice and heading up the electronics, physics and mechanical engineering ensembles is Avi Freeman – he is a formidable force before the EPO and regularly visits the USPTO, as well as travelling to the United States and Asia to educate on European patent law.’
IAM Patent 1000 2022
Avi is praised for “his vast technological range”, meaning “he always impresses clients with his understanding of their specific concerns.”
The Legal 500, UK 2022
“Avi Freeman – excellent availability and strategic advice.”
Client testimonial, Legal 500 UK 2022
“Avi is very knowledgeable and very strong on patents. He is good at spotting things that we might overlook.”
Head of Design, UK subsidiary of US-headquartered manufacturing conglomerate
Qualifications and memberships
- European Patent Attorney 2001
- Chartered Patent Attorney 2000
- BSc Physics, University of Bristol 1995
- MSc Management of Intellectual Property, Queen Mary College, University of London 1997
- Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA)
Awards
The Legal 500 UK, 2024, Leading Individual
Chambers & Partners 2024
WIPR Leaders, 2021
Career
Prior to joining Beck Greener, Avi worked in house as a patent attorney for a large photographic company.