Michael Vallance

Michael works with clients across the innovation lifecycle, from identifying and capturing new ideas through to securing and enforcing intellectual property rights. His practice is focused primarily on patent prosecution, helping clients build and develop strong portfolios, while also supporting clear commercial objectives.

He advises on all aspects of patent and design prosecution. He also has extensive experience in contentious matters, including European Patent Office oppositions and patent infringement litigation in both Europe and the United States. His experience covers freedom to operate, infringement and validity, as well as the strategic management of third party rights. He regularly acts in oppositions and has achieved strong results in complex cases.

Michael has particular expertise in software, quantum technologies and scientific instrumentation. He works with organisations in these areas to develop effective IP strategies, assess portfolio strength and manage risk. He also advises investors, has supported numerous M&A projects, and provides clear and practical assessments of technology and IP landscapes in fast moving sectors.

He manages substantial international portfolios for clients of all sizes, often acting as a central point of coordination across multiple jurisdictions.

His clients span a wide range of industries, including advanced technology, telecommunications, scientific equipment, consumer products, fashion and sports. They value his clear thinking, practical approach and technical insight, as well as his ability to communicate complex issues in an accessible way.

Outside work, Michael enjoys spending time with his young family.

Michael regularly works across a range of different technology areas. These include:

• Cryogenics
• Scientific apparatus
• Fintech
• Microscopy
• Telecommunications
• Software
• Quantum technologies
• Medical devices
• Consumer goods
• Oil & gas, including surveying and extraction technologies

European Patent Attorney
UK Patent Attorney
UPC Representative

Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA)
Member of the European Patent Institute (EPI)

Michael graduated from the University of Manchester with a first class master’s degree in Physics.

After joining GJE in 2012, Michael qualified as a UK patent attorney and a European patent attorney in 2017.  He became a senior associate in 2020, and joined the partnership in January 2025.