GJE announces partnership promotions

GJE is delighted to announce that Jack Severs and Michael Vallance have both been appointed to the partnership. Both are patent attorneys in the firm’s IT & Engineering team, and were previously senior associates.

Jack Severs joined GJE in 2014 and qualified as a UK and European Patent Attorney in 2018. He has significant expertise in the areas of software, electrical devices, and medical and health technologies. Jack has a particular focus on supporting clients that are applying new advances in computing, AI and digital technologies to solve problems in healthcare, where he applies his understanding of the complex and shifting legal framework to patent protection in this area.

Michael Vallance joined GJE in 2012 and qualified as a UK and European Patent Attorney in 2017. He has expertise in software, scientific equipment, quantum technologies, and telecoms, supporting clients from start-ups to multinationals. Michael is skilled at navigating patentability issues and contentious matters, and building strategic IP portfolios. He has also played a key role in developing internal processes at GJE to enhance client service and operational efficiency.

Both Jack and Michael are qualified UPC representatives, and both were recognised as Rising Stars by IP Stars in 2024.

Speaking on the promotions, GJE Chairman Alasdair MacQuarrie said:

“I am delighted to welcome Jack and Michael to the partnership. Both have demonstrated exceptional levels of technical expertise in their respective fields, combined with commercial acumen and pragmatism. I have no doubt that they will go from strength to strength in their future careers as partners here at GJE and will continue to provide the highest levels of client service for which they are already known.”

The GJE partnership now has 19 partners, and comprises patent, trade mark and design attorneys.