“From Chemical Engineering to Intellectual Property Law: A Conversation with Simon Harrall”
From Chemical Engineering to Patent Law: A Conversation with Simon Harrall
Yasmin Ali, a chemical engineer in the energy sector, recently sat down with Simon Harrall, an Associate Attorney at Patterson + Sheridan LLP, based in Houston, Texas, US. The conversation revolved around Simon’s career journey, his work in patent law, and his insights into the world of intellectual property.
Understanding the World of Patents
Simon Harrall’s work primarily involves dealing with legal issues related to intellectual property, including trademarks and patents. He explained that when an individual or a company obtains a patent, they receive a document that describes the invention in detail, often accompanied by illustrations. This document concludes with claims that define the invention and the scope of protection for it.
As an attorney, Simon assists clients in generating a patent or trademark application and navigating it through the legal process of registration. He also gets involved in litigation related to intellectual property, such as patent infringement cases.
Engineering and Intellectual Property
With his background in engineering, Simon often works on patents that involve some form of engineering. These patents span a wide range of industries, from oil and gas to semiconductor manufacturing and even mechanical toys. He enjoys gaining exposure to different areas of technology and is constantly learning as a result of his work.
Transitioning from Engineering to Law
Simon’s career journey began with a chemical engineering degree from the University of Nottingham in the UK. He initially worked as a petroleum engineer with Shell, where he got involved in projects that required the application of new technology. This exposure led him to work directly on technology development and understand the role of patents in protecting innovations.
Simon later moved to the US to work in a patent management role, acting as the liaison between business leaders, managers, engineers, and attorneys. This experience sparked his interest in law, leading him to pursue a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Houston. After four years of studying and passing the Texas bar exam, Simon joined Patterson + Sheridan LLP as an attorney.
Relocating and Embracing New Cultures
Simon’s work has taken him all over the world, from a copper smelter in Australia to the upstream oil and gas industry in The Netherlands, the Sultanate of Oman, and Norway. He appreciates the opportunity to immerse himself in different cultures and gain fresh perspectives.
Simon moved to the US a year after the passing of his first wife, marking a fresh start in his life. He eventually remarried and is now a US citizen.
Work-Life Balance
Despite the demanding nature of his work, Simon enjoys riding motorcycles and visiting historical sites in his spare time. He shared his experience of a memorable motorcycle trip from Houston, Texas to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and his fascination with the history of the Civil War.
Simon’s journey from a small town in Bedfordshire to becoming a US citizen and a patent attorney in Texas is a testament to his mantra of positioning oneself to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. His story serves as an inspiration for many, demonstrating the diverse career paths that a degree in chemical engineering can lead to.
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