Triathlons, Chemistry, and Patents – The Unique Path of Yann Robin, Marks & Clerk

In this edition of our "Meet the IP Professional" series, PatWorld is delighted to feature Yann Robin, Principal Associate and Patent Attorney at Marks & Clerk. With a career spanning over 17 years, Yann has built a strong reputation through his meticulous approach to intellectual property, blending technical expertise with a deep understanding of client needs. We spoke with Yann about his journey through triathlons, chemistry, and patents; the evolving role of foreign languages in patent law; and the importance of tailoring IP strategies to diverse client priorities.

Falling into IP: Yann’s Unexpected Path

Unlike some who enter the IP profession with a clear vision, Yann’s path was somewhat serendipitous. After completing his postgraduate studies at the University of Strathclyde, he began his career at Thomson Derwent, working on patent classification tools. This involved assigning codes to patents, particularly in chemistry and polymers. This experience sparked his interest in patents and led him naturally towards a career as a patent attorney.

“I didn’t have a lifelong ambition to work in IP; I simply followed the opportunities presented to me,” Yann reflects. “But I’m very glad I did—it’s a fascinating and rewarding field.”

The Power of Languages in IP Practice

As a native French speaker, Yann’s language skills have long been an asset in his practice. When he began his IP career in 2007, proficiency in a second language—particularly an official European Patent Office (EPO) language—was highly valued, as reliable machine-generated translations were not widely available.

While machine translation tools have improved dramatically, Yann highlights that fluency in foreign languages remains invaluable in certain situations. “There are still times when precise knowledge of a foreign language is essential,” he explains. He recalls a recent freedom-to-operate analysis involving a French competitor’s European patent and French prior art documents. Subtle linguistic nuances meant machine translations couldn’t reliably capture the precise meaning, so Yann’s fluency in French provided clarity for the client, enabling informed commercial decisions.

Although machine translations continue to evolve, Yann believes there will always be instances where working directly from the original language is essential, given the complexities and nuances of technical and legal terms.

Tailoring IP Strategies to Diverse Client Needs

Yann’s client base is highly diverse, spanning individual inventors, start-ups, SMEs, and large multinational corporations. This breadth of experience reinforces his belief that no two clients have the same requirements. “It’s crucial to first understand a client’s unique commercial situation and long-term objectives,” he emphasises.

He shares an example of a local SME specialising in cancer diagnostics that successfully secured significant funding. Their robust patent portfolio, built under Yann’s guidance over the course of a decade, played a pivotal role in this achievement. This underscores the importance of aligning IP strategy with a client’s growth trajectory and commercial objectives.

Budget constraints often influence start-ups and SMEs’ IP strategies. Yann and his team at Marks & Clerk address these challenges by offering tailored solutions, such as their Start-up Offering and IP Audits, to ensure cost-effective early-stage IP protection.

Sustainable Innovation: A Personal and Professional Passion

Yann combines his professional expertise with his personal values through active involvement in Marks & Clerk’s Sustainable Materials Group, supporting clients developing innovative, eco-friendly materials.

“Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in IP,” Yann notes. “I find this area exciting, both from a technological perspective and because it aligns closely with my personal commitment to addressing environmental challenges.”

Building Long-Term Relationships

For Yann, developing trusted, long-term client relationships is fundamental. “Our role is to advise clients effectively, which means genuinely understanding the people behind the businesses,” he explains. Regular dialogue ensures Yann remains attuned to clients’ evolving needs, delivering advice that’s legally robust and commercially practical.

Advice for Aspiring IP Professionals

For those considering a career in intellectual property, Yann offers straightforward advice: “Be patient and remain humble. Developing the necessary technical, legal, and client-facing skills takes time. You might enter the profession with impressive academic credentials, but you’ll need patience to master these skills, even if the pace sometimes feels frustratingly slow.”

Beyond the Office: Triathlons, Trail Runs, and Outdoor Adventures

Outside his patent practice, Yann is a passionate outdoor enthusiast. He enjoys trail running, cycling, open-water swimming, and competing in triathlons. “I’ve been participating in triathlons for nearly a decade,” Yann says. “I began with shorter distances, like Sprint and Olympic events, before progressing to longer races. Last summer, I completed my first full Ironman distance event in Northumberland, finishing an unexpected third overall.”

One of his most memorable races was a half-Ironman event near Aviemore, starting at midnight with a swim in complete darkness at Loch Morlich, followed by cycling through the night and running up Cairn Gorm at sunrise—a truly unforgettable experience!

Yann also reveals a quirky personal trait—he has a photic sneeze reflex. “I sneeze when exposed to bright sunlight,” he laughs. “Apparently, around 20% of people have this reflex, but it still surprises my colleagues!”

Looking to the Future

Yann predicts that while machine translation tools will continue to advance, the need for human expertise in linguistic and cultural nuances will persist. The subtleties of IP law and technical complexities mean skilled professionals who can interpret beyond automated tools’ limitations will remain indispensable.

Connect with Yann Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yann-robin-515a66/

For more information about Marks & Clerk, visit: https://www.marks-clerk.com/

For more information on Triathlons, Chemistry, and Patents – The Unique Path of Yann Robin, Marks & Clerk talk to PatWorld Ltd