Phil Bird
Phil is head of operations at Potter Clarkson, with over 25 years’ experience in intellectual property (IP) administration and management. His expertise spans IP formalities, renewals, information processing and business processes.
Known for an accessible, collaborative, results-driven management style, Phil leads his team with a focus on efficiency, transparency and innovation. This is underpinned by clear communication, structured planning and a strong understanding of business processes and firm culture.
His team works with colleagues across the firm to develop efficient operational workflows that improve productivity and align with the firm’s objectives.
With an extensive background in IP and experience in the defence and private health sectors, Phil brings valuable management skills and organisational insight to Potter Clarkson, leading firmwide initiatives that improve operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement.
- Implementing Potter Clarkson’s document processing workflow prior to the Covid pandemic, enabling seamless remote working across the firm
- Introducing multiple operational workflows to increase efficiency, transparency and productivity
- Introducing and implementing Nintex Promapp and other process modelling software
Services
Industries
- Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) Paralegal qualified
- Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) Paralegal qualified
About Phil
Experience
Areas of expertise
Qualifications
Testimonials
Awards
How We Live Our Values: Respect
I firmly believe individuals and organisations can only thrive when people are supported and empowered. It’s not just about having a good working environment. Teams and colleagues need to feel genuinely valued and included. At Potter Clarkson, this culture of respect and inclusion is central to how we work, and it starts from the top.
In My Own Words
Before joining Potter Clarkson, I held roles in the defence and private health sectors. I worked across finance, purchasing and supply, and later in product support, where I managed client and vendor contracts globally. I then became UK stock controller, overseeing stock level analysis, purchasing and the supply of high-tech medical equipment to NHS and private hospitals. Although I felt comfortable in those roles and appreciated the valuable skills I gained, they didn’t offer the challenge or complexity that intellectual property did.
My breakthrough moment at Potter Clarkson happened unexpectedly during a meeting I attended in place of my immediate manager. I was extremely nervous at first, but as the meeting progressed, I realised I had taken in far more than I had given myself credit for. By the end of the meeting, I felt a real sense of accomplishment, having positively contributed and gained acceptance from my colleagues. That experience was a turning point for me, and it sparked a passion for intellectual property that has only grown stronger since.
Being responsible for driving continual improvement across the firm makes each day different. I take real satisfaction in solving problems, making operational adjustments and seeing the impact those changes have on my colleagues. It’s rewarding to know that what we deliver makes a difference.
