Partner
Chartered Patent Attorney
European Patent Attorney
UK Design Attorney
Chartered Engineer
BSc Electronics with Computer Science, University College Swansea
DPhil Biomedical Engineering, University of Sussex
Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET)
Thank you
Shakeel (Shak) founded Keltie's IT, Telecoms and Electronics practice over 20 years ago and heads up a talented team who advise on patent issues regarding various areas of technology, but primarily in electronic and software technology.
Shak has specific experience and interest in software-related technology from graphical user interface generation, data encryption and security through to virtual gaming technology, software platform integration and app development. He has developed a niche practice for software inventions which are in areas on the borderline of patentability and this has fuelled the growth of his Financial Technology (Fintech) practice. Shak's experience extends to mobile telecommunications including standards technology, biometric parameter measurement devices, electronic gaming including lottery systems, vehicle telemetry including autonomous vehicle systems and infrastructure, data communications including messaging technology and microprocessor design including AI chip design.
Shak enjoys the variety of intellectual property and has established a broad practice which includes drafting and prosecuting patent applications around the world to grant, litigating patents in the UK and US, handling contentious oppositions before the EPO and undertaking due diligence for various M&A and IPO activities. He has even commercialised intellectual property assets including successfully listing and sell a software patent portfolio in an international IP auction. Shak has handled many design matters from contentious Community Design invalidity proceedings to advising on unregistered design rights.
Shak enjoys the diversity of working for a range of clients from large corporates to start-up companies; each requiring a different skill set for maximising the commercial benefits of various national patent laws. He has also produced papers and lectured on the protection of software inventions in Europe.
Shak joined Keltie in 1997, becoming a Partner in 2000. From 1984 to 1987, he read Electronics with Computer Science at University College Swansea, University of Wales and graduated as a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours. He then went to the University of Sussex to undertake research in the field of Biomedical Engineering. Shak was awarded a doctorate (DPhil) for his research.
What people think about Shakeel
Shak has been referenced in several industry directories:
IAM Patent 1000 2025: "Shakeel Ahmad captains the IT, telecoms and electronics practice. “Shakeel leads a formidable team with extensive sector knowledge. He excels as an adviser, combining commercial acumen with strategic insight. Always on the lookout for opportunities to monetise technology and drive innovation, Shakeel leverages his vast global network to ensure his clientele receive comprehensive support and coverage wherever it is needed.”
IAM Patent 1000 2024: “The outfit has an impressive number of skilled patent attorneys on deck, including Shakeel Ahmad, Sean Cummings, Sullivan Fountain and Richard Lawrence, who all earn further praise from the market. Ahmad captains the IT, telecoms and electronics group and is recommended for “taking a commercial approach to enriching patent portfolios. He adds immeasurable value to his clients and their patents.” He has been busy this year representing Ocado in a number of opposition proceedings at the EPO in publicised proceedings against Autostore.”
Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) has listed Shak as an IP Star each year from 2015 to 2025 and Legal 500 2024 Edition has also recognised Shak.
IAM Patent 1000 2023: “The highly experienced Shakeel Ahmad founded Keltie’s IT, telecoms and electronics practice over 20 years ago. Armed with a PhD in engineering, Ahmad is a strong choice for companies with software inventions on the very cutting edge, from fintech to AI. He is passionate about helping start-ups protect and secure their latest innovations.”
IAM Patent 1000 2022: “For IT, telecommunications and electronics players – and especially for start-ups in those fields - Shakeel Ahmad is a solid choice, though he has also turned his hand to filing more than 100 patents for NBCUniversal in the past year. He runs a dynamic team: “Somehow Shak’s team consistently delivers first-rate work no matter who handles it. The advice is practical and well thought out – a great marriage of legal and technical expertise with pragmatic business sense.”
IAM Patent 1000 2021: “Further software know-how comes from Shakeel Ahmad and Richard Lawrence. Ahmad leads the IT, telecommunications and electronics teams and has a diverse practice which includes growing specialisms in fintech and 4G.”
IAM Patent 1000 2019: “Shakeel Ahmad helms the IT, telecommunications and electronics practice with a steady hand. His drafting, prosecution and strategy encompass future fields, including fintech, 4G and microprocessor design – work that is unlikely to dry up soon, given his outstanding reputation in the market.”
IAM Patent 1000 2018: "the strategic insight and commitment to excellence that Shak demonstrates has made him much in demand among ambitious right holders.”
Legal 500 Patents 2017: “Shakeel Ahmad leads the software practice and is a recommended fintech practitioner; he acted for Certicom Corp in defending an opposition to its key standards patent by Infineon Technologies.”
IAM Patent 1000 2016: “Shakeel Ahmad heads the IT, telecommunications and electronics team; he knows the ins and outs of UKIPO actions and has singular experience in computer graphics generation, mobile, digital audio and video processing matters.”
Legal 500 2015: "'technically very competent' and has a particular interest in software-related technology”.
27.07.2026
The Impact of UKIPO Examination Guidance for CIIs on Inventive Step AssessmentThe UKIPO’s new examination guidance aligns its approach more closely with the EPO, while retaining important differences in inventive step analysis.
30.03.2026
Key Changes to the EPO Guidelines for Examination (entered into force on 1 April 2026)The European Patent Office released a preview of the updates to the Guidelines for Examination, set to take effect on 1 April 2026. As a core reference for applicants, representatives, and examiners, these revisions will influence daily practice and the conduct of proceedings before the EPO.
OtherLess related knowledge
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