Keith Boden has set a precedent in IPReg, and not one to be proud of. He is the subject of a recent decision concerning his handling of a family of European patent applications, as a result of which he is now (to the best of my knowledge) the first patent attorney to be the subject of multiple adverse regulatory findings, and the first to be struck off by IPReg. So far as I’m aware, he may be the first UK patent attorney to have been struck off, ever.

The decision goes into some detail as to his failings, but the overall message is that he completely failed to keep his client informed as to what was happening. He prosecuted the applications for several years without reference to his client and without checking that they were happy with the direction he was taking the applications. Only when the applications were on the verge of refusal did he get in touch. IPReg found that this was misconduct, and that Keith’s efforts to cover up and excuse his decisions were dishonest and showed a lack of integrity.

Of course, we already know that Keith lacks integrity, IPReg found that to be the case in their previous decision in which Keith and his firm Fry Heath & Spence LLP were reprimanded for a “deception” illustrating a “lack of integrity”, and a “laissez-faire attitude to the interests of his client”. However, finding that he is dishonest is a step beyond even that.

The decision acknowledges that Dr Boden has retired from the profession, which can only be a good thing. However, to its credit IPReg decided that it nevertheless needed to continue with its investigation, principally due to the seriousness of the allegations, but also due to the fact that although Dr Boden “did not contest” the matter, he did not as such admit them.

It’s upsetting to see such a litany of professional failures exhibited in just one family of applications that he handled. However, it’s gratifying to see IPReg act decisively.

Goodbye Dr Boden.