Robert Harrison

Consulting, Corporate Governance, Technology Licensing and IP-Strategy

Robert Harrison is an expert in fusing cutting-edge technology with corporate strategy through the proactive use of intellectual property (IP) protection. He focuses on developing IP portfolios and on technology transfer and commercialisation strategies for start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses, particularly in semiconductors, electronics, biophysics, and software.

With more than 30 years of international experience, Robert began his career as a patent examiner at the European Patent Office, assessing semiconductor and superconductor applications. He went on to hold IP roles at IBM and W.L. Gore & Associates, where he set up an intellectual asset management system and developed anti-counterfeiting strategies. He later co-founded the IP advisory firm ipVA and co-founded Sonnenberg Harrison, where he was Joint Managing Partner until 2024 and remains Of Counsel. He is a European Patent Attorney, European Trademark Attorney, and European Patent Litigator.

Robert now serves as Managing Director of Robert Harrison Consulting GmbH, advising boards, investors, and founders in AI, semiconductors, and quantum technologies on commercialisation, investor readiness, and governance. He served on the governing board of the European Quantum Industry Consortium from 2021 to 2025, contributes to the EU-funded PhotonHub Europe, and is Co-Chair of the German Australian Business Council.

Robert holds a Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering and an M.Sc. in Solid State Physics from the University of Sheffield, and a B.A. in Physics from the University of Oxford.