For Polish and European patent attorney, Rafał Witek, intellectual property law offers the perfect combination of science, strategy and entrepreneurship
Rafał is a biotechnology graduate who began his career in IP almost 30 years ago, Rafał was drawn to a profession that would allow him to work at the intersection of innovation and business while helping inventors and companies to protect their ideas.
Today he is Founding Partner at WTS Patent Attorneys and a Polish and European patent attorney with particular expertise in biotechnology and pharmaceutical patents, biochemistry, pharmacology and biomedical technologies.
Rafał describes the most rewarding aspect of his career as building a successful independent practice while providing talented people with the tools and scope to develop and thrive. The team of more than 30 share a genuine sense of belonging and also enjoy spending time together outside work.
Alongside building WTS, Rafał has developed extensive expertise in patent prosecution, litigation and disputes, particularly in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. He relishes the challenge of understanding complex technologies and supporting clients in protecting and commercialising their ideas. This has led to a particular interest in pharmaceutical patent disputes and the strategic role intellectual property plays in the life sciences.
“I feel fortunate to work in a profession that brings together science, law and international cooperation. And I particularly appreciate being part of a community such as FICPI, where colleagues from around the world share their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for intellectual property.”
Daisy Machytka-Frank nominated Rafał. She explains:
“I know Rafał as someone with a wide range of interests and perspectives, who approaches every topic with thoughtfulness and insight. His interest in and enthusiasm for the profession are truly remarkable.”
Daisy is Partner at Gödölle, Kékes, Mézáros & Szabó Patent and Trademark Attorneys in Hungary.
A recent IP challenge
One of the most significant cases that Rafał has handled involved the invalidation of a pharmaceutical patent relating to apixaban, a medicine used in the treatment of thromboembolic conditions. The successful outcome had important commercial implications for the client and contributed to improved access to the medicine for patients in Poland.
Working closely with the client, Rafał’s team identified key factual and legal circumstances specific to the grant of the patent in Poland. These proved decisive in the Polish invalidation proceedings and resulted in a different outcome from that reached in many other European jurisdictions.
“This case demonstrated how a thorough understanding of the specific facts, combined with a carefully developed legal strategy, can make a real difference. It also illustrates that patent litigation work, while primarily focused on protecting a client's commercial interests, can have wider implications for competition and access to medicines.”
Best practice & ways to add value to clients
The most effective IP advice begins with understanding a client’s commercial objectives, not simply their patents, Rafał believes.
At WTS Patent Attorneys, technical expertise is combined with extensive experience in patent prosecution, litigation and commercialisation, particularly in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. This enables the firm to understand the challenges clients face from both a scientific and a business perspective.
Rafał believes that patent protection cannot be considered in isolation. In life sciences, it must be assessed in the context of research and development, existing patent rights, regulatory considerations and the client's commercial objectives. Understanding both the technology and the client's long-term goals is central to developing an appropriate IP strategy.
Close cooperation between technical and legal specialists helps organisations to safeguard innovations, navigate complex patent issues and make informed strategic decisions with confidence.
“Our role is not simply to protect inventions but to help clients make informed business decisions about innovation.”
The future for independent IP attorneys
While artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing the way that IP attorneys work, particularly in patent research, document analysis and the preparation of patent applications, Rafał believes that human expertise will remain central to the profession in complex technical fields.
“In areas such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, technological tools cannot replace sound technical understanding, legal judgement and strategic thinking.”
He sees the ability of independent IP attorneys to interpret complex scientific information, develop persuasive legal arguments and advise clients on difficult strategic decisions coming to the fore as routine tasks become ever-more automated.
“The international dimension of our profession will also continue to grow, particularly with the development of the Unified Patent Court and the increasingly global nature of innovation. New technologies rarely fit neatly within national borders. This is where the professional relationships and international perspectives developed through FICPI membership become especially valuable."
Value of FICPI membership
An active FICPI member since 2009, Rafał also belongs to FICPI’s Study & Work Group on Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals, known as CET 5. He describes his involvement in this group as particularly important, offering the opportunity to discuss constant developments and challenging questions concerning patentability, innovation and the protection of new technologies.
Keeping abreast of new developments in Poland and around the world is integral to Rafał’s work and he sees FICPI as a key part of that. He explains:
“For me, FICPI is not only a professional organisation, but also a community that encourages cooperation, knowledge sharing and continuous learning.”
What he appreciates most about FICPI is the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues from different jurisdictions and professional backgrounds:
“I particularly value the international perspective that FICPI brings to our profession. It allows us to discuss emerging legal and technological challenges, learn from different approaches and develop relationships with colleagues who share a genuine interest in intellectual property.”
Final word – outside of work
Rafał has a special appreciation for Polish oil paintings from the 20th century and has built this hobby into a small private collection.
“I find collecting art fascinating, not only because of the paintings themselves, but also because of the stories, personalities and historical context behind them.”
When he is not exploring the world of art, Rafał can often be found in the Karkonosze Mountains, where he loves going on full-day hikes with his dog, a Polish Tatra Sheepdog.
“It is a wonderful way to disconnect from professional life, enjoy nature and recharge.”
Education & training
- Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC)
- 2020–2021: University of Warsaw, Faculty of Law and Administration – Postgraduate Studies in Industrial Property Law
- 2015: European Patent Office, Munich – internship in the Patent Search Department
- 2004: European Patent Attorney qualification
- 2003: Max Planck Institute for Intellectual Property, Competition and Tax Law, Munich – Research Fellowship supported by the Max Planck Foundation
- 2000: Patent attorney practice in Munich – professional internship
- 1999: Polish Patent Attorney qualification
- 1998–1999: Jagiellonian University, Kraków – Postgraduate Studies in Intellectual Property Law
- 1996-97: Humboldt University of Berlin – Postgraduate Studies in Industrial Property Protection
- 1996: Wrocław University of Technology – MSc in Biotechnology
Professional background
- 2002-date: Founding Partner, WTS Patent Attorneys – Witek, Śnieżko & Partners
- 1998-2002: Patent attorney at a leading Polish intellectual property firm in Warsaw, specialising in biotechnology and pharmaceutical inventions
- 1997: Office for Patent Protection, Wrocław University of Technology
