Dr. Daisy Machytka-Frank is a Hungarian and European patent attorney and Partner at Gödölle, Kékes, Mészáros & Szabó Patent and Trademark Attorneys in Budapest, Hungary.
She has particular expertise in the areas of chemical and biotech patents, trade marks, and pharmaceutical litigation, including revocation actions, declaratory proceedings and infringement proceedings.
Patent disputes have been an important part of Daisy’s work from an early stage in her career.
Having spent more than a decade in scientific research before entering the IP profession, Daisy brings a scientist’s curiosity and attention to detail to all aspects of her work.
“I was given substantial responsibilities soon after joining my current firm and this level of accountability has remained a defining feature of my practice ever since.”
Daisy enjoys being able to remain closely connected to the latest developments in the science field through her work as a patent attorney.
“I particularly enjoy the fact that, even after all these years, I can still become genuinely excited about new inventions in chemistry and biology.”
A recent IP challenge & ways to add value to clients
In order to file a successful patent application, every aspect of the invention needs to be explored in exhaustive detail with the inventors, including aspects that may appear relatively insignificant at filing. As patent applications progress through examination and prior art emerges, however, such details may become highly relevant.
Daisy gives an example:
“Recently we had a case in which a single sentence in a lengthy description, initially considered of little significance, ultimately proved crucial to obtaining the patent. In practice, these small details can often prove to be notable.”
A willingness to ask questions and fully explore the client’s invention is central to the firm’s approach. Daisy believes that developing a thorough understanding through in-depth conversations and research always delivers value in the long term. This can ultimately make the difference between success and failure during prosecution.
A best practice & ways to add value to clients
Quality comes first at Gödölle, Kékes, Mészáros & Szabó, precision is essential. The firm aims to combine both quality and speed but emphasise to clients that quality is key when securing IP rights.
“When deadlines are tight, we are prepared to work late into the evening or over the weekend, to ensure quality is maintained at pace.
“We ensure we give every matter the same level of care and attention, regardless of whether the matter seems to be relatively straightforward or particularly complex.”
That commitment to quality is supported by a strong culture of collaboration and shared responsibility throughout the firm.
Great emphasis is placed on the company’s community feeling. It does not have home-working practices and they believe that employees thrive on having the opportunity to meet and interact with their colleagues in the office.
For Daisy and her colleagues, professional excellence also requires continuous learning and a willingness to acknowledge what remains unknown:
“We are never afraid to ask questions. Our greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that our clients trust us, while at the same time this trust further strengthens our sense of responsibility.”
The future for independent IP attorneys
While technological advances are fast reshaping aspects of the IP profession, Daisy believes that core skills such as judgement, specialist expertise and ability to provide trusted advice will continue to be valued.
Like many practitioners, she sees opportunities and challenges in the rapid development of AI and digital technologies. She predicts an uneven future:
“I expect that competition will become even more intense, and it is likely that only the best IP attorneys will be able to remain in the profession. AI may be able to assist us with some of the easier parts of our work, which means that IP attorneys will focus on the most intellectually challenging aspects.”
She notes that clients are increasingly likely to provide AI-generated material and stresses that it is critical to use human knowledge and judgement to assess and verify that information.
Value of FICPI membership
Daisy joined FICPI in 2014.
Over the years she has developed an international network of colleagues and friends throughout the Federation. Reflecting on the value it brings her personally and professionally, she says,
“I particularly appreciate FICPI’s valuable and enjoyable conferences, where I have the opportunity to meet people who are excellent professionally, and wonderful personally. The 23rd FICPI Open Forum in Budapest in September was a fantastic example of this, and I’m delighted that FICPI celebrated its 120-year anniversary in our city.”
Although she has been fortunate to travel to many parts of the world, Daisy still finds it a great joy to meet people from distant countries and regions.
“You speak to people and discover that, even on the other side of the globe, people are much like you, with many of the same thoughts, concerns and interests.”
Final word – outside of work
Music, art and family life provide an important balance to the demands of professional practice and play a central role in Daisy’s life.
She explains how family and culture are vital to her:
“The greatest joy is the time I spend with my family. One of our favourite family activities is going to concerts together.”
Daisy particularly enjoys the music of Bartók, Mahler, Schubert, and Wagner. This is combined with a love of paintings from the first half of the twentieth century and she will travel a considerable distance to see an exhibition of works by Chagall or Munch.
She believes that the opportunities people receive in life are often shaped by the support and encouragement around them.
Having benefitted from a supportive environment herself both personally and professionally, promoting such opportunities for children is close to her heart.
Education & training
- 1994: National Office of Inventions (Hungary): [G3.1]Patent attorney qualification
- 1990: Technical University of Budapest – Dr. univ. (Doctor Universitatis)
- 1987/88: Oxford University – visiting student
- 1985: Technical University of Budapest – M.Sc. chemical engineer
Professional background
- 1998-date: Gödölle, Kékes, Mészáros & Szabó Patent and Trademark Attorneys, partner since 2005
- 1985-1998: Central Research Institute for Chemistry of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences – research associate (with study/work periods abroad)
- 1990-1993: University of Bonn - postdoctoral fellow
