Adam
I used to work for Coutts a few years back (spent the first 5 or 6 years of my working life there). There is a difference between the requirements for an individual and a business.
Coutts offer business services and accounts like any other bank. I know that you are involved with patents and this is the sort of specialist area that Coutts might well be interested in. Traditionally they have strong links with insurance, shipping, legal firms etc. There aren't the same kinds of rules for company accounts as there are for personal accounts (when I was there, you had to have a minimum income of £100000 and assets of £500000 (excl property (this was about 5 years ago) for a personal account)
Coutts even offer student accounts - if they think you have potential!
Your best bet is to give them a ring and make an appointment with your local branch or go into one of the bigger offices - Strand or Lombard Street.
Hope that helps
Chris