Biography: Life Sciences

Mark has been a partner at Bird & Bird since May 2007 and his practice focuses on pan-European patent litigation in various fields of technology. He has a PhD in organic chemistry, which leads him naturally to specialise in areas such as pharmaceuticals and the chemical industry. He is the lead partner for one of the worlds' largest generic pharmaceutical companies.

In the past few years Mark has been involved in several actions before the English courts and has coordinated many pan-European patent disputes. He has also advised on regulatory and competition law issues. Mark also works for the food industry for clients such as Kraft for whom he advises on patent issues relating to food processing and in the developing field of functional foods. He also specialises in intellectual property issues surrounding the clean and renewable energy sector. He has advised several clients in relation to patent issues in this field including in relation to carbon capture plants and high altitude wind turbines.

He also has experience in drafting intellectual property agreements and licences, conducting intellectual property audits, preparing freedom to operate opinions, EPO oppositions and advising on intellectual property aspects of international corporate transactions including IPOs.

This year Mark received the 'Highly Commended' award for TMT Team of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2010 for his recent work for Gassnova SF, the Norwegian state enterprise, which saw him completing the first comprehensive analysis of intellectual property rights in carbon capture technology.

Legal guide Chambers UK 2011 praised his recent work on a major patent action in the High Court and Court of Appeal for Actavis, calling it "a reflection of his expertise" and, according to sources, "the depth of his analysis and considerable scientific understanding".