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Mark leverages his almost 20 years of experience in the profession to provide his clients with strategic advice focussed on maximising the value of their patent portfolios. He uses his deep knowledge of European patent practice in the chemistry sector to identify and protect innovations in all aspects of development from novel products onwards, including further medical and non-medical uses, synthetic routes, and process optimisation. He treats patent strategy as a commercial exercise, not an academic one, to keep his clients’ business goals at the centre of their patent strategy. His focus on maximising the value of his clients’ IP portfolios was recognised by his inclusion in IAM Strategy 300’s rankings of The World’s Leading IP Strategists of 2024.
 
He continues to develop his well-earned reputation as an expert on EPO oppositions and appeals, both from his front-line experience handling his clients’ cases and from speaking and writing on the subject. He is regularly sought out as an opponent to clear his clients’ competitors’ patents, recently achieving full, final revocation of several patents in the competitive field of absorbent articles. He is equally relied upon to defend his clients’ patents covering their most valuable assets, exploiting his thorough understanding of EPO appeal procedure to set a strategy at the outset that will maximise the likelihood of a successful outcome through first and second instance proceedings.
 
Mark uses his broad academic background, spanning organic, inorganic and physical chemistry as well as materials science, to handle inventions across the chemistry sector, including the fields of high performance and specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer products and medical devices.
 
Mark has been recognised in The Legal 500 for his technical knowledge, communication skills, and ability to develop and implement winning strategies for his clients.

Mark has been recognised in 2024's IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists.

"The standout individuals are Nick Bassil, Jennifer Harris, Sarah Lau, and Mark Abthorpe. All have excellent technical knowledge and are great communicators." - The Legal 500, 2023

"Mark Abthorpe’s expertise and focus on value-added advice shines. He has a remarkable ability to quickly get to the crux of complex issues and develop/implement winning strategies and approaches for us."  - The Legal 500, 2022

Qualifications

European Patent Attorney
Chartered UK Patent Attorney
IP Litigator – Patents
Representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) (2023)
Certificate in IP Law
MSci and MA Natural Sciences (specialising in chemistry), University of Cambridge 


Memberships

Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA)
The Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (EPI)