Member Article

Marks & Clerk expand Birmingham base

Patent and trademark lawyers Marks & Clerk announced plans to expand their business in Birmingham and the Midlands on Thursday.

The firm said a deal to move into the Alpha Tower in the city centre is close to completion, and will accommodate group support services that will move over from London, and will also provide a new location for existing staff.

Marks & Clerk, whose headquarters is situated near Covent Garden in London, has international offices in Canada, France, Luxembourg and Australia, as well as a strong presence across Asia.

The firm, which originally established itself in Birmingham in 1887, employs approximately 700 people worldwide, and specialises in safeguarding intellectual property.

Managing Partner for the Midlands Region, David Ward, commented: “We have seen substantial growth in demand for our services over the past 12 months from both existing and new clients.

“This is not only encouraging for us as a firm, but also demonstrates that businesses across the Midlands continue to invest in innovation, which in the longer term will lead to greater prosperity across the region.’’

Marks & Clerk also welcomed a partner, Robin Oxley, to the Birmingham branch from London on Thursday.

He brought with him his extensive expertise in automotive technologies, manufacturing and engineering, as well as a large portfolio of cases with international and UK Blue-chip companies.

Mr Oxley commented: “I am looking forward to joining Marks & Clerk’s Birmingham impressive team at this exciting time.

“Our Birmingham office continues to grow, and, acts for both international and domestic clients, plus a growing number of entrepreneurial start ups.

“The investment we are making in our Birmingham office reinforces our commitment to this city and to the enterprising businesses across the region.’’

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .