Marks & Clerk

Firm overview:

Global IP attorney firm Marks & Clerk is among the most active trademark filing representatives before the UK Intellectual Property Office. The firm claims the largest active EU trademark portfolio of any firm in the UK and is particularly renowned for its filing and prosecution practice. In February 2025, the firm published a free e-book called Brand Security in a Modern World, sharing guidance on how retailers can protect their brands through IP rights against copying and counterfeiting around the world.

When matters escalate, Marks & Clerk has a team of commercial and IP lawyers working with the brand protection team to collaborate on trademark litigation before the High Court, Intellectual Property Enterprise Court and Court of Appeal.

Team overview:

Partner and head of trademarks Esther Gottschalk manages the international brand and trademark portfolios of clients in a range of sectors, with a particular focus on the US market. Her thought leadership extends to a teaching role at Nottingham Law School on the professional certificate in trademark practice.

Kirsten Gilbert is a partner and head of brand exploitation, protection and TM litigation UK. Key cases she has been involved in include GO Outdoors v Design Go, BlackRock v Blackrock International Land and Silver Cross v Mamas & Papas.