Publications

Reports

Our thought leadership reports are compiled using either commissioned patent searching data or industry surveys combined with expert data analysis by the Marks & Clerk authors. For the areas of focus, the reports highlight current trends, challenges, possible solutions and likely future developments.

These reports have generated considerable interest from our clients and contacts worldwide as well as the media - they have featured extensively in the national and international press, IP and legal publications, and trade press.

For more information, or a copy of any of these specialist reports, email Jacob Flint at jflint@marks-clerk.com.

Life Sciences Report 2011

(published June 2011)

Marks & Clerk's 2011 Life Sciences Report offers expert insight into three areas of burgeoning interest for the Life Sciences industry; Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) regulations in Europe, the growing importance of brand building and early trade mark searching within the pharmaceuticals sector, and recent developments in technology and the law and the patent landscape in bionanotechnology

Lead Authors: Dr. Paul Chapman (Edinburgh),Dr. Gareth Williams (Cambridge),
Dr. Darren Smyth (London), Stephanie Loeffler (London), Campbell Newell (Edinburgh), John Ferdinand (Birmingham), Dominic Icely (Oxford).

Life Sciences Report 2010

(published May 2010)

The 2010 Report - based on a survey of some 380 life sciences executives worldwide - reviews and assesses the challenges facing the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors with respect to innovation. The report covers issues such as the looming patent "cliff", creating the right environment for investment and rewarding R&D. The report also includes more detailed sections on patent term extensions and the impact of recent legal developments and decisions on patenting strategy.

Lead Authors: Dr. Paul Chapman (Edinburgh), Dr. Claire Irvine (Oxford), Dr. Gareth Williams (Cambridge), Mike Gilbert (Marks & Clerk Solicitors London). Foreword by Hugh Griffith, Founder and CEO NuCana BioMed.

Brands Report 2010

(published May 2010)

Our 2010 brands report focuses on the challenges and opportunities for brand owners in the digital age. The report sets out the key findings of a survey of some 266 UK brand owners and business executives responsible for brand marketing and protection, and covers the issues of doing business in the digital age, the rise of social media, counterfeiting and online infringement. In addition to the survey findings, the report includes analysis by the authors and a more detailed review of some of the key legal developments and cases.

Lead Authors: Pam Withers (Manchester), Kirsten Gilbert (Marks & Clerk Solicitors London). Foreword by John Noble, Director of the British Brands Group..

Biotechnology 2009

(published May 2009)

The 2009 report is based on a survey of some 360 bioscience organisations worldwide, probes some of the key issues facing the sector in this challenging climate - the report covers funding, biological therapies, regenerative medicines and the impact of President Obama's reforms, the European Commission's enquiry into the pharmaceutical sector and industrial biotech. Our 2009 report brings together the key findings of our survey, our own views on the areas covered and the role of intellectual property - most significantly patents - to the biotech sector.

Lead Authors: Dr. Paul Chapman (Edinburgh), Dr. Claire Irvine (Oxford), Dr. Dave Martin (Manchester), Dr. Gareth Williams (Cambridge), Mike Gilbert (Marks & Clerk Solicitors London). Foreword by Professor Simon G. Best, Serial entrepreneur and investor.

Brands Report 2009

(published May 2009)

Our first brands report which focuses on the importance of brands in a downturn. The report presents the findings of a survey of some 222 UK businesses covering brand challenges and strategy, distressed brands and counterfeiting and the rise of the internet. In addition to the survey results, the report includes case studies and analysis by the authors.

Lead Authors: Matt Sammon (Manchester), Pam Withers (Manchester), Kirsten Gilbert (Marks & Clerk Solicitors, London). Foreword by Andrew Gowers, author of the Gowers Review of Intellectual Property.

Biotechnology 2008

(published June 2008)

This report focuses on the future health of the biotech industry and the role of IP. Part I presents the key findings of a worldwide survey undertaken by Marks & Clerk of some 500 biotechnology executives, scientists, academics and investors. The survey elicits opinions on the current major threats and opportunities faced by the industry and what could be done to help the industry and ensure that the challenges of health care continue to be met.

Part II of the report provides an overview of major developments in IP law and policy in key strategic territories.

Lead Authors: Dr Gareth Williams (Cambridge), Mike Gilbert (Solicitor, London), Dr Claire Irvine (Oxford). Foreword by Dr Andy Richards, Serial Entrepreneur and Business Angel