How can I help your business

• Draft robust patent applications by working closely with inventors to capture and protect the core of your innovation
• Deliver well-managed patent portfolios, ensuring work is completed efficiently, on time and aligned with your commercial objectives
• Work collaboratively with your team to support delivery of business goals and develop effective IP strategies

Overview & Expertise

Kirsteen Gordon is a Partner and Patent Attorney & UPC Representative based in Cambridge. She has worked in the patent profession since 2001 and joined Marks & Clerk in 2008. She has been a Partner since 2010.

Kirsteen advises on patent matters across the chemistry and life sciences sectors, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, food chemistry, polymers, paints, materials, packaging and carbon capture. Her practice focuses predominantly on direct clients, where she is recognised for a proactive and pragmatic approach and for coordinating multi-attorney teams to deliver effective client service.

Her work includes drafting patent applications for filing and prosecution globally and developing strategies for multi-jurisdictional examination. Kirsteen manages the International portfolios for many of her clients. She also represents clients in opposition and appeal proceedings before the EPO, including attendance at hearings, and provides freedom-to-operate opinions as part of broader due diligence Due Diligenceprojects. This experience enables her to provide clear, commercially grounded guidance across the patent lifecycle.

Kirsteen’s clients include European and US corporations, UK and European mid-sized companies as well as start-ups and university TTOs. Kirsteen manages the International portfolios for many of her clients.

She has led the firm’s chemistry and life sciences team since 2019 and has held senior management roles within the firm, including serving on the LLP Board (2018-2025) and managing the Cambridge office (2015-2025).

She holds a first class degree in Chemistry from the University of Aberdeen and a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Cambridge. She is a Chartered and European Patent Attorney.

Kirsteen has been recognised in IAM Patent 1000 publication 2023 to 2026.

Client Work & Case Experience

• Technology portfolio acquisition (long-standing client) — assumed management of a newly acquired portfolio and developed a multi-jurisdictional IP strategy providing IP protection aligned to key markets; implemented invention harvesting and strengthened portfolio depth and breadth; quickly formed a strong working relationship with the new team.
• Global drinks manufacturer — ongoing strategic IP support, including invention harvesting, portfolio prioritisation and collaboration with tax advisers to align patent protection with innovation incentives and commercial objectives.
• Global chemical and speciality materials company — management of the European portion of an acquired IP portfolio, including two ongoing opposition appeals before the EPO; developed focused technical strategies leading to favourable outcomes in both cases.