How I can help your business

• Advise on the strategic development, expansion and optimisation of IP portfolios, with particular focus on SMEs and established corporates operating in engineering-led sectors.
• Oversee and coordinate complex international patent portfolios, ensuring a consistent, commercially aligned approach across multiple jurisdictions.
• Deliver tailored IP audits, training programmes and workshops designed to strengthen internal IP governance, risk management and value extraction within larger organisations.

Overview & Expertise

David Murray is a Partner based in Marks & Clerk’s Glasgow office and a member of the firm’s Energy & Environment leadership team. He is a European Patent Attorney, UK Chartered Patent Attorney and UPC Representative, with over 20 years’ experience advising multinational corporates, scale-ups and institutional clients across a wide range of engineering and technology sectors.

With a background in product design engineering, David has particular expertise in the energy sector with over two decades of experience working in oil and gas and renewable technologies, alongside extensive experience supporting clients in battery technologies, construction, medical devices and advanced manufacturing. He works closely with engineering-led businesses to develop IP strategies that align with commercial objectives, support international growth and protect high-value innovation in competitive markets.

David regularly represents clients before the Examining and Opposition Divisions of the European Patent Office and advises on matters including due diligence, validity and freedom to operate. He manages substantial international patent portfolios for multinational organisations, as well as leading research institutions.

In addition to his client work, David is actively involved in strengthening IP capability across the wider innovation ecosystem. He has delivered IP training programmes for organisations such as the Net Zero Technology Centre’s TechX accelerator, the Advanced Forming Research Centre and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, supporting businesses as they scale, industrialise and commercialise new technologies.

Client Work & Case Experience

• Multinational organisations and universities — managing international patent portfolios, coordinating protection strategies across multiple jurisdictions.
• Energy sector clients — advising on patent protection and portfolio strategy across oil and gas and renewable technologies.
• Research institutions and innovation centres — delivering IP training and workshops, including programmes for TechX and NMIS organisations.
• Engineering and technology clients — advising on due diligence, validity and freedom to operate investigations, and representing clients before the European Patent Office.