How I can help your business

• Guide you through complex multi-jurisdictional intellectual property disputes across all IP rights.
• Represent you in patent, trade mark, copyright, design right and trade secret disputes, supported by advocacy, mediation and litigation experience.
• Provide strategic advice on IP licensing, due diligence and dispute resolution, coordinating with advisers across the US, Europe and Asia where required.

Overview & Experience

Nick McDonald is a Partner and UK Head of IP Legal Services at Marks & Clerk. He is a solicitor qualified in England & Wales since 2004 and advises clients on a broad range of intellectual property matters, with particular experience in complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes.

Nick works across all intellectual property rights, including patents, trade marks, copyright, design rights and trade secrets. His practice combines contentious and non-contentious work, encompassing litigation, dispute resolution, IP licensing, due diligence, advocacy and mediation. His commercial insight and technical precision make him a trusted adviser to clients navigating high-stakes and high-value IP challenges.

His clients include pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology innovators, high technology businesses and manufacturing organisations. He regularly collaborates with leading IP firms across the US, Asia, and Europe to deliver coordinated, global solutions for clients. His experience in these areas helps clients navigate complex IP issues and make informed commercial decisions.

Nick holds an MA (Hons) in History from the University of Cambridge and a Diploma in Intellectual Property Law from Bristol University. He is a qualified mediator, holds higher rights of audience in both criminal and civil advocacy, and speaks English.

Client & Casework Highlights

• Silence Therapeutics Ltd v Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc HP-2017-000040
• Stretchline Intellectual Properties Ltd v H&M Hennes & Mauritz Ltd [2017] EWCA Civ 199 (30 March 2017)Abanka DD v Abanca Corporacion Bancaria SA
• FibroGen Inc v Akebia Therapeutics Inc [2021] EWCA Civ 1279
• Battlekart Europe SA v Chaos Karts Ltd [2025]
• ToolGen, Inc v Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated & others HP-2025-000013