Mark Jolly is a partner and patent and design attorney at Wilson Gunn, based in Manchester. With a practice spanning patents, registered designs and enforcement work, he brings a practical, people-focused approach to advising clients across automotive, medical devices and fast-moving consumer goods.
Quick profile
Name:Mark Jolly Role: Partner, Patent and Design Attorney Firm:Wilson Gunn Location: Manchester, UK Areas of expertise: Patents, registered designs, IP enforcement, strategic IP advice
Finding a route into IP
Mark’s path into intellectual property was more deliberate than many. At school, he chose a degree that combined science with patent law, allowing him to pursue both a technical subject he enjoyed and an early interest in legal work. A sandwich year spent with a firm of patent attorneys during his studies confirmed that the profession was the right fit.
That early exposure meant Mark entered the profession with clarity about what he wanted to do. He spent around a decade at a London firm before making the move to Manchester and joining Wilson Gunn, where he has now been for over ten years.
A role shaped by people and opportunity
Today, Mark’s role as a partner combines advisory work, supervision and strategic thinking. While he is still closely involved in client matters, much of his time is spent discussing approach, reviewing work prepared by colleagues, and helping shape broader portfolio strategies.
He reflects that this is a natural shift many patent attorneys experience over time. Early career work after qualification can be solitary and document-heavy, while senior roles tend to involve far more conversation, collaboration and judgement. For Mark, that evolution has been a positive one.
Building a design-focused practice
A notable feature of Mark’s work is the volume of registered design and enforcement matters he handles. He traces this specialism back largely to chance and curiosity. Early in his career, he took an interest in design law at a time when European registered designs were brand new, and that willingness to “put his hand up” led to more work in the area.
Design work, he explains, offers a different rhythm to patents. It can be more visual, more immediate, and often allows for quicker initial views. That contrast, along with the creative thinking involved in defining what really matters in a design and working out how to protect that across the quite disparate systems of international design protection, is something he continues to enjoy.
Enforcement followed a similar path. At Wilson Gunn, there is a greater appetite for handling contentious work in-house, at least in its early stages. Over time, this has built confidence and experience, making enforcement a more routine and less intimidating part of his practice.
Working with clients who value IP
Mark works with clients across automotive, medical devices and fast-moving consumer goods, each bringing different rewards. Automotive work reflects a lifelong personal interest, while FMCG clients offer the satisfaction of working on products that are tangible, familiar and visible in the market.
He particularly values working with businesses where intellectual property is central to commercial success. In those cases, IP is not an afterthought but an integral part of product development, with advisers playing a role in shaping innovation as well as protecting it.
Across all sectors, Mark emphasises the importance of relationships. Enjoyment of the work often comes down to the people involved, both clients and colleagues, and he considers himself fortunate to work with teams that collaborate well and share common goals.
Rigour first, then commercial reality
When advising clients, Mark does not see legal and commercial considerations as competing forces. In his view, understanding the legal position is a necessary first step. Only once that groundwork is done can realistic commercial options be explored.
This approach is particularly important in enforcement matters, where time, cost and outcomes rarely align perfectly with principle. Helping clients develop realistic expectations is, he says, a key part of the advisor’s role.
A changing enforcement landscape
One of the biggest challenges Mark sees today is the shift of enforcement activity away from courts and towards online platforms. Takedown procedures on large e-commerce sites can be fast and effective, but also inconsistent, with the likes of Amazon sometimes acting on design rights that are clearly invalid.
This creates uncertainty for both rights holders and legitimate businesses who are accused of infringement. Mark has been closely involved in discussions and official consultations around these issues, drawing on his day-to-day experience to inform proposed solutions and contributing to CIPA’s submissions.
Life beyond IP
Outside work, Mark keeps busy. He spends much of his time with his young children, fitting his own interests around their activities. He enjoys backgammon, squash, cricket and skiing. And, finds that being active—particularly in the mountains—is one of the best ways to switch off.
Advice shaped by experience
For those considering a career in IP, Mark’s message is simple. It is a rewarding profession with room to shape a career around individual strengths. He encourages people to get involved, ask questions, and volunteer for work that interests them.
Just as importantly, he notes that enjoyment of the profession often depends on environment. A difficult experience in one role does not mean the career itself is wrong. Finding the right people to work with can make all the difference.
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Andrew Marsden is a UK-based Trade Mark Attorney and litigator at Wilson Gunn, specialising in brand protection, UKIPO advocacy, and dispute resolution for businesses operating in fast-moving and regulated markets.
For Andrew Marsden, Trade Mark Attorney and litigator at Wilson Gunn, a career in intellectual property wasn’t part of the original plan. In fact, he once imagined a future in the Royal Marines. But a combination of early exposure to legal practice, an encouraging lecturer, and a growing fascination with how brands are built and protected set him firmly on the path to becoming one of the UK’s most experienced and commercially attuned trade mark specialists.
Today, Andrew is known for his clear, pragmatic advice; his ability to navigate complex disputes; and his strong advocacy record before the UKIPO and the Appointed Person. He also works with clients across fast-moving industries—including e-cigarettes/e-liquids and fashion—where strategic brand protection and practical enforcement are crucial.
From the Royal Marines to the Rolls Building
Andrew initially studied law while considering a military career, but work experience at a solicitors’ firm in his hometown of Grimsby and a nudge from a university lecturer led him to pursue a master’s degree in IP. What began as curiosity blossomed into a profession he has now worked in for more than two decades.
His first role was within BAT’s IP department (Batmark) in the late 1990s—a foundation that equipped him with a strong understanding of brand strategy, global portfolio management, and the commercial realities facing fast-growth consumer industries.
A Commercially Grounded Approach to Client Success
Andrew describes himself as commercially aware and proactive, a combination that shapes how he approaches every matter at Wilson Gunn.
“Of course the legal position is important,” he explains, “but I always try to understand what the client is trying to achieve. The final ‘legal’ outcome isn’t always the best route for them.”
His focus is on resolving issues in practical, cost-effective ways while ensuring clients can continue pursuing their business objectives. This mindset is especially valuable in contentious matters, where the best solution isn’t always the most adversarial one.
Expertise in Fast-Moving Industries: E-Cigarettes and Fashion
A significant part of Andrew’s career has involved working with clients in the booming e-liquid and vaping industry—a relationship that began early in his time at Wilson Gunn. One of his first clients, then a small start-up, has since expanded to selling in 30–40 countries, and Andrew continues to protect and develop their global brand architecture.
His background at BAT naturally aligned him with this sector, though he laughs: “I don’t smoke or vape!”
He also advises clients across fashion and other lifestyle sectors, where brand distinctiveness, packaging, and fast-moving trends demand a thoughtful IP strategy.
Advocacy at the UKIPO: “It Keeps Me Sharp”
Andrew has built a strong advocacy practice, appearing regularly before the UKIPO and the Appointed Person. He values the challenge:
“I like to think I present a case in a persuasive and convincing manner. Some points don’t translate as clearly in writing as they do during a hearing.”
Memorable moments include:
Achieving a six-figure settlement in a contentious e-cigarette case alongside Guy Tritton.
Early appearances at the Rolls Building—“daunting” but formative—before Geoffrey Hobbs KC and Daniel Alexander KC.
His involvement in the high-profile Dairy UK v Oatly case, which has progressed from the UKIPO all the way to the Supreme Court.
Helping Clients Avoid Common Pitfalls
For Andrew, one recurring issue stands out: businesses waiting too long to think about IP.
The perception that IP protection is expensive often deters early action, yet failing to secure rights can lead to far greater costs later—from rebranding to damages. At Wilson Gunn, Andrew and the team work flexibly to help businesses put early, scalable protection in place.
Andrew emphasises that strong searching and filing strategies lay the groundwork for smoother enforcement. But when disputes do arise, he explores all available routes—not just litigation—including coexistence agreements, licensing, and the strategic use of social-marketplace IP complaint procedures.
In many cases, these online enforcement channels allow him to shut down infringing accounts quickly and cost-effectively, helping clients resolve problems with minimal disruption.
Tailored Support for Every Type of Client
Wilson Gunn represents individuals, SMEs, and global blue-chip companies. Andrew adapts his approach accordingly—from in-depth audits and seconded support for large clients to accessible, hands-on guidance for smaller businesses.
He prides himself on being approachable and available: “A call or text outside office hours is never an issue.”
Trends Shaping the Future of Brand Protection
Like many in the IP profession, Andrew is closely watching the impact of AI, as well as evolving regulations in the e-cigarette sector and the challenges of protecting brands across online marketplaces.
He notes a rise in misuse of trade marks and designs to gain unfair advantages online—a trend that makes proactive monitoring and enforcement more important than ever.
Looking ahead, he sees challenges but also opportunities:
“AI will generate more demand for IP. We just have to keep up with developments—and we have a growing, strong team at Wilson Gunn capable of meeting the challenge.”
Life Beyond IP: Cycling, Surfing & Staying Active
Outside of work, Andrew is passionate about cycling and staying fit. Although winter has pushed him toward Zwift sessions, he’s completed several sportives—“Tour de Manc was a good one”—and, more recently, has rekindled his love of surfing.
A wave pool in Bristol is now a regular destination: “I’m a bit of a big kid, but I love it.”
If Not an Attorney? Perhaps the Marines… or Something Outdoors
Reflecting on alternative careers, Andrew thinks he may well have followed his early military ambitions—or ended up in a role involving sport, fitness, or the outdoors. But given his skill as an advocate and strategist, it’s hard to imagine him far from a courtroom or a client’s brand.
Wilson Gunn is a leading firm of patent and trade mark attorneys with offices across the UK. Established in 1864, the firm provides strategic IP advice to businesses of all sizes—from start-ups to major global brands. Its multidisciplinary team offers expertise in patents, trade marks, designs, litigation support, and portfolio management, with a strong reputation for clear, commercially focused advice.
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