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.
Contact
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-jolly-1076568/
Website: https://www.wilsongunn.com/
Meet the IP Professional is a PatWorld interview series exploring the people and perspectives shaping the intellectual property profession. Discover more interviews in the Meet the IP Professional hub. Find out more about PatWorld — a global IP search provider working with IP professionals worldwide to support informed patent, design and trade mark decisions — on our About Us page.
In the complex and ever-evolving world of intellectual property (IP), safeguarding innovations is a challenge many businesses face. While patents, trademarks, and copyrights provide legal protection, enforcing these rights can be costly—especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This is where David Bloom, founder of Safeguard iP, comes in. As the UK’s only dedicated intellectual property insurance broker, David is on a mission to make IP protection accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes.
In this ‘Meet the IP Professional’ feature, we explore David’s journey from IP litigator to insurance broker, the importance of IP insurance, and how Safeguard iP is helping businesses defend their most valuable assets.
From IP Litigation to IP Protection
David Bloom began his career as a solicitor specialising in IP law, working at the highly respected firm Olswang LLP, followed by Pinsent Masons. During his time as a litigator, he handled numerous patent disputes and trademark cases, working with both large corporations and small businesses.
“I saw first-hand how devastating IP litigation could be for SMEs,” David recalls. “Many businesses assumed that having a patent or trademark was enough to protect them. But in reality, these rights only give you the ability to take legal action if someone infringes them—and litigation is incredibly expensive.”
Time and again, David encountered clients who, despite having strong IP rights, were unable to afford the high costs of enforcement. For larger corporations, litigation costs could be absorbed within their legal budgets, but for smaller businesses, the financial burden was often insurmountable.
“The system felt unfair,” he explains. “I knew there had to be a better way for SMEs to defend their IP without risking bankruptcy.”
The Birth of Safeguard iP
Determined to create a solution, David transitioned from law to insurance, founding Safeguard iP, the UK’s only dedicated IP insurance brokerage. Unlike general insurance brokers, Safeguard iP exclusively focuses on intellectual property protection.
“There were existing IP insurance products in the market, but they were often too expensive or too limited in coverage,” David notes. “My goal was to help insurers develop policies that truly met the needs of SMEs—affordable, comprehensive, and easy to access.”
Safeguard iP works with businesses to assess their risks and find the right insurance solutions, ensuring they can enforce their IP rights and defend against infringement claims without financial strain.
Why IP Insurance Matters
Many businesses underestimate the risk of IP disputes. However, with over 500,000 new businesses incorporated in the UK each year, the number of potential IP conflicts is rising.
“There’s more IP being created than ever before,” David explains. “As a result, unintentional infringement is becoming more common. Whether it’s a start-up unknowingly infringing on an existing patent or a company facing a trademark challenge, the risks are significant.”
Without insurance, businesses facing IP litigation often face a tough choice: abandon their claim or risk financial ruin. IP insurance changes the equation by providing financial backing for legal action.
“When a company is insured, they can act decisively,” David says. “In many cases, just informing an opponent that you have IP insurance leads to a faster settlement—because they know you have the funds to fight.”
How Safeguard iP Supports Patent Attorneys
Safeguard iP has built strong relationships with patent and trademark attorneys, who frequently refer clients to David’s services.
“Many patent attorneys find that clients hesitate to file patents because they worry about the cost of enforcement,” he explains. “By introducing them to IP insurance, attorneys can reassure their clients that their rights can be protected affordably.”
While UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations prevent patent attorneys from advising on specific insurance policies, they can educate clients about the existence and benefits of IP insurance, referring them to specialists like David.
“Most attorneys want their clients to feel confident in their IP strategy,” he adds. “By discussing insurance, they’re helping clients make informed decisions about protecting their assets.”
Making IP Insurance Accessible
In the past, getting IP insurance was a complicated and expensive process. Companies had to complete lengthy application forms, and quotes often came back far higher than the expected cost.
David has worked hard to streamline the process.
“Now, all I need is a company’s website address and revenue details,” he says. “I can provide a quote within 24 to 48 hours. For SMEs under £10 million turnover, policies are now significantly more affordable and predictable than they were a decade ago.”
Premiums for £1m of worldwide enforcement and defence cover are circa £3,500 and £2,500 for £500k of cover.
Thanks to these improvements, the number of businesses purchasing IP insurance has grown significantly in the last five years.
The Future of IP Insurance
As the demand for IP insurance increases, David predicts lower prices and broader coverage in the future.
“More policies mean more data for insurers, which helps them refine their risk models and reduce premiums,” he explains. “It’s a virtuous cycle—more businesses buying insurance leads to lower costs for everyone.”
Additionally, coverage is expanding. While policies traditionally covered only defence costs, new offerings now include:
- Enforcement coverage (to fund legal action against infringers)
- Title disputes (to resolve ownership conflicts)
- Patent opposition and invalidity claims (to defend against challenges)
Looking ahead, David hopes insurers will develop policies that cover the loss of IP value—for instance, if a patent’s worth drops significantly due to legal issues.
Final Thoughts
David’s mission is clear: make IP insurance accessible, affordable, and effective. His legal expertise and deep understanding of the challenges SMEs face set Safeguard iP apart in the market.
For businesses with valuable IP assets, David’s advice is simple: “Don’t wait until there’s a problem to think about insurance.” The right coverage can mean the difference between defending your innovations and losing them to legal disputes.
With growing awareness and improved accessibility, IP insurance is no longer a niche product—it’s becoming a critical tool for businesses looking to protect their competitive edge.
Get in Touch with David Bloom
If you’d like to learn more about how Safeguard iP can help protect your business, visit safeguardip.com or connect with David Bloom on LinkedIn: David Bloom | LinkedIn.
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Must-Attend Renewable Energy Conferences (July 2024 – December 2025)
As an intellectual property (IP) attorney, attending renewable energy conferences can be immensely beneficial. These events offer a unique opportunity to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements, legal frameworks, and market trends in the rapidly evolving renewable energy sector. By participating, IP attorneys can gain valuable insights into emerging technologies, understand the intricacies of energy patents, and network with industry leaders and innovators.
ONS 2024
A leading energy industry event focusing on innovation, technology, and sustainability in the offshore sector. The conference provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of the energy industry and showcase the latest advancements in offshore energy.
Date: August 26-29, 2024
Location: Stavanger, Norway
Who Should Attend: Industry professionals, policymakers, innovators, and researchers in the offshore energy sector.
More Info: https://www.ons.no/
RE+ 2024
The largest gathering of clean energy professionals in North America, focusing on renewable energy, energy storage, and smart energy.
Date: September 9-12, 2024
Location: Anaheim, California, USA
Who Should Attend: Renewable energy professionals, manufacturers, and service providers.
More Info: https://www.re-plus.com/
World Utilities Congress
This event brings together international energy leaders to discuss trends and challenges in providing secure and sustainable energy.
Date: September 16-18, 2024
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Who Should Attend: Power and utilities professionals, policymakers, and innovators.
More Info: https://www.worldutilitiescongress.com/
Asia Clean Energy Summit
A platform for discussing clean energy technologies and innovations in Asia, with a focus on regional collaboration and market trends.
Date: October, 22-24 2024
Location: Singapore
Who Should Attend: Clean energy professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders.
More Info: https://www.asiacleanenergysummit.com/home
International Conference on Renewable Energy Research and Applications (ICRERA)
This conference explores recent developments in renewable energy research and practical applications.
Date: November 9-13, 2024
Location: Nagasaki, Japan
Who Should Attend: Researchers, engineers, and industry professionals.
More Info: https://www.icrera.org/
World Future Energy Summit
Focuses on the future of energy, sustainability, and clean technologies, featuring global leaders and innovators.
Date: January 14-16, 2025
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Who Should Attend: Energy professionals, innovators, and policymakers.
More Info: https://www.worldfutureenergysummit.com/en-gb.html
OMC Med Energy Conference
The Offshore Mediterranean Conference (OMC) focuses on the latest developments in the Mediterranean energy sector, including renewable energy, sustainability, and technological innovation.
Date: April 8-10, 2025
Location: Ravenna, Italy
Who Should Attend: Energy professionals, policymakers, and researchers in the Mediterranean region.
More Info: https://www.omc.it/en/
Canada Gas & LNG Conference
Featuring over 200 exhibiting companies, this conference focuses on advancements in the gas and LNG sectors.
Date: May 6-8, 2025
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Who Should Attend: Industry professionals involved in LNG, pipeline, and petrochemical sectors.
More Info: https://www.canadagaslng.com/about/about-canada-gas-exhibition-and-conference/
Intersolar Europe
A major event for the solar industry, featuring exhibitions, demonstrations, and workshops.
Date: May 6-9, 2025
Location: Munich, Germany
Who Should Attend: Solar industry professionals, manufacturers, and service providers.
More Info: https://www.intersolar.de/home
All-Energy Exhibition & Conference
The UK’s largest renewable energy event, covering all sectors and renewable and low-carbon energy generation. It provides a platform for experts to discuss and showcase the latest advancements and innovations.
Date: May 14-15, 2025
Location: Glasgow, UK
Who Should Attend: Renewable energy professionals, innovators, and policymakers.
More Info: https://www.all-energy.co.uk/en-gb/about.html
Why Attend?
Attending these conferences will provide IP attorneys with the latest insights and networking opportunities in the renewable energy sector, enabling them to better protect and manage intellectual property in this rapidly evolving field.
How Can PatWorld Assist Your Renewable Energy Ventures?
When it comes to patent, design, and trademark research, trust matters. Our teams of researchers have been the go-to choice for patent attorneys, in-house counsel, multi-nationals, SMEs, and universities for many years. Whether you choose to conduct your own search and analysis or seek assistance from our experts, PatWorld is equipped to serve your needs. Seize this chance to employ the premier patent search service for your Renewable Energy project. Order a Search Today, or take a 24 Hour Free Trial of our Patent Database.
Not working in the Renewable Energy Sector? Check out our other posts detailing conferences in Aerospace, Agritech, Biotech, Robotics, Medtech,
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