Potter Clarkson

Firm overview:

Historically known as a patent attorney firm, Potter Clarkson has expanded into an integrated IP practice, combining technical expertise with growing contentious and commercial IP capabilities. The firm is frequently called upon to handle proceedings at the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and European Patent Office (EPO); its oppositions work is highlighted by a peer. Potter Clarkson is headquartered in Nottingham and has a footprint across the UK and Europe, including an office in Glasgow that opened in 2024 to serve its growing client base of investors and SMEs across Scotland.

Team overview:

Potter Clarkson’s integrated prosecution, opposition and disputes teams work across the patent lifecycle.

Patent attorney and IP strategist Peter Finnie is particularly known for his work with startups, helping them develop and exploit their IP.

Charlotte Crowhurst has over three decades of experience protecting chemical and healthcare innovations. Her practice spans patent drafting and prosecution, global IP portfolio management and advice on third-party rights and due diligence.

Mark Kramer has established a respected litigation practice advising clients on cross-border patent disputes before the High Court, Court of Appeal and IPEC.

Towards the end of 2025, the team lost Nick McDonald, who moved to Marks & Clerk. McDonald spent almost a decade at Potter Clarkson and has experience in multi-jurisdictional IP disputes, having worked with pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, high tech companies and manufacturing leaders across Europe, the US and Asia.