Wragges IP chief departs to join Marks & Clerk Solicitors
Wragges IP chief departs to join Marks & Clerk Solicitors" />Wragge & Co’s head of IP Gregor Grant has quit the Birmingham-based outfit for Marks & Clerk Solicitors, the associated law firm of the world’s largest firm of patent and trademark attorneys.
The recruitment of such an experienced and respected figure is a coup for the IP boutique. It rebranded under the Marks & Clerk name last year after several years spent trading under the name of Blair & Co, referring to founding partner Mark Blair.
Grant launched Wragges’ London office in 2000 after merging with his IP boutique Needham & Grant.
“I’ve seen the market change. In the 1990s the market moved against firms like Needham & Grant. Now there’s a role for niche practices in the IP area,” Grant told The Lawyer.
Grant has been brought in to reinforce Marks & Clerk Solicitors’ patent litigation practice. He worked extensively with Marks & Clerk’s patent attorneys prior to joining Wragges, and so has always had close ties with the firm. He has particular experience in mechanical and chemical engineering, food technology and biotechnology. His clients include BT and Unilever.
Marks & Clerk Solicitors now has three equity partners and five other lawyers. “If you ask anyone to name a firm of patent attorneys, they’ll name Marks & Clerk. The name is so well known that in-house lawyers feel comfortable coming to the firm – not just here, but also in the US and Asia,” said Grant.
Wragges' senior partner Quentin Poole said: “He has made a big contribution. I think it’s great for Gregor and great for Marks & Clerk [Solicitors]. Marks & Clerk [Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys] is a significant Wragges client so it’s a good thing.”
