Portrait of Professor Mark Engelman, UK barrister specializing in intellectual property, media, defamation, and commercial law

Mark Engelman

Intellectual Property Barrister
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Professor Mark Engelman is a leading UK barrister with a distinguished practice in intellectual property, media, defamation, and commercial law. With decades of experience as both an independent advocate and former in-house counsel, Mark provides comprehensive legal support to clients ranging from multinational corporations to SMEs and high-profile individuals.

He has represented globally recognised brands such as Glaxo, AstraZeneca, Apple, and Specsavers, advising on complex litigation, contract drafting, and intellectual property strategy. Known for his clarity, commercial insight, and inimitable presence in court, Mark is one of the most respected IP specialists in the country.


In addition to his legal work, he serves on the board of a pharmaceutical group, drawing on his academic background in pharmacology and his past roles as Head of IP at The Body Shop International and Dunlop Slazenger. He is currently associated with Hardwicke and The Thomas Cromwell Group, and holds a research affiliation with the University of Cambridge.

Areas of Practice

Intellectual property

Professor Engelman’s IP work spans patents, trademarks, copyright, design rights, trade secrets, and digital privacy. He advises on the registration, protection, enforcement, and commercial exploitation of IP rights, including cross-border strategies and litigation. With a background in pharmacology and experience as a board director in the life sciences sector, Mark advises pharmaceutical and biotech clients on IP strategy, clinical trial legalities, investment agreements, and compound protection.

Litigation and dispute resolution

A seasoned advocate, he has appeared before the Patents Court, the European Court of Justice, and appellate courts. He accepts direct access instructions, providing an efficient and cost-effective end-to-end legal service.

Corporate and commercial

From contract negotiation to dispute resolution, Mark assists clients with commercial agreements, shareholder matters, and business transactions, including those involving intellectual property and data protection.

Core Responsibilities

  • Facilitating client communication and service coordination
  • Managing administrative workflows and supporting legal teams
  • Ensuring smooth interdepartmental collaboration
  • Representing the firm in client-facing engagements with professionalism and care

Qualifications

Admissions

  • Admitted to the Bar of England and Wales
  • Appointed to the Bench of Gray’s Inn (2009)
  • Member of the Bar Council

Academic

  • Bachelor of Science (BSc), Pharmacology, King's College London, 1990
  • Bar Finals, Inns of Court School of Law
  • Master of Arts (MA Cantab), St Edmund’s College, Cambridge
  • Professor, Intellectual Property Law, Notre Dame Law School (2018)
  • Senior Member, Intellectual Property and Theology, University of Cambridge (2015)

Licenses & Certifications

  • MA (Cantab)
  • Advocacy and IP Law – Notre Dame University (2018)
  • Master of Arts – St Edmunds College Cambridge (2015)

Languages

English

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