Mark Didmon
Mark is a leading patent specialist in the life sciences, with extensive experience devising global patent strategies, attacking and defending granted patents, and helping clients of all sizes achieve their commercial aims.
Following a degree and PhD, Mark completed a post-doctoral fellowship in cell biology at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (now Cancer Research UK) in Dundee. His studies included placements at AstraZeneca (UK) and Novartis (Austria), and his research has been published in Nature and the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Mark joined Potter Clarkson in 2003, became a partner in 2011 and works across the firm’s European offices. He is heavily involved with clients in the Nordics and played a leading role in establishing the firm’s permanent presence in Denmark and Sweden.
- Experienced advocate with over 100 cases before the European Patent Office (EPO) Opposition Divisions and Boards of Appeal
- Qualified patent attorney litigator with High Court and Court of Appeal successes in Stretchline Intellectual Properties Limited v. H&M Hennes & Mauritz Limited
- Unified Patent Court (UPC) representative, acted before the Munich Central Division in two of the first UPC revocation actions in Astellas v. Healios, filed on the first day of the court in 2023 and coordinated with parallel EPO oppositions
- Represents BioInvent International, handling the global patent portfolio for its therapeutic antibodies, many now in clinical trials
- Represents Novozymes, handling EPO opposition and appeal cases in its bioenergy, food and beverage, and household care sectors, several coordinated with parallel litigation in European national courts
- Represents Novo Nordisk, handling numerous EPO opposition and appeal cases for GLP-1 receptor agonist products Ozempic® and Wegovy®
- Numerous EPO opposition and appeal cases in the CRISPR gene-editing field, including key patents held by the Broad Institute
- Worked with Karolinska Institutet Innovations for over a decade, advising first-time inventors and spin-outs and acting for many of the resulting companies in Stockholm’s biotech cluster
- UK and European Patent Attorney
- Unified Patent Court representative
- Patent Attorney Litigator (Higher Courts Litigation Certificate), University of Nottingham
- PhD, Molecular Cell Biology, University of Warwick
- BSc, Microbiology and Virology, University of Warwick
Your practical, commercial and strategic approach has proved invaluable to the growth of our unique and valuable patent portfolio.
Mark Didmon is competent and reliable, and always has our company's interests in mind.
Mark's practical, commercial and strategic approach is invaluable when drafting patent applications and developing portfolios. His long experience in patent prosecution around the world, and particularly at the EPO, combined with his deep understanding of antibody technology and immunotherapy, enables him to provide robust and reliable advice.
Mark Didmon earns high praise from patrons… Mark's practical, commercial and strategic approach is invaluable when drafting patent applications and developing portfolios. His long experience in patent prosecution around the world, and particularly at the EPO, combined with his deep understanding of antibody technology and immunotherapy, enables him to provide robust and reliable advice.
Mark Didmon is notable for expertise in the biotechnology sector.
- IAM Patent 1000: Prosecution
- MIP IP STARS: Patent Star
- MIP IP STARS: IP Star
- Legal 500
- Moss Prize (2005): Highest combined mark in UK Patent Law and International Patent Law foundation exams
About Mark
Experience
Areas of expertise
Qualifications
Testimonials
Awards
How We Live Our Values: Excellence
Getting into the detail of a case is a critical part of my role. Whether it's drafting a new patent application, handling an opposition or appeal, or devising a global patent strategy, it is essential to ask the right questions, actively listen, and use the answers to fully understand the issues. A curious and inquisitive mindset is key to delivering advice that leads to thoughtful, strategic outcomes.
In My Own Words
I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a research scientist, especially the intellectual rigour and opportunities for discovery that came with it. However, I often found the extended timelines and unpredictability of experimental work challenging, which motivated me to find a role beyond the lab.
As a patent attorney, I am able to stay closely connected to cutting-edge science and apply my technical expertise in a meaningful way, but avoid the delays associated with laboratory research.
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