About Us

About Us

At Potter Clarkson, our purpose is simple: to protect innovation, empower commercial success and work in close partnership with our clients as their trusted IP advisers.

As one of Europe's leading and genuinely full-service IP law firms, we provide the complete blend of legal, technical and commercial expertise to maximise the value of your ideas, brands and innovations.

From start-ups and corporates to investors, clients trust us to secure their most valuable assets, defend their competitive edge and turn intellectual property into lasting commercial advantage.

Few firms can match the breadth of our expertise, the strength of our team or the clarity of our advice. That is what makes Potter Clarkson a different kind of IP partner: one that is designed to deliver measurable impact at every stage of your IP journey.

What Sets Us Apart

We bring breadth and depth of expertise

Our 200-strong team works across seven offices in the UK, Sweden and Denmark, supported by an established network of overseas attorneys. We offer extensive intellectual property expertise in all commercial, technical and legal areas, delivered by specialists from a diverse range of academic and industry backgrounds. This means we can assemble bespoke, multidisciplinary and multilingual teams tailored to your exact requirements.

Each team includes experienced local practitioners who:

  • understand how to resolve technically challenging cases, and
  • share a passion for uncovering the details that make a decisive difference to your business.

This ensures you always receive the clearest, most informed, decision-ready IP advice. Our pan-European coverage also means the advice is tailored to the nuanced legal and commercial landscapes in the UK and across Europe.

We provide a complete service

Unlike most IP firms, our industry-specific teams include patent, design and trade mark attorneys working alongside specialist IP lawyers.

This single-source model means you benefit from:

  • Greater efficiency, as you receive legal and technical advice from one team.
  • Simplified processes, as our experts work together seamlessly to deliver better results.
  • The clarity, quality, coverage, productivity and cost-efficiency you cannot get from instructing multiple firms.

You don't have to coordinate separate legal, technical and commercial advisers. We help you protect, manage and maximise the value of your IP all in one place.

We support clients of every type

We draw on experience advising some of the most innovative and ambitious businesses, including established corporates, growing SMEs, start-ups and investors. Our clients also span industries as varied as pharmaceuticals, automotive, food and drink, consumer goods and cleantech.

For you, this means we understand the different pressures, ambitions and commercial realities businesses face. It's why our advice is always commercially focused and relevant to your goals.

We have a singular commercial focus

Above all, we pride ourselves on our commerciality: a single-minded determination to support your commercial aims.

IP exists to build the value of your business. To maximise this value, you need advisers who put IP where it belongs - at the heart of your business.

Commercial also means practical and user-friendly. That's why we provide clear, actionable advice you can implement straight away, so the positive impact is felt quickly across your business.

We are recognised for what we deliver

We are recognised as "incredibly attentive, hardworking and straight talking" and are repeatedly among the winners of the IP sector's major accreditations and awards. Our consistent ranking as a top-tier intellectual property firm provides important reassurance that you are working with an industry-leading team. These accolades are not just acknowledgements of high-quality work - they are evidence of the value and results our clients can expect.

The Values That Drive Us

Our teams are united by a strong set of shared values. They guide how we work with you every day and how we create value for our clients, our people and the wider communities we serve.

Abstract graphic with the word 'Collaboration' and two overlapping circles, one blue and one white with red accents, on a dark background.

Collaboration

We work in close partnership - with clients, colleagues and international networks - combining legal insight, technical acumen and commercial awareness. You benefit from solutions shaped by diverse perspectives and seamless teamwork across disciplines and borders.

Abstract geometric illustration with two blue triangular shapes converging towards a red semicircle on a dark background, with the word 'Ambition.' to the left.

Ambition

We are driven by a bold vision to lead and shape the future of IP law, acting not just as legal practitioners but as strategic partners. By aligning IP strategy with business goals, we help you unlock new revenue streams, secure competitive advantage and push the boundaries of what's possible in your industry.

Dark blue background with the word 'Respect.' and three geometric shapes: a light blue triangle, a white square, and a red circle.

Respect

We foster a culture of integrity, inclusivity and mutual respect that shapes every relationship. You can expect fairness, professionalism and genuine partnership in all your interactions with us.

Graphic with word 'Excellence' and blue mountain peaks with a red circle above the highest peak on a dark background.

Excellence

You can expect the highest standards of legal, technical and strategic expertise in all aspects of intellectual property law. We pursue precision, depth and quality in every detail to safeguard and maximise the value of your innovation.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Meet our Board and Operational Management Team. Together they are responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the firm.

The Board

Steve Smith

Steve Smith

Managing Partner & Board Member - Patent Attorney
Steve Smith
Andrew Argyle

Andrew Argyle

Group General Counsel & Board Member
Andrew Argyle
Dave Clark

Dave Clark

Partner & Board Member - Patent Attorney
Dave Clark
Mark Didmon

Mark Didmon

Partner & Board Member - Patent Attorney
Mark Didmon
Emmy Hunt

Emmy Hunt

Partner & Board Member - Trade Mark Attorney
Emmy Hunt
Tony Proctor

Tony Proctor

Partner & Board Member - Patent Attorney
Tony Proctor
Andy Raynor

Andy Raynor

Non-Executive Chairman
Andy Raynor
Richard Roberts

Richard Roberts

Partner & Board Member - IP Solicitor
Richard Roberts
Hester Scotton

Hester Scotton

Chief Financial Officer & Board Member
Hester Scotton
Gabriella Westerberg

Gabriella Westerberg

Chief Culture Officer & Board Member
Gabriella Westerberg

The Operational Management Team

Steve Smith

Steve Smith

Managing Partner & Board Member - Patent Attorney
Steve Smith
Andrew Argyle

Andrew Argyle

Group General Counsel & Board Member
Andrew Argyle
Paul Jones

Paul Jones

Director of Financial Reporting & Insight
Paul Jones
Hester Scotton

Hester Scotton

Chief Financial Officer & Board Member
Hester Scotton
Gabriella Westerberg

Gabriella Westerberg

Chief Culture Officer & Board Member
Gabriella Westerberg
Laura Whitehead

Laura Whitehead

Head of HR
Laura Whitehead

Get in Touch with Our Team

Have a question about Potter Clarkson or want to learn more about who we are? Get in touch with us today.

Steve Smith
Chris Cadman
David Carling
Dave Clark
Charlotte Crowhurst

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