Asia IP

Marks & Clerk has expanded its presence in Asia through the establishment of a new office in Kuala Lumpur. The office, which opened in June, will be headed up by resident principal Gerald Samuel, who joins the firm from Malaysian IP boutique Miranda & Samuel.

“This move marks an important step for Marks & Clerk in extending its footprint across Asia,” said Samuel. “With around 6,000 patents filed on average each year within Malaysia – the vast majority of which originate from foreign-based entities – the area is emerging as an important and vibrant market requiring IP protection.”

Marks & Clerk now has five offices in Asia, with Malaysia joining Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. In 2007, the firm merged with the Lloyd Wise group in a move that doubled its number of Asian offices. In 2008, Marks & Clerk Solicitors formed an association with local Hong Kong IP law firm Anthony Evans & Co.