About Me

I am a partner in our Intellectual Property practice in London, specialising in brand protection. I've been advising clients on IP issues since 1994.

Over the course of my career I have acted for clients in virtually every industry sector and have been fortunate enough to represent a lot of famous and iconic brands. You'll find me listed in legal directories including The Guide to the World's Leading Trade Mark Law Practitioners and the International Who's Who of Trade Mark Lawyers.

I co-authored 'The European Union Trade Mark: A Practical Guide', which was published by Globe Law and Business in 2016. I have spoken on branding issues at conferences and events (including at several INTA conferences) and lectured at the University of Cambridge as part of its Masters in Bioscience Enterprise. I was the first winner of the Adrian Spencer Award, given to the student with the highest mark in the ITMA finals law paper.

I am dual qualified in the UK as both a solicitor and a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney. In addition I am qualified as a solicitor in Ireland. I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys and the International Trademark Association (INTA). I have been on several INTA committees over the years, starting in 2002, and I currently sit on the INTA Public Information Committee.
Experience
  • Advising trade mark portfolios for a very wide range of companies. For many of these clients I manage their global portfolios, while for others I represent them in the UK and EU.
  • Advising on brand strategy (for both start-ups and established businesses, including advice on choice of trade marks and assistance with rebranding projects); brand clearance (we carry out several hundred trade mark and design searches each year); registration of both trade marks and designs; advice and representation on IP Office proceedings (oppositions, invalidity and revocation actions); and advice on infringement issues.
  • My international experience allows me to advise on all these issues on a global basis, working with local counsel where necessary.
Education

Studied

  • University of Nottingham, BA (Hons) Law

Admissions

  • Law Society of England & Wales in 1996
  • Registered (now Chartered) Trade Mark Attorney in 2000
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Testimonials

'Mark Holah is both incredibly smart and has very good judgement in how to handle thorny prosecution matters in a strategic and practical manner. He provides sound, thoughtful advice in every situation. He handles all UK and EU prosecution matters for us and understands our business, always taking it into consideration when devising strategy.'

Legal 500 2021

Mark Holah continues to wow rights holders and fellow professionals alike. 'One of the very best IP solicitors in the United Kingdom, he is clearly a gold-tier practitioner. He has a very technical style, which works perfectly for his clients. He gives simply exceptional advice.'

WTR 1000 2020

'Mark is a big-picture commercial thinker who understands his clients' objectives and budgetary needs. With his proven expertise, he is a huge asset to have on your side. He has excellent interpersonal skills and effortlessly adapts his approach appropriately depending on who in the business he is dealing with – an in-house paralegal, a general counsel or a member of senior management.'

WTR 1000 2019

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