Mark Owen

Mark leads the UK team dealing with trade mark, copyright and other "soft" IP issues. He also leads our Technology, Media & Communications sector group in the UK.

Mark is recognised as one of the UK's leading IP lawyers. He advises businesses - particularly from the media, entertainment and technology sectors - on IP strategy, exploitation, use and protection. He's an international adviser, and a member of the California Bar.

Mark specialises in issues involving copyright, digital media, trade marks, trade secrets, and designs. His advice covers trade mark and design protection and portfolio management. Mark has particular expertise in respect of digital media and the impact of IPRs on emerging business models.

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Career

Since 2017	Partner and Head of the UK Technology, Media & Communications Industry Group and IP & Media Practice, Taylor Wessing
Since 2013	Partner, Taylor Wessing
1998 - 2013	Partner and Head of IP Practice, Harbottle & Lewis LLP

1993 - 1998	Associate, Clifford Chance
1992 - 1993	Associate, Brown & Bain

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Education

1989	Admitted as lawyer, England & Wales
1993	Admitted to the Bar,California
1985	LLB, King's College, London

Publications

Quashed – what’s next for private copying in the UK?
Regulating Native
EU copyright reform - a pirate takes the helm
Katy Perry's Left Shark spurs 3D printing copyright battle
The Innocent Smoothies case and equitable assignment of copyright

Memberships & Associations

California Bar
Law Society's Intellectual Property Committee
INTA's Internet Committee
E-Commerce Law Reports, Editorial Board

Additional languages

English

Expertise

Sectors Technology, media & communications Hotels, hospitality & leisure Consumer & retail Music Edtech Advertising & marketing Adtech Gaming Cryptoassets, blockchain and distributed ledger technology

Experience

Many innovative online business models	Many innovative online business models on IP and regulatory issues around digital business models, and protection against UK and EU copy sites.
Content platforms	Content platforms on a joint venture for a music streaming service.
Various rights owners	Various rights owners on policing infringing content and merchandise online.

A broadcaster	A broadcaster on disputes over rights in well-known broadcast brands, and international protection.
A restaurant chain	The owner of a number of well-known restaurant chains on all aspects of intellectual pretty protection, policing and licensing.
A film studio	A film studio on intellectual property policing in respect of prop and costume design and associated merchandising activities.

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Awards

Chambers and Partners UK 2023	Intellectual Property - Band 2: Mark Owen is recommended for his stewardship of complex trade mark and copyright disputes. His recent work has seen him represent leaders in gaming and social media. "Mark Owen always gives a balanced view and is great at handling cross-border matters." "Mark is a very good solicitor and delightful to work with."
Legal 500 UK 2023	IP (trademarks, copyright and design (including trade secrets)) - Leading Individual: For copyright matters, we consider Mark Owen a go-to partner. His responsiveness, legal acumen, business-savvy and creativity set him apart from countless other UK lawyers.’
Chambers UK 2022	Intellectual Property: "Mark Owen is recommended for his stewardship of complex trade mark and copyright disputes. His recent work has seen him represent leaders in gaming and social media." "Mark Owen is a class-act litigator - tough but fair and thoughtful with it."
Legal 500 UK 2022	IP - trademarks, copyright and design (Leading individual)
Legal 500 UK 2022	IT and telecoms
Legal 500 UK 2022	TMT
Chambers UK 2020	Leading individual - Intellectual Property (Band 2): Mark Owen is roundly praised for his stewardship of complex trade mark and copyright disputes. A source says: "He is very practical, sensible and easy to get on with."
Legal 500 UK 2019	Recommended lawyer - Brand management
Managing Intellectual Property - IP Stars 2019	Trade mark star
World Trade Mark Review WTR1000 UK 2020	Leading individual - Prosecution and strategy (Silver): Owen heads the group’s UK IP and media practice. A member of INTA’s internet committee, he is especially well connected to top Silicon Valley clients. “An exceptional adviser in IP, advertising and unfair competition matters, Mark is insightful, pragmatic and to the point. For contentious UK trademark matters, he should be at the top of the list.”
Chambers UK 2019	Leading individual - Intellectual Property (Band 2): Mark Owen is a leading copyright, designs and trade mark expert with an impressive client roster in digital media. A market source says: "He's a real standout."
Chambers Global 2018	Leading individual - Intellectual Property
Chambers UK 2017	Leading individual - Sources say: "He is very hands-on and has a very approachable manner", "he provides really commercial advice and is my first port of call for any contentious IP matters."
Chambers UK 2018	Leading individual - Intellectual Property (Band 2): Mark Owen is a copyright, designs and trade mark specialist with a large client following among consumer brands and digital media companies. One client says: "He provides really commercial advice and is my first port of call for any contentious IP matters."
Chambers UK 2016	Leading individual
Legal 500 UK 2017	Recommended lawyer
Legal 500 UK 2021	TMT