Simon specialises as a commercial contract lawyer for technology companies. He works for clients in the electronics, bioscience, defence, software, nanotech and creative industries, advising companies ranging from small start-ups to big multinationals as well as individuals, public bodies and charities. Nordic clients form a significant part of his practice. He advises on a wide range of contracts, including licenses, R&D collaborations, manufacturing agreements and procurement documentation. On the regulatory front, he has advised on compliance with clinical trials legislation and novel food applications, as well as freedom of information and data protection issues. Simon has co-written two business textbooks, Commercial Issues for Life Science Companies and Intellectual Property: the Lifeblood of your Company and has contributed articles to numerous publications, including the Financial Times, Patent World and Managing Intellectual Property. He regularly gives seminars and workshops at pharmaceutical conferences in the UK and internationally. He was also part of a UK IPO steering group putting together policies and contracts suitable for R&D collaborations in China.Simon spearheads the Cambridge branch of Marks & Clerk Law. He heads the firm’s Extended Reality team and in that capacity supplies specialist advice and training to members of XR organisations such as Immerse UK and XR Nation. Simon has been recognised as a leading practitioner in Who’s Who Legal: Life Sciences 2019 and a rising star by Managing Intellectual Property, IP Stars, 2018. Simon is a Guest Lecturer at the University of Cambridge, teaching IP within the MPhil in Therapeutic Sciences. Representative Clients Alzheimer Scotland Daal Noise Control Systems IOmet Pharma Limited Downing College, Cambridge DS Smith Packaging Limited
England - East Anglia • TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
Marks & Clerk
Praised by clients for its 'international experience and knowledge', the team at Marks & Clerk calls upon a wealth of expertise to advise clients in the technology and life sciences sectors. The group frequently assists clients with the filing and registration of rights, in addition to portfolio management and risk limitation issues. The ‘commercially very astute' Simon Portman leads the Cambridge based team, often advising SMEs and large international corporates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They are very professional and communication between each other and the client is excellent. International experience and knowledge in all aspects of intellectual property is available from one company. With full supporting commercial and company law. It provides a one stop practice.’
‘Simon Portman is extremely receptive from the start and is never phased by any requests. He provides very sound advice which changes my thinking in positive way. Commercially very astute. The advice given was very clear and uncomplicated.’
Key clients
- Hockey 21
- Kingston University
- Swamp Motel
- Addenbrooke’s Hospital
- Babraham Research Institute
- University of Cambridge
- John Innes Centre
- UCL
- Mundipharma
- Flexenable
- Ultimovacs
Work highlights
- Advising a former England hockey player who is setting up an online, interactive hockey game called Hockey 21.
- Advised Kingston University, in conjunction with a corporate finance associate and a serial tech entrepreneur, in compiling a 130 page manual for use by the above personnel to supplement the firm’s patent filing and contract advice to the client, covering the following issues in depth.
- Advising Swamp Motel, a client that writes and supplies immersive, interactive thrillers in which the user solves crimes or completes quests in an imaginary world.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Simon Portman