words
“If the idea is what customers pay for, the company had better own it. Most founders find that out from an investor. I would rather you heard it from me.”
Experience
Selected experience
Marcus spent ten years in-house at a consumer brand before joining Northgate in 2017.
In-house IP counsel
2007
Managed a global trade mark portfolio for a consumer products company.
Joined Northgate
2017
Set up the IP practice with fixed-fee filings and licence templates for start-ups.
Licensing programme for a design studio
2021
Built a licensing model that turned a studio’s back catalogue into recurring revenue.
Partner, IP
2023
Promoted to partner; now advises every fundraising client on IP ownership before diligence.
Notes
Notes from the partners
Short, practical notes on contracts, people, disputes and funding, written for the people who run businesses.
June 11, 2026
July 16, 2026
Testimonials
Northgate quoted our shareholder agreement in writing before they started. The final bill matched it.
Maya Ellis
Founder, software company
A supplier dispute had dragged on for a year. Northgate settled it in six weeks, without a court date.
Tom Vidal
Owner, logistics company
The same partner handled our lease, our fundraise and our acquisition. Northgate never passed us down the line.
Helen Marsh
CEO, manufacturing group
Our Series A closed on time because Northgate turned every document round the same day.
Arjun Patel
Co-founder, fintech
