Meet Tomas Karger, Partner In The Energy & Environment Team At Marks & Clerk LLP

Tell us about your company

 

Established in 1887, we are a leading, international intellectual property firm working with multinationals, SMEs, universities and start-ups, to identify, protect, enforce and maximise the value of IP rights. Our Energy and Environment team is comprised of highly skilled engineers and scientists with expertise across a range of technologies. Whether you’re enhancing existing solutions or driving the energy transition, we have you covered.

Our experience spans decommissioning, solar, wind, fuel cells, and geothermal. In energy transition, we specialise in batteries, hydrogen generation and storage, carbon capture and electrification, among other key areas.

 

 

Tell us about yourself

 

I am passionate about working with companies at the intersection of IP and technology. I especially enjoy working with small to medium sized enterprises where I can interface directly with the engineering team to fully appreciate the nuances of their technology.

Having worked as an engineer for a number of years before moving into the legal profession, I have seen first-hand that inventors are often the worst judge of their inventions. They are simply solving problems without appreciating the value of their solutions. Uncovering and protecting their innovations is challenging and yet the most satisfying part of my role.

 

 

What advice do you have for companies entering the Sustainability60 2025?

A sustainability angle is required, but beyond that the criteria are broad so broaden your scope, and consider how your business might make the biggest impact. Improving the efficiencies of internal processes, for example, might be valid and valuable in improving sustainability, but reaching beyond your existing business prospects, and seeing opportunities in new markets and geographies might multiply your impact.

Revenue is not a deciding factor, but scalability moving forward must have merit.

 

How do you suggest entrants should stand out from the crowd?

 

Consider not only what makes you different from others in the space, but what problem you are solving, and qualify why that problem requires solving. Being an engineer I am drawn to qualitative information, so I suggest researching and providing this information to exemplify the depth of the problem and your solution.

Lastly, do this as succinctly and clearly as possible as judges are looking through hundreds of applications, and anything which makes our lives easier will be appreciated.

 

Any final thoughts?

 

I am very excited to see the companies and the innovative technology which is submitted. Let’s roll up our sleeves and improve the world!