The UK firm of patent and trade mark attorneys Venner Shipley has hired two experienced IP lawyers from Pillsbury, James Tumbridge and Paul Harris. They join as partners in the firm's new litigation practice. Also joining are IP associates Katerina Woolhouse and Robert Peake.
Tumbridge is a dispute resolution specialist with an international experience in IP. He is also involved in government relations and policy work. Harris is a respected IP litigator who also deals with transactional matters.
The UPC effect
The firm says this development is due to "demand from clients" and in preparation for the Unified Patent Court. Its Managing Partner, Jan Walaski, said: [I]t allows us to offer a complete dispute resolution service, extending our strong patent opposition practice to include litigation throughout the UK and Europe, including in the upcoming Unified Patent Court.” Other notable UK patent firms that have made same move in preparation for the UPC are Carpmaels & Ransford and J A Kemp.Venner Shipley is ranked by IP Stars under the UK patent and trade mark prosecution categories. The firm also has a branch office in Munich.