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9 May 2018Big Pharma

HGF opens life sciences-led office in Ireland, before Brexit

HGF has opened its 16th office—in Westport, Ireland—in an effort to capitalise on investments in the life sciences sector and ensure the firm is well positioned for Brexit.

The new office will be led by Craig Thomson, partner in HGF’s life sciences group, who will be supported by a team of Irish-qualified patent and trademark lawyers.

The move comes less than a year before the UK is set to leave the EU, in March 2018, although there will be a transitional period until December 31, 2020.

Thomson’s clients span the biotechnological, pharmaceutical, chemical, and medical technology fields. He has advised on therapeutic inventions as well as material chemistry and food technologies.

On his appointment, Thomson said: Having worked in Ireland for almost the last ten years, I am increasingly impressed by the growth and development of home-grown innovative businesses. I am delighted to open up access for those businesses to the extensive pool of talent that HGF has to offer.”

Paul Sanderson, CEO of HGF, said: “HGF understands the importance of growth in Europe, with Brexit on the horizon.”

He explained: “This has been a strategic decision that ensures the firm is well positioned for Brexit and the opportunities and challenges that it will bring to the intellectual property industry, both in Europe and the wider international community.”

HGF is following in the footsteps of many law firms and banks in pursuing a move to Ireland before Brexit comes into force, as reported by Reuters.

As things stand, Northern Ireland is to remain in the customs union and parts of the single market, according to a draft document released by the European Commission in February. Lawyers told sister publication WIPR that this raises questions around jurisdictional reach as well as IP registration and ownership.

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More on this story

Big Pharma
5 November 2018   HGF has strengthened its Basel, Switzerland office with the addition of Leena Contarino as a partner.
Big Pharma
22 January 2019   Law firm HGF has added Leythem Wall as a partner.
Big Pharma
12 March 2021   Ireland is the latest country to come under pressure to back the World Trade Organisation’s appeal to waive intellectual property rights related to COVID-19 vaccines, as developing countries struggle to vaccinate their populace.