Gowling WLG pursues European expansion with new IP team in Paris

Partner from Reed Smith is renowned for patent and trademark litigation practice |  Firm plans to continue growing team in France.

Gowling WLG is continuing to expand its IP offering in Europe, with three new hires in the firm’s Paris office.

Experienced litigator Marianne Schaffner joins as a partner, and will also be part of the business leadership team implementing the firm’s development strategy in France.

Associates Mathilde Grammont and Charlotte Chambon are also joining Gowling WLG alongside Schaffner from Reed Smith.

With almost 25 years of experience in IP, Schaffner has in depth-knowledge of the European and US legal systems having studied and worked in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the US.

She is particularly renowned for her expertise in complex patent and trademark litigation in the fields of health, chemistry, mechanics, electronics and telecommunications.

Schaffner also advises clients on IP contracts and intangible assets in mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and other transactions.

The addition of Schaffner in Paris comes as part of Gowling WLG’s pan-European and international growth strategy.

Gowling WLG chief executive David Fennell noted that the firm’s initiative to expand in Europe had begun in the Frankfurt office with over 40 arrivals over the last 12 months, and that there would be further recruitments in France.

“Marianne is an excellent IP lawyer, and her skills fit naturally into our international and local service offering,” he said.

Céline Bey, head of the IP practice in France and co-managing partner of the Paris office, said: “Marianne’s arrival is perfectly in line with the redeployment strategy we have initiated for the Paris office, in which intellectual property plays an important role.

“Her highly technical skills, patent litigation know-how and extensive international experience are a perfect match with the firm’s DNA and an additional asset in the representation of our clients before the Unified Patent Court (UPC).”

Schaffner commented: “I am delighted to join Gowling WLG’s Paris office and to be part of the strengthening of the global IP team.

“The firm’s excellent international reputation in intellectual property and the growth strategy implemented in Europe and in the Paris office were key factors in my decision to join the firm.”

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