HGF expands in Europe with France opening

European IP firm HGF has chosen Vivien Berbrugge to lead its new European office in Rennes, France.

Verbrugge is a new addition to HGF, having joined the firm in February 2021 from his in-house counsel role at manufacturing company ITW.

Now he will lead the firm's 22nd office in Europe.

Paul Sanderson, CEO, HGF said: “HGF has always understood the importance of France for our plans of growth in Europe. 

“A strategic decision was made based on the firm’s successes in Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Ireland to open an office in Rennes, France. Our continued expansion reflects our commitment to providing the highest quality service both now and in the future across Europe.”

Verbrugge has advised management in several global companies in multiple jurisdictions on portfolio creation and enforcement, infringement avoidance, and dispute resolution matters.

Prior to his role at ITW, he worked in-house at ACG Glass Europe, and as a European patent attorney for Cabinet Vidon Brevets & Strategie.

Verbrugge commented: “I am delighted to be in the position to lead the firm’s growth in France and look forward to working with technology businesses across France and the rest of Europe. We have ambitious plans but I am confident of our success to support the firm’s international growth and development.”

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