Pillsbury takes five from Gowlings

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has added a five-strong team to its IP practice in London, including James Tumbridge and Paul Harris, who join the firm as partners.

The team joins Pillsbury from Gowlings LLP.

Tumbridge and Harris have backgrounds in IP litigation and transactions, dispute resolution and government relations, and have clients in industries including medical devices, electronics and luxury products.

Tumbridge was a founder of the Gowlings London office. He is trained as an English barrister though during his career has practiced in the US and Canada. He is also a qualified mediator listed with the World Intellectual Property Organisation and the UK Intellectual Property Office.

Harris has more than 25 years experience in IP litigation. He has worked on cases concerning chemical, electronic and mechanical patents. He also advises on international licensing strategies for registering trademarks overseas.

Ashley Roughton joins Pillsbury as a special consultant, while Katerina Mikheev and Robert Peake join as associates.

“More and more of the firm’s IP clients are becoming involved in international disputes with European aspects. The addition of James and Paul will help us meet the needs of our clients,” said Jack Barufka, leader of Pillsbury’s IP practice.

Managing partner of Pillsbury’s London office Tim Wright said he was delighted that the team are joining the London office, and that their dispute resolution and IP capability will be an important addition to the company’s technology and outsourcing practice.

Pillsbury has more than 100 IP attorneys, as well as technical consultants and patent agents working firmwide.