Simmons & Simmons hires Reed Smith’s Europe IP head

Simmons & Simmons has expanded its IP practice with the addition of two partners in its Paris office.

Marina Cousté, the former head of Reed Smith’s IP group in Paris and Europe, joined Simmons & Simmons on Monday, December 18.

Cousté focuses her practice on strategic patent and trademark matters for organisations in the life sciences sector and for those in patent disputes in the telecommunications and electronics sectors.

François Jonquères, a former partner at Reed Smith, has also joined the firm.

Jonquères is a patent specialist covering a range of sectors including technology, biotechnology and chemistry.

Simmons & Simmons said that the partners are best known for their work in patents, and have been involved in one of the first fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms matters in France in the telecom wars.

Earlier this year, the firm  hired Michael Burdon, the former head of Olswang’s European patent litigation team, as a partner in the London office.

Rowan Freeland, head of IP, said: “We have had a well-regarded brands and trademarks team in Paris, led by Sarah Bailey, for many years. I am delighted that they are now being joined by two such highly-rated patent litigators as Marina and François.”

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