European IP boutiques merge

The move sees Hoyng Monegier and Reimann Osterrieth Köhler Haft (ROKH) join to form Hoyng ROKH Monegier.

Both are relatively young firms. ROKH was formed in 2004. Former Howrey partners Willem Hoyng and Denis Monégier du Sorbier launched Hoyng Monegier in late 2010.

The new firm will specialise in IP litigation, although its Amsterdam office will also offer patent prosecution services.

At Managing IP’s Global awards this year, Hoyng Monegier won Belgium contentious firm and Europe trade mark firm of the year. ROKH was shortlisted in the German contentious firm category.

The merger comes in the run up to the creation of the Unified Patent Court, which is prompting many law firms to open new offices or recruit more patent litigators in anticipation of the changing market for litigation services. Taylor Wessing has added a litigator in Paris to ensure it has the three locations of the UPC central division covered while Wragge Lawrence Graham has made IP hires in London and Munich.

Patent attorney firms have also been ramping up their litigation capabilities. Earlier this year JA Kemp hired barrister and former Clifford Chance partner Alan Bryson as head of its litigation group. In September Carpmaels & Ransford poached IP lawyers Ian Kirby and Jonathan Day from Arnold & Porter’s London office. Marks & Clerk and HGF have set up associated litigation practices, and firms such as D Young and EIP have added solicitors.