Abion launches in Dubai with triple Clyde & Co hire

Intellectual property legal services firm Abion has launched a Dubai office and hired two ex-Clyde & Co lawyers to lead it, Managing IP can reveal.

Mark Devaney, a former Clyde & Co partner, and Nicole Giblin, a former legal director at the firm, will run the new office. They are joined by paralegal Farid El-Hares, a former senior administrator at Clyde & Co.

The office officially opened today, February 1.

According to Abion, the decision to establish a presence in Dubai underscores the importance of the UAE and Middle East region in the global landscape of IP and brand protection.

The firm said the strategic significance of having a dedicated office in Dubai will better assist clients globally with their IP needs across the Middle East. It added that the UAE, and Dubai in particular, has emerged as a hub for innovation and growth with its “can-do” attitude and entrepreneurial mindset.

Magdalena Bonde, CEO at Abion, said: “This expansion not only reflects our commitment to deliver exceptional services to our clients and our dedication to become the number one tech-enabled guardian of brands across the globe, but it also further strengthens the company's position as a home for ambitious, top-talent in the IP industry.”

The new office opening follows a busy year for Abion.

In February, Managing IP reported that IP consultancy Brandit and tech-based brand protection company Ports Group had joined forces. They later rebranded as Abion.

In April, the firm hired two lawyers from Keltie to lead its new UK office. Among them was Azhar Sadique, who became the first partner ever to leave law firm Keltie.