As part of its pan-European and international growth strategy, Gowling WLG is strengthening its Paris office, welcoming Marianne Schaffner who joins the firm's global intellectual property (IP) team.
With almost 25 years' experience in the field of intellectual property, Marianne Schaffner is particularly renowned for her practice in complex patent, know-how and trade mark litigation, both in France and internationally, in the fields of health, chemistry, mechanics, electronics and telecommunications. Having studied and worked in the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States, Marianne has in-depth knowledge of the European and American legal systems. She also advises a wide range of international clients on intellectual property contracts and the valuation of immaterial assets in mergers and acquisitions, LBOs and other transactions. She joins along with associates Mathilde Grammont and Charlotte Chambon.
Marianne will also be part of the Paris business leadership team, responsible for implementing the firm's development strategy in the French market in line with its international and global growth strategy.
Céline Bey, head of the IP practice in France and co-managing partner of the Paris office says: "Marianne's arrival is perfectly in line with the redeployment strategy we have initiated for the Paris office, in which intellectual property plays an important role. Her highly technical skills, patent litigation know-how and extensive international experience are a perfect match with the firm's DNA and an additional asset in the representation of our clients before the Unified Patent Court (UPC).
This is an important first step and we will continue to grow the team over the coming months.
David Fennell, Chief Executive of Gowling WLG LLP and co-chair of the international board, added: "Marianne is an excellent IP lawyer, and her skills fit naturally into our international and local service offering. Her arrival is part of our drive to significantly expand our European offices. We initiated this dynamic in the Frankfurt office with over 40 arrivals over the last 12 months, and our ambitions in Paris where we plan to strengthen the team with further strategic recruitments."
Commenting on her appointment Marianne said: "I am delighted to join Gowling WLG's Paris office and to be part of the strengthening of the global IP team. The firm's excellent international reputation in intellectual property and the growth strategy implemented in Europe and in the Paris office were key factors in my decision to join the firm."
