Howrey has closed its IP practice in London with the departure of managing partner Mark Hodgson to Field Fisher Waterhouse. Howrey had gradually closed all its other European IP departments, the majority going to form a new firm, Hoyng Monegier. But London retained a practice until January. Three other Howrey partners had left the London office in the past year: Marjan Noor, Paul Inman and Richard Willoughby, to Simmons & Simmons, Wragge & Co and Rouse Legal respectively. Howrey's London office retains four partners, working on litigation and antitrust matters. Hodgson advises pharmaceutical, medical device and biotech companies on a mix of IP and regulatory work.
