HGF continues its European expansion with the opening of a new business in France

HGF launched the next phase of its European expansion with the opening of its new business in France based in its 22nd European office, in Rennes, France. The office will be led by new partner, Vivien Verbrugge who joined the firm in February 2021. France is of strategic importance in HGF’s expansion in providing a pan-European intellectual property solution to its world-wide clients.

Paul Sanderson, CEO commented – “HGF has always understood the importance of France for our plans of growth in Europe. A strategic decision was made based on the firm’s successes in Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Ireland to open an office in Rennes, France. Our continued expansion reflects our commitment to providing the highest quality service both now and in the future across Europe.”

Vivien Verbrugge commented “I am delighted to be in the position to lead the firm’s growth in France and look forward to working with technology businesses across France and the rest of Europe. We have ambitious plans but I am confident of our success to support the firm’s international growth and development.”

Vivien’s wealth of experience as an in-house attorney, advising at Management and Board level within global companies in multiple jurisdictions, makes him well placed to advise in-house IP and Legal Counsel in relation to IP opportunities and threats for both SMEs and multinationals. Vivien regularly advises clients on portfolio creation, infringement avoidance and freedom to commercialise, portfolio enforcement and dispute resolution matters. Vivien has also advised on multi-jurisdiction portfolio acquisitions, secured successful outcomes in EPO oppositions and coordinated many IP litigations.