IP specialists sign up with Brodies

A COUP for law firm Brodies as it lures two senior litigators regarded as “outstanding” specialists in the field of intellectual property rights protection and regulation.

Gill Grassie and Robert Buchan are to join from Maclay Murray & Spens. Both are accredited IP specialists; Grassie was head of IP and technology.

The Legal 500 independent law directory says Grassie’s “knowledge and experience of contentious IPR and technology matters is clearly second to none”.

Bill Drummond, managing partner of Brodies, said: “The capability of these lawyers has been long-admired by us all at Brodies and will both boost our recognised market-leading litigation credentials and complement our excellent technology team.

“Scotland has a justified reputation as a world-leader in areas of technological and scientific innovation. Protecting patents, trademarks and ideas is vital for Scottish firms as they seek to attract funding and build their market share.

“Also, showing overseas investors that there is a robust legal framework with domestic lawyers with an international reputation for asset protection is critical to inward investment.”

Promotion for Williamson at BFS

invoice finance firm, Bibby Financial Services (BFS), has promoted its existing head of operations for Scotland, Calum Williamson, as managing director for the country.

Williamson joined BFS in 1999. In 2011, the client base for BFS Scotland grew by 7 per cent on the previous year, and the company expects to see demand for invoice finance facilities increase again in 2012 as it looks to lend £16 million to Scottish firms.