CMS bolsters IP capability with new partner hire in London

International law firm CMS is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Hitchens as a partner in its Intellectual Property (IP) practice in London. Ben joins the firm in early October. 

Ben's practice covers all aspects of IP law with a particular focus on trade mark and copyright disputes, increasingly within an online or digital context. He is experienced in managing large trade mark portfolios as well as complex, multi-jurisdictional IP disputes on behalf of some of the world’s best-known brands. Ben has counselled clients in actions before the English High Court and Court of Appeal, as well as the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Ben is a recommended lawyer in the IP category of The Legal 500 and, in 2020 and 2021, he was recognised in World Trademark Review’s WTR 1000 for enforcement and litigation. 

Sarah Wright, Head of IP at CMS UK, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Ben to CMS. Ben is an impressive individual with a broad IP practice that complements and reinforces our team’s strengths and will prove extremely valuable to clients. He has a strong track record across technology, financial services and consumer products; all sectors which align well with the firm’s sector-driven approach. Ben’s appointment builds on the internal promotions we’ve made over the last two years, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to further strengthening the IP practice in line with the needs of our clients.”

Ben adds: “Many clients require a broad IP service offering and I’m delighted to be joining a firm that’s renowned for both the strength and breadth of its IP capabilities. I look forward to using the platform at CMS to further my practice and offer clients a truly global one-stop IP hub.”

Over the last 18 months, CMS UK has promoted three new partners in its IP practice: Neeraj Thomas (CMS Glasgow), Eleanor Merrett (CMS Sheffield) and Anna Brackenbury (CMS London). Following Ben’s appointment, CMS UK’s IP team includes more than 15 partners who are supported by over 130 lawyers, patent attorneys, trade mark attorneys, and specialist IP administrators and paralegals. The firm’s IP practice is Band 1 ranked in The Legal 500 where it is noted for its “heavyweight, cross-discipline advice and support”.