A&O fishes for Boodles' head of IP

ALLEN & Overy has poached the head of Boodle Hatfield's intellectual property department.

Stephen Jones, a partner at Boodle Hatfield, joins Allen & Overy next month as a senior associate.

Allen & Overy IP partner Catriona Smith says the firm approached Jones for the position which involves co-ordinating IP pharmaceutical matters. He will replace Alan White who retires in July.

Smith says that Jones is not joining the firm as a partner, in keeping with Allen & Overy policy, but it is envisaged that he will be considered for partnership shortly.

Jones will have day-to-day management of the files which includes both contentious and non-contentious IP matters, she says. He will also bring clients with him.