Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) IP partner John Olsen, who took his firm to an employment tribunal, has left to join the London office of US firm Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge.
Olsen had been with FFW since joining from SJ Berwin in 1999 and was most recently head of trademarks at the firm. Last September, at the age of 60, he lodged a claim against FFW with the London Central Employment Tribunal alleging harassment and age discrimination.
In his internal grievance document, Olsen claimed he joined FFW with a book of business worth £2m, which subsequently ;grew ;to around £5m. The grievance stemmed from the fact that IP head and Europe chief Mark Abell questioned an expense claim for client Elizabeth Arden, despite Olsen’s status as a senior equity partner.
Jo Keddie, head of employment at Dawsons, represented FFW, while Mishcon de Reya dispute resolution chief James Libson acted for Olsen, but the claim settled before it hit the courts.
Neither ;FFW ;nor Edwards Angell could be reached for comment.
How many are going with him??
I hear vicious rumours that the whole ship is going down with him… up to 15 trade mark lawyers are leaving too or something like that. Anyone know any more? Anyone care?
Interesting
Edwards Angel have a decent trade mark practice stateside. Could work well. I can think of a few practices who will be less than happy to hear he is going there.
Magnanimity
Aren’t FFW going to wish John well after 10 years of tireless service?
FFW Trade Mark Practice Future Bleak
Are you supposed to be someone famous? How come you’re not on Sky news?
Feeling the Loss
“Field Grieb” hasn’t yet made it onto Google it seems. Nor can I think of any firm that sounds similar (and it’s my job to know).
What on earth are you banging on about?