Leeds-based boutique Kempner & Partners has merged with Haseltine Lake, one of the largest independent intellectual property firms in Europe.
The combined firm, Haseltine Lake Kempner, will provide a full suite of intellectual property services. It comprises nearly 200 people in seven locations, with offices in Leeds, London, Munich, Bristol, Glasgow, the Netherlands and Guangzhou in China.
Kempner & Partners was formed in Leeds in 2009. The firm has four partners, including two of its founding and senior partners, Richard Kempner and Jason Dainty.
The two firms have been operating in a close alliance for the past two years, meaning their members of staff have had the opportunity to learn about and understand their respective businesses, cultures, approaches and vision for the future of intellectual property services.
The merger presents considerable benefits for clients, according to Haseltine Lake Kempner, including new and deeper capability and resources.
Kempner, senior partner of Kempner & Partners, said: “Even though this year has been our best yet, with more clients and more success than we’ve ever had, the merger is a tremendously exciting move for us. It represents the next stage in our growth, development and ability to service our clients’ needs.”
“Others have sought to do this by bolting on individuals, but we believe that the better way is to combine two highly successful practices in a genuine merger, so that we can together build a new, joined up, fully integrated practice.”
Rolf Stein (pictured), chief executive officer of Haseltine Lake, said of the merged firm, said: “We see this as a real coup for our clients who have been telling us for some time that they would like us to be able to offer the full spectrum of IP services including litigation and IP transactional support.”
“We are delighted that Haseltine Lake’s global success has attracted one of the UK’s leading IP litigation firms. We very much have a shared ethos and are driven by a common desire to be truly outstanding for our clients. Over the next few months we will be showcasing how we are different and how this will benefit our clients and the wider IP community.”
