David Lancaster will join Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan as a London-based partner, launching Quinn Emanuel’s IP practice in London. Lancaster was previously a partner at Pinsent Masons.

Lancaster advises and represents clients in their significant intellectual property related issues and disputes before the English courts and in the EU patent office. He has experience in all aspects of contentious intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyright, registered and unregistered designs, passing off and confidential information.

“We have long been looking to build an IP/patent litigation practice in London, to complement our market-leading practices in the EU and U.S.,” said Alex Gerbi, Quinn Emanuel’s London co-managing partner. “We see substantial opportunity for us in this area and are delighted that David will be joining us as we move to develop a best-in-class offering.”

With a background in biochemistry, Lancaster has particular experience in the life sciences, technology, telecommunications and energy sectors. Notable representations include advising telecoms clients in proceedings for determination of fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licence terms. He is also a qualified Irish barrister.

“Our firm has the foremost patent litigation practice in the world, and our hire of David in London fires the starting gun on building our IP litigation practice there, as we’ve long planned to do,” said John B. Quinn, Quinn Emanuel’s co-founder and chairman.

Lancaster will start at Quinn Emanuel in August.