
Crowell & Moring UK LLP has appointed Dr Justin Hill and Marie Jansson Heeks as partners, leading a team of 18 from Dentons UK & Middle East to bolster its London-based intellectual property practice. Hill (pictured) will serve as head of intellectual property (UK), enhancing the firm’s capacity to advise clients on complex international patent prosecution and litigation matters before bodies including the European Patent Office and Unified Patent Court.
Hill, a Chambers Band 1 ranked European patent attorney and litigator, brings over 20 years’ experience advising tech companies and venture funds on IP strategy, commercialisation and investor readiness. ‘The platform at Crowell gives us the best ability to serve our clients in a holistic manner,’ he said. Jansson Heeks, a dual-qualified solicitor and patent attorney, adds deep expertise in portfolio management, oppositions and litigation across multiple technical disciplines.
Robert Weekes, London managing partner, said the team’s arrival ‘further enhances our tech offering’ and complements Crowell’s wider IP practices. IP co-chair Mark Supko noted this move as a ‘strategic investment’ that expands Crowell’s European reach and deepens its standing before the Unified Patent Court.
This London expansion builds on Crowell’s recent growth, including its combination with Faber Daeufer & Itrato and new hires across tech-focused areas such as AI, privacy and brand protection. The firm now boasts a global IP team of over 100 professionals across key jurisdictions.