The new appointment strengthens the company’s capability in high growth markets including consumer, technology and life sciences.

Imogen joins DWF from Harper James and brings more than 13 years' experience advising on complex non-contentious intellectual property matters, with a particular focus on innovation, research and development and technology commercialisation.

Before joining Harper James, Imogen held senior roles at Shoosmiths and earlier in her career at Shakespeare Martineau.

Imogen has extensive experience advising clients across a range of sectors, including energy, retail and sports. More recently, she has assisted clients ranging from start-ups and scale ups to universities and multinationals in the technology and life sciences sectors.

Imogen’s work spans the full product lifecycle from inception, brand management and protection through to commercialisation and enforcement.

Her experience includes the drafting and negotiation of technology transfer and licensing agreements, collaboration and joint venture arrangements, software development contracts as well as R&D and clinical trial agreements.

She has also advised global pharmaceutical companies on regulatory matters, as well as technology companies on complex cross-border software development and product licensing arrangements.

Based in Birmingham, Imogen will lead DWF’s IP team, focussing on the non-contentious IP offering and will work closely with her contentious colleagues and the firm’s international network to support clients seeking to develop, protect, commercialise and enforce their intellectual property rights as they scale across global markets.

Imogen  said: “I’m delighted to be joining DWF and to have the opportunity to drive the firm’s UK IP practice forward.

“The strength of the firm’s global platform creates a great opportunity to support clients as they develop and commercialise innovative technologies and products.”