| | NOVEMBER 20248IN FOCUSEire Gulf, an Irish interiors fit-out firm, has named Douglas Drummond as its new Managing Director for the UAE. With more than 20 years of international experience in the design and fit-out industry, including ten years in the UAE, Drummond is well-equipped to steer the company's ongoing growth.This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Eire Gulf, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary in the UAE. The company has expanded its operations to Saudi Arabia, with a new, larger facility in Riyadh's Tulip Square set to open in October 2024."I am excited to join Eire Gulf at such an exciting time," said Drummond. "The company has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality fit-outs, and I look forward to helping the team continue to grow and succeed".Patrick Dowling, Founder of Eire Gulf, added, "Douglas's extensive experience and regional success make him an ideal fit to lead our team. We are confident that he will help us capitalize on the many opportunities in both the UAE and KSA markets".Eire Gulf has a talented workforce of more than 100 professionals in the UAE, specializing in various sectors, including education, commercial workplaces, food and beverage, and luxury residential projects. Recent significant projects include Horizon International School in Jumeirah, Snapchat's new office in Internet City, Nobu by The Beach at The Royal Atlantis, and an elegant mansion renovation in Jumeirah Islands. The PRC-based law firm Jingtian & Gongcheng has brought on board veteran intellectual property lawyer Benjamin Choi as a partner in Hong Kong. Choi joins from Oldham Li & Nie, where he held the roles of consultant and managing director at OLN IP Services.Choi brings 25 years of experience in IP law to Jingtian & Gongcheng, having previously held partner positions at law firms Mayer Brown and Deacons. His career also includes stints at Baker McKenzie, Eccles & Lee, and Wilkinson & Grist.With expertise spanning branding, trademark, design, and copyright matters, as well as IP portfolio management and due diligence, Choi advises clients on use and registration clearance, advisory and strategic consultation, ownership and registration disputes, negotiation, licensing, co-existence agreements, and addressing disputes and infringement issues. He also conducts IP due diligence for M&A transactions that involve IP assets. "Bringing Benjamin Choi on board as an intellectual property partner is a strategic milestone for Jingtian & Gongcheng", said Zhao Yang, chairman of Jingtian & Gongcheng's management committee in a statement. "His extensive expertise in IP law and his deep understanding of complex regulatory issues will significantly strengthen our ability to protect our clients' innovations and intellectual assets".Added Elaine Lo, senior managing partner of Jingtian & Gongcheng's Hong Kong office: "We are delighted to welcome Benjamin Choi to our firm. His substantive knowledge of Hong Kong intellectual property law, as well as prosecution and enforcement, will greatly enhance our capabilities."Jingtian now has a team of 32 lawyers in Hong Kong, including 14 partners. The firm recently expanded by hiring Vivian Yiu and Huang Ke, former partners at Morrison & Foerster, and earlier this year welcomed back corporate partner Li Fai. Additionally, Kwan Chi Ho, formerly arbitration counsel at Akin Gump, joined as a partner inlate 2023. EIRE GULF NAMES NEW UAE MANAGING DIRECTOR AHEAD OF SAUDI EXPANSIONJINGTIAN & GONGCHENG RECRUITS IP EXPERT BENJAMIN CHOI AS PARTNER IN HONG KONG
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