SJ Berwin partner David Rose has taken over as head of the firm's contentious IP practice in London with outgoing head Ray Black standing down from the role after 18 years.

Black, who handed over the leadership of the London practice to City-based Rose last week (2 July), will continue to advise on contentious IP matters as a partner in the group.

The London contentious IP group has a total of 14 fee earners, with Black and Rose the only partners. The firm does not have a centralized management for the group, which is instead managed individually in each office.

Rose said: "We have this fantastic platform which we have built up over a number of years, which covers the full spectrum of IP advice. My job is to bring that forward and make it even more successful."

The role does not have a set term, in line with the majority of SJ Berwin's practice group leaders.

The firm lists News Corp, Nintendo, Jane Norman and Polo Ralph Lauren as clients of its IP practice.