Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge has strengthened its London intellectual property (IP) team with the hire of the head of Rouse Legal's global IP commercialisation group.

The arrival of Ben Goodger will bring the number of IP partners in Edwards Angell's City base to six.

Goodger specialises in high technology law, and has represented clients in the bio-pharma, food and drink and energy sectors.

London managing partner Laurence Harris (pictured) commented: "Ben adds a dynamic component to our growing IP practice in London. The rules of the IP game are constantly changing, and with Ben on board, we offer our clients throughout the world an invaluable edge."

Edwards Angell merged with UK firm Kendall Freeman in January 2008, and at the time set out its intentions to grow its IP and private equity capabilities in London.

In his new role, Goodger will work alongside John Olsen, who joined Edwards Angell last year alongside an IT team from Field Fisher Waterhouse.

Olsen said: "We have made tremendous progress in establishing and expanding our IP depth and capability in London and are rapidly increasing our presence in the vital Asian market."

"With Ben's arrival, we are in a prime position to continue the expansion into that market, particularly China."

Last month Edwards Angell recruited Squire Sanders' City litigation head Rod Cowper for its London office.