Olswang has bulked up in France with the hire of Clifford Chance (CC) intellectual property (IP) partner Jean-Frederic Gaultier.

Gaultier joined Olswang's Paris base earlier this month after seven years as a partner at the magic circle firm.

Olswang has been increasingly building its IP footprint in Europe over the past 12 months, including the launch of an IP-focused office in Munich for key client Microsoft in July last year. The firm also signed up Bird & Bird Munich IP partner Thomas Lynker fin November.

Olswang Europe IP head Michael Burdon said: "France is one of the most important IP markets in Europe. Jean-Frederic's arrival is another major advance for our IP team as we continue to strengthen our capability and full-service offering throughout our international network of offices. 

"Our aim has always been to be where our clients are and where they need us. Reinforcing our IP capability in France, along with the recent opening of our IP-focused office in Munich, was the next step to maintaining our reputation and stronghold in the market."

The news comes after Olswang posted an impressive 17% rise in revenue for 2011-12, taking it over the £100m mark.

Turnover has risen to £108.1m this year, up from £92.6m in 2010-11, with the firm expecting to post profits per equity partner (PEP) of £530,000 – up 22% on the previous year's figure of £435,000. The final PEP figure is still subject to audit.