Baker & McKenzie has hired McDermott Will & Emery intellectual property and life sciences partner Hiroshi Sheraton in London.

Sheraton, who trained as a medical chemist before he became a lawyer, practices on all aspects of intellectual property and patent law, with a particular focus on the life sciences sector.

Bakers' London IP head Michael Hart said the decision to hire Sheraton was driven by the need for a younger partner in the London practice group, and a broader firm-wide focus on patent litigation.

"There are a number of really good fits, including age, practice and industry focus, but another important factor is Hiroshi shares around three really good client contacts with us," added Hart.

A former employee of both Diageo and Bristows, Sheraton represents clients in contentious patent and trade mark cases in the courts, arbitrations and tribunals including the European Patent Office and European Court of Justice.

Between 2011 and 2012, he acted for online casino 32Red in its successful copyright infringement claim against larger competitor William Hill.

His life sciences work covers IP competition and regulatory issues, as well as outsourcing and joint development agreements in the sector.

Earlier this year, Bakers' London office hired life sciences specialist Julian Thurston as a consultant from Morrison & Foerster, where he was previously a partner.

Sheraton also becomes the second McDermott partner to join Bakers in six months, following the September hire of former European M&A head Mats Sacklen, who splits his time between London and Stockholm.

The move leaves Rohan Massey as McDermott's only intellectual property partner in London.