Gowling WLG has launched a Shanghai office that will focus on providing intellectual property services. The firm has also taken the majority of Clyde & Co's China IP practice to staff its mainland offices and its new local ally, Aquila Law Firm.

Chongqing-based Aquila, which specializes in patent filing and enforcement of IP rights, has entered into an exclusive referral relationship with the Anglo-Canadian firm. With the injection of Clyde's team, Aquila now counts six legal professionals, including four partners.