Accenture in-house counsel and patent expert Dermot Roche is moving to lead IP specialists Secerna LLP, at its new European office in Dublin, after six years with the management consultancy.

British firm Secerna is ten years old and supports a worldwide client base of multinationals, FTSE and NYSE-listed companies, universities, spin-out companies, small businesses and innovators. 

The firm is expanding into Dublin to support its continued growth across Europe, the USA and the Far East.

Roche has specialised for over 20 years in computer-implemented inventions and medical technology, across Europe.

He spent 14 years working in private practice in Ireland and the UK and held a role as in general counsel for Dolby Laboratories in the Netherlands.

Mr Roche said:  "Over the last decade Secerna has earned its reputation for deep sector experience and commercially focused advice, and I’m looking forward to building on these foundations to help the firm continue its impressive growth."

Secerna chairman Jason Boakes added: "We are thrilled to welcome Dermot to the team to help us take the next step in Secerna’s continued evolution and build on our track record of international work. Clients will undoubtedly benefit from the insights he brings from his work both in-house and in private practice.

Biomaterials

"In addition, Dermot’s extensive knowledge and experience across the artificial intelligence, software, biomaterials and medical technology sectors – among others – will both complement and expand the expertise within the firm."

A member of numerous patent advisory boards and panels, including the Standing Advisory Committee before the European Patent Office (SACEPO) working parties on Guidelines and e-Patent Process, Dermot Roche also sits on the European Patent Institute (EPI) Council and EPI Harmonisation Committee.

He is also a member of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation IP committee.