Singapore’s RHTLaw Asia has appointed Esther Wee, the former head of intellectual property at local rival Harry Elias Partnership, as a partner (foreign lawyer), as it seeks to strengthen its corporate and IP practices.

Wee was at Harry Elias Partnership for seven years until March, leaving as head of IP. She was earlier a partner at Ismail Sabri Wee & Wong in Malaysia, where she headed the intellectual property department and managed the firm's Selangor branch office.

With a career spanning over a decade in intellectual property law, Wee specialises in IP commercialization strategy and transaction work, offering guidance on maximizing the value of companies' intangible assets.

"We are thrilled to welcome Esther on board, her expertise will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success," said Azman Jaafar, managing partner of RHTLaw Asia, in a statement.

In addition to her legal practice, Wee holds leadership positions in industry organisations, including serving as president of the Singapore Chapter of the International Intellectual Property Commercialisation Council and director of the Singapore Digital Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier this year RHTLaw Asia hired corporate and capital markets partner Parikhit Sarma from Stephenson Harwood’s local alliance firm, Virtus Law.