Sheppard Mullin, seeking to grow its life sciences practice on the East Coast, has added a five-attorney IP team, with most coming directly from Dentons.

The additions are part of a “strategic effort” to expand the firm’s life sciences capabilities, Sheppard Mullin said this week. The team is by partner Martin Bruehs, who was head of Dentons’ chemical patent practice. He will serve in the same capacity for Sheppard Mullin on the East Coast, the firm said.