Distributing & Licensing Software & Other Technologies — Howard Zaharoff Chairs MCLE Program 04/15/2013
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Computer Software & Hardware, Events.Tags: cloud computing, licensing software, MCLE, open source
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On Wednesday, May 29 MBBP IP and Licensing Attorney Howard Zaharoff will chair the MCLE seminar “Distributing & Licensing Software & Other Technologies“. The program provides both licensing specialists and business lawyers involved in technology procurement and distribution with critical information, forms, and dos and don’ts in the following areas:
- Open Source Licensing
- Cloud Computing
- Confidentiality Provisions
- Drafting Clauses
To learn more or to register for the event, please visit MCLE.
BBK Worldwide Announces the Addition of Four Principals 04/15/2013
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Client News, Deal News.Tags: bbk worldwide, clinical trials, patient recruitment
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MBBP client BBK Worldwide recently named four additional principals who, together, will assume a minority ownership in the company. Matthew Kibby, Rob Laurens, Liz Ritchie, and Matthew Stumm have played key roles in shaping the company’s success as the global leader in patient recruitment for the clinical R&D segment of the pharma, biotech, and medical device industries. Celebrating 30 years, BBK remains one of the only independent and self-funded patient recruitment agencies, and is able to offer its global pharmaceutical and medical device clients levels of flexibility and creative innovation unmatched by its competitors.
CW Weekly, a leading newsletter for the clinical trials industry, recently published an article on BBK Worldwide’s structure change. MBBP Corporate Attorney Carl Barnes was interviewed by CenterWatch Weekly and had this to say in regards to the restructuring:
This is a mindset alternative, as opposed to an alternative to financing. Privately held businesses have a couple of choices to continue growing past what their original founders have done—to get acquired, to go public, to cash out and bring in new management—or they do what BBK did, and they look within. They ask: who is here and really contributing to the business and how do we reward them? With an ownership stake in the business, the new principals become even more motivated to take the company to the next level. It’s a way to keep them excited and interested, and that helps the company grow.
Morse, Barnes-Brown & Pendleton served as counsel to BBK Worldwide and advised it in the development of its new corporate structure.
Congratulations BBK Worldwide!
Visit BBK to read the full press release.
Andrew Bunin to Panel BPLA Event 04/05/2013
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Events.Tags: BPLA, patent law, USPTO
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On Wednesday, April 17th MBBP Attorney Andrew Bunin, a former patent examiner, is sitting as a panelist for a Boston Patent Law Association event titled “Communicating with the USPTO - How to (hopefully) obtain favorable results when interacting with examiners and the USPTO“. The event is meant to provide some insight into how the Patent Office operates on a day-to-day basis. Andrew, along with three other panelists, will discuss how changes to laws and the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) affect the patent examiners, office actions, and interviews as well as how this insight can be used to obtain more favorable results when dealing with examiners and the USPTO.
To learn more about this event or to register, please visit the BPLA.
Radio Entrepreneurs Interviews Shannon Zollo 04/01/2013
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Corporate, Legal Developments, Venture Capital & Private Equity.Tags: private equity, radio entrepreneurs, shannon zollo, venture capital
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On Tuesday, March 5th MBBP Corporate Attorney Shannon Zollo was a guest of the “Radio Entrepreneurs” Show which provides advice, information and connections for entrepreneurs, service providers and established companies. Shannon provided listeners with information on emerging trends in private equity and venture capital transactions. For the full discussion, please click the link below:
Shannon Zollo Radio Entrepreneurs Interview
Feel free to contact Shannon with any questions on private equity or VC transactions.
MBBP Attorneys Help Demystify LLCs — Upcoming MCLE Program 03/21/2013
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Events, Legal Developments, Taxation.Tags: exit strategies, fundamentals of LLCs, llc formation, tax entities
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Business and Tax Attorneys Charles A. Wry, Jr. and Diana C. Española are among the faculty presenting at MCLE New England’s LLCs Demystified: Advising Clients on Organization and Operation on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The program focuses on the fundamentals of LLCs providing practical advice on selecting business entities, operating and advising LLCs, and identifying and resolving issues which arise when 
such entities are parties to customary commercial transactions, and also delves into common tax issues for LLCs.
To learn more or to register for this event, please visit MCLE.
For more information on LLC formation, please contact Diana Española or Chip Wry.
MBBP Welcomes Attorney Andrew M. Bunin 01/22/2013
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, MBBP news.Tags: Intellectual Property, patent attorney, patent preparation and prosecution
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MBBP is pleased to announce that Attorney Andrew M. Bunin has joined the firm as an associate. Andrew is a registered patent attorney practicing in all areas of intellectual property law including patent preparation and prosecution, trademark prosecution, and intellectual property portfolio management. Andrew specializes in a range of technologies including communication devices, nanotechnology, computer software and hardware, optics, medical devices, mechanical devices, electronics, and diagnostics. He has experience performing intellectual property analysis regarding patentability, freedom to operate, and infringement.
Prior to joining MBBP, Andrew practiced at an intellectual property specialty law firm in the Boston area. Andrew has in-house experience in the legal departments of a large corporation in the surgical field, a mid-size government contract company, and a biotech start-up company. Prior to his law career, Andrew worked as a Patent Examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Andrew holds a B.S. in Biological Resources Engineering from the University of Maryland and a J.D. from Franklin Pierce Law Center (now University of New Hampshire School of Law). Currently, Andrew is pursuing certificates in Computer Engineering Technology and Electronics Technology as well as a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
Please contact Andrew with any IP law questions.
John Gallini Panels MCLE’s Immigration Law Event 12/17/2012
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Events, Immigration, Legal Developments.Tags: green cards, immigration, labor certification, MCLE
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On December 12th – 13th MBBP Immigration Attorney John Gallini was a panel member for MCLE’s BasicsPlus! two-day intensive immigration law program. The event helped to provided attendees with a practice introduction to the concepts, procedures and practice of immigration law. John lead a discussion on Employment-Based Green Cards Without Labor Certification.
John Gallini is also the co-chair of the Boston Bar Association‘s Immigration Law Section. Please feel free to contact John with any questions on immigration.
Bob Shea to Present on Retaliation Claims Via Webinar 12/01/2012
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Events.Tags: aaau, cle, employment, retaliation claims, webinar
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On January 17th MBBP Employment Attorney Bob Shea will be co-presenting a webinar titled “Don’t Strike Back: Retaliation Claims on the Rise” through the American Arbitration Association University. This webinar will discuss:
- The nuances of retaliation claims.
- What differentiates retaliation claims from typical discrimination claims.
- How fact-finders – including judges, juries and arbitrators – view retaliation in the workplace.
CLE credit is offered for this program. Please visit AAAU for more information or to register for this event.
For questions about employment law, feel free to contact Bob.
Immigration Reform Is An Early Priority After the Inauguration 11/12/2012
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Immigration, Legal Developments.Tags: immigration, reform
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By: Grant Godfrey
According to the Huffington Post the Senate Democrats are planning on making immigration reform a priority post-inauguration. While exact measures or legislation have not been disclosed, Washington is showing an increased willingness to tackle what has proven to be a politically dividing topic. Many businesses find our immigration system to be confusing and too rigid to be able to adapt to 21st century business practices. Future legislation could provide needed flexibility so that U.S. employers can focus on hiring and retaining top educated workers who fill critical functions in their organizations.
MBBP’s immigration practice has experience advising companies ranging from start-ups to multi-national corporations, as well as experience advising families and individual workers. If you have any questions about this article, or any other important immigration topic, do not hesitate to contact a member of the Immigration Team.
MBBP Obtains Successful Non-Compete Ruling 10/23/2012
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Employment, Legal Developments.Tags: employment law, material change doctrine, non-compete
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Last week, MBBP Employment Attorneys Chris Perry and Maura Malone successfully opposed a motion for preliminary injunction to enforce restrictive covenants against three sales executive clients based on the material change doctrine. In Akibia, Inc. v. Jeffrey Hood, Ryan Gavigan and Charles Krueger (Mass. Super. Ct. 10/9/2012), Judge Jeffrey A. Locke ruled that the non-compete agreements each former employee had signed at Akibia were likely voided by material job changes that included 
promotions, demotions, increases and decreases in compensation, changes in responsibilities and sales territories, and changes in the employer’s sales strategies and product offerings. As such, Judge Locke denied Akibia’s motion to prevent Hood, Gavigan and Krueger from working for their current employer, IOvations. Judge Locke did not address language in the three employees’ non-compete agreements, which stated that their obligations under the non-compete would continue regardless of any job changes, plainly implying that such language did not influence his case analysis.
Please visit our practice page to learn more about our employment group.
Bob Shea to Present at MCLE Employment Law Conference 10/05/2012
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Events.Tags: CORI, employment law, MCLE
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On December 14, 2012, MBBP Attorney Bob Shea will be presenting at the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education’s 15th Annual Employment Law Conference. Bob will lead a discussion concerning recent changes to the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (“CORI”) law. The changes extend eligibility for access to the CORI database to all employers but also put strict notification, paperwork, and records retention requirements on employers who access and use CORI records.
For more information, please see MBBP’s Employment Law Advisor on the CORI law.
Feel free to contact Bob with any questions on employment law.
Scott Connolly Speaks At Boston College Law School 10/01/2012
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On September 27, 2012, MBBP employment attorney Scott Connolly was an invited speaker at Boston College Law School on the subject of defending claims of disability and other discrimination before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). Scott, who has been defending employers against such claims for more than 10 years, presented to a panel of third-year law students on case evaluation, witness interviews, procedure, development of defenses, and preparation of employers’ Position Statements.
Employers with questions about responding to charges of discrimination at the MCAD or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission should feel free to contact Scott.
Mike Cavaretta Named BBA Arts, Entertainment, and Sports Law Committee Co-Chair 09/10/2012
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News.Tags: bba, entertainment law, Intellectual Property
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MBBP Attorney Mike Cavaretta has recently been selected as a Co-chair for the Arts, Entertainment and Sports Law Committee of the Intellectual Property Section within the BBA.
Mike represents information and technology businesses, including Internet, videogame and other interactive media companies, software companies, and entertainment and publishing companies. He is experienced in strategic alliances, intellectual property licenses, videogame development and publishing deals, technology development and distribution transactions, and trademark and copyright protection and registration.
Congratulations Mike!
For more information, please visit the Boston Bar Association.
Employment Attorney Scott Connolly Rejoins MBBP 09/05/2012
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, MBBP news.Tags: employment attorney, employment law, scott connolly
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MBBP is pleased to welcome back Scott Connolly to our firm and our growing employment law practice. Scott has broad experience, both as in-house and outside counsel, helping employers achieve their business objectives while complying with federal and state employment laws. For more than 10 years, he has guided employers through the full spectrum of issues that arise from the employment relationship, including those issues most likely to lead to litigation such as wage/overtime disputes, employee discipline and performance problems, sexual harassment and other workplace investigations, terminations, and reductions in force. Scott focuses on providing employers with practical advice, protective policies, key employment agreements, and workplace training to prevent expensive and resource-consuming litigation and to help businesses protect their customer relationships and intellectual property.
Scott also has extensive employment litigation experience and has successfully tried cases through jury verdict. He regularly represents clients before state and federal courts and agencies, including the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Labor, in cases involving claims of employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage-hour violations, and litigation involving non-competition and trade secret matters.
For more information on our labor and employment law practice, please visit our practices page.
Please contact Scott with any employment law questions.
Mike Cavaretta and Joe Martinez to Present on Digital Game Publishing and Financing 09/04/2012
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Events.Tags: interactive entertainment, law of digital games, law seminar, video games
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Attorneys Michael Cavaretta and Joseph Martinez of MBBP, will present at The Law of Digital Games, a comprehensive 2-day conference covering new technologies, opportunities, regulations, and business models at The Seaport Boston Hotel in Boston, MA, on November 5 and 6, 2012.
Cavaretta, an IP licensing attorney with wide experience in the interactive entertainment industry is co-chair of the program, which will feature 
international leading attorneys and business leaders who work in the digital games space. Topics covered will include:
- The changing face of the industry
- Massively multiplayer and social games: Explosion of the “fremium” revenue model
- Trans-media plays
- Technology licensing updates
- Trademarks, copyrights and rights of publicity
- Privacy, data and consumer protection
- The money game: Financing and exit strategy
- Digital distribution and new age publishers
- The changing face of deal-making: The expanding role of agents and brokers
- Employment issues
Cavaretta’s presentation, “New Age Publishers,” will cover the changing role of publishers in digital games distribution and how this affects negotiating “new age” publishing agreements.
Martinez’s presentation, “The Money Game Part One: Financing,” will cover: crowdfunding and other new opportunities under the JOBS Act; impacts on early-stage private financing; JOBS Act provision affecting later stage financing, including its potential impact on the market for IPO’s.
To register or to learn more, please visit the The Law of Digital Games event page.
Jon Gworek and Scott Bleier Lead Discussions At ABA Annual Meeting 08/30/2012
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Events.Tags: ABA, NVCA, private equity, vc funding
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On August 3rd the Venture Capital Transactional Issues and Documentation subcommittee of the Private Equity and Venture Capital Committee of the Business Law Section of the American Bar Association met at the 2012 Annual Meeting in Chicago. MBBP Partner and subcommittee chair Jon Gworek gave a presentation with Derek Squire, Co-General Counsel of Comcast Ventures, covering special considerations related to corporate venture capital. MBBP attorney and committee member 
Scott Bleier also led a discussion on some of the changes to be expected to the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) standard form documents.
Please visit our resources page to view our VC articles and newsletters. For any questions, feel free to contact Jon or Scott.
Jon has recently been named as vice-chair of the Private Entity and Venture Capital (PEVC) Committee of the ABA Business Law Section as well. Congratulations Jon!
Carl Barnes Named Co-Chair of BBA Securities Law Committee 06/15/2012
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News.Tags: bba, business transactions, securities law
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MBBP Attorney Carl Barnes has been selected as a Co-chair of the Securities Law Committee of the Business Transactions Section of the Boston Bar Association for a two-year term beginning in September 2012. Carl served as Co-chair of the BBA’s Corporate Law Committee from 2003 to 2005.
Congratulations Carl!
To learn more about the committee, please visit the BBA.
Please contact Carl Barnes with any questions.
Carl Barnes Panels “Crowdfunding for University Startups” Seminar 06/15/2012
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Events.Tags: crowdfunding, JOBS Act, MATTO
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On June 13th, MBBP attorney Carl Barnes was a panelist at a seminar on crowdfunding sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Technology Transfer Offices. The seminar, entitled “Crowdfunding for University Startups – learn how TTOs will be able to use the JOBS 2012 Act to help their start-ups raise early stage funding,” was held at the Cambridge Innovation Center. Crowdfunding won’t become a reality until the SEC adopts regulations implementing Title III of the JOBS Act – and that’s not scheduled to happen until much later this year. In the meantime, there is still a great deal for entrepreneurs to learn and consider.
For a detailed description of the JOBS Act, and a discussion of some of those considerations, please click here.
Peter Barnes-Brown to Sit on MassBio Panel 06/11/2012
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Events.Tags: lawexchange, massbio, us startup
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On June 15th, the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council is hosting a panel discussion on US Start-up and Partnering Considerations: Legal and Investment Perspectives. The panel will provide insight to foreign-based individuals and organizations on legal, property and investment considerations in starting new entities in the US. MBBP Attorney Peter Barnes-Brown (and former Chairman of LawExchange International) will sit as a panelist for this event covering the legal portion of the discussion.
Please contact MassBio to learn more.
MBBP Welcomes Attorney Grant Godfrey 05/09/2012
Posted by Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Immigration, MBBP news.Tags: attorney, immigration
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MBBP is pleased to announce that Attorney Grant Godfrey has joined the firm as an associate. Grant concentrates his practice in immigration law. Prior to Morse, Barnes-Brown & Pendleton, he was an associate at Blake J. Godbout & Associates where he worked on a variety of litigation, transactional, and bankruptcy issues.
After receiving his undergraduate degree, Grant worked as a paralegal at McNamara, Koenig & McCarthy (now McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter), and then at Morse, Barnes-Brown & Pendleton, where he focused on business-based immigration law. He then changed careers and worked at Bullhorn, a software company, as a hybrid account and project manager before attending law school.
Please feel free to contact Grant directly.
