Lisa Warren Examines the Value of In-Person Interviews for Expediting Patent Allowance in Mass. Lawyers Weekly Article 08/15/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Life Sciences, Intellectual Property.Tags: Lisa Warren, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, patent, patent allowance, patent application
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In her Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article “Expediting Patent Allowance with In-Person Interviews,” patent attorney Lisa Warren explains why it may be beneficial to take advantage of in-person interviews with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office in order to expedite the allowance of a patent. Although options such as telephone or video conference interviews may be available and more convenient, Lisa notes:
sometimes there is simply no substitute for direct interpersonal interaction with an examiner to build rapport and improve the mutual understanding of the issues.”
Additionally, Lisa addresses relevant considerations when deciding if in-person interviews are preferable during the patent application process, as well as requirements for the interview itself. These and other insights from Lisa can be found in the full article.
Mike Jabbawy Participating on Shoobx Startup Panel 08/08/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Corporate, Events, Venture Capital & Private Equity.Tags: entrepreneur, michael jabbawy, Shoobx, startup
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On September 26, corporate partner Mike Jabbawy will take part in the panel “How to Start a Startup”. The panel is part of Shoobx’s Startup Series, which features real life stories from startup founders, investors, and community members. Items of discussion will include choosing a form of entity for a business, choosing co-founders, and how to find assistance to get your business off the ground.
For more information, including registration details, visit our VCs and Startups blog.
Scott Connolly Comments on the Importance of Properly Classifying Workers in Accounting Today 08/03/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Employment.Tags: employment law, Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, independent contractor, Internal Revenue Service, Massachusetts employment law, scott connolly
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In Accounting Today’s article “Properly Classifying Workers Remains a Major Problem“, employment attorney Scott Connolly comments on how worker misclassification is a prevalent issues for both the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing officials. Companies that misclassify employees as independent contractors avoid paying numerous payments under the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, which can lead to trouble with the IRS or with the misclassified employee.
For more information, visit our Massachusetts Employment Law Blog.
Scott Bleier Moderating ABA Venture Capital Webinar This Thursday 07/24/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Corporate, Events, Venture Capital & Private Equity.Tags: ABA, ABA Business Law Section, Scott Bleier, venture capital
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This Thursday, July 27th, beginning at 1pm EST, corporate attorney Scott Bleier will moderate the ABA Business Law Section webinar “Roadmap of a Venture Capital Deal“. The panel will cover various topics of the lifecycle of a venture capital financing transaction.
Visit our VCs and Startups blog for more information about the webinar and details on how to register.
MBBP Publishes July M&A Today Newsletter 07/13/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in M&A, MBBP news.Tags: exit strategy, Golden Parachute Payment Rules, m&a, NDA, Section 280G
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The latest edition of our M&A Today Newsletter is published!
Articles include:
- An Overview of the Golden Parachute Payment Rules
- Top Considerations – Sale of Company
- M&A Non-disclosure Agreements: Drafting Considerations for Buyers and Sellers
Plus a special attorney profile of corporate partner Joe Marrow on page four.
Find more information view our M&A blog or read the full newsletter.
Corporate Attorney Shannon Zollo Explains In-House Counsel’s Role in Due Diligence 07/05/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Corporate, Intellectual Property.Tags: Alphabet Inc., due diligence, mergers and acquisitions, shannon zollo, Uber Technologies Inc.
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In Corporate Counsel’s article “10 Uber In-House Attorneys Saw Due Diligence Report in Battle With Alphabet“, Shannon Zollo comments on the role of in-house counsel in the due diligence process. The article discusses a due diligence report from Uber’s acquisition of Otto, in which Alphabet claims there is proof that Uber knowingly acquired stolen intellectual property. As such, the importance of the due diligence process is highlighted and, in particular, in-house counsel’s role in the process.
Shannon explains that the goal of the due diligence period is to review a target company in a merger or acquisition and ascertain whether or not there are any potential issues. He notes:
The purpose of a diligence report is to understand as best as is possible before you close, the nature of the target and whether that target fits within your acquisition profile across the board.”
If any issues do arise, Shannon states that the buyer’s internal team has to discuss the next best steps and that “in-house counsel should be deliberate in trying to maintain privilege”.
For more information from Shannon on the due diligence process read the full article.
Chip Wry Discusses Planning for Tax Reform in Accounting Today Article 07/05/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Financial Services, Taxation.Tags: Chip Wry, choice of entity, tax reform
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Accounting Today’s article “Getting Ahead of Tax Reform” discusses the importance of planning and action for businesses before the potential tax reform takes place. Tax attorney Chip Wry comments on the uncertainty of which pieces of the proposed legislation will be enacted, and notes the possible implications regarding the elimination of the interest expense deduction and the expensing of capital expenditures. Chip also discusses how tax reform could affect choice of entity for new businesses, particularly the choice between C corporation or LLC. Chip notes:
Before the individual rates went up under the current rules, we formed a higher percentage of companies as LLCs than after they increased… But with the increase in rates, we were more willing to form companies as a C corporation.”
For more of Chip’s insights into potential tax reform, read the full Accounting Today article.
Matal v. Tam: The Supreme Court Rejects the Prohibition on Disparaging Trademarks 06/22/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Intellectual Property.Tags: Sean Detweiler, trademark, trademark law, U.S. Supreme Court
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By: Sean Detweiler and Bianca Sena
On Monday June 19, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Trademark Office’s denial of registration for “disparaging” trademarks under Section 2(a) of the Lanham Act violates the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment and is therefore unconstitutional. The case, Matal v. Tam (previously known as Lee v. Tam) concerned the federal trademark registration of “The Slants,” an all Asian-American rock band. The Court affirmed the Federal Circuit’s decision that Section 2(a) constituted viewpoint-based discrimination because it necessarily required a subjective value judgment on whether something is “disparaging.” The decision upended a portion of statute that has been in place since 1946. The decision will likely impact a parallel trademark case, Pro Football Inc. (a.k.a., the Redskins case), which involves the same disparagement clause section of the Lanham Act and cancellation of the Redskins trademark registrations.
For further detail, read “Matal v. Tam: The Supreme Court Rejects the Prohibition on Disparaging Trademarks”. For more information on trademarks, please contact Sean Detweiler.
The Risks of Using Finders and Unregistered Brokers 06/21/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Corporate, Financial Services, Private Investment Funds & Advisers.Tags: finders, Josh Watson, private fund, private funds attorney, unregistered brokers
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Private fund managers often use placement agents, finders, and other intermediaries to help raise capital for their investment funds. Using an intermediary that has failed to register as a broker-dealer, however, is fraught with risk. In his article “The Risks of Using Finders and Unregistered Brokers”, private funds attorney Josh Watson cautions against using unregistered brokers and describes how to determine when an intermediary should be registered.
Read the full article on our website. For more information, please contact Josh Watson or a member of our PIFA practice.
Registration Exemptions for Investment Advisers 06/08/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Corporate, Financial Services, MBBP news, Private Investment Funds & Advisers, Venture Capital & Private Equity.Tags: investment adviser, Josh Watson, private funds, private funds attorney, private investment funds, SEC
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When may an investment adviser avoid registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission? Private funds attorney Josh Watson answers this question in his article “Registration Exemptions for Investment Advisers” that summarizes the requirements of two registration exemptions that are available to managers of private investment funds.
To learn about the two registration exemptions read the full article on our website. For more information, please contact Josh Watson or a member of our PIFA practice.
Chip Wry Discusses Choosing a Business Structure in Inc. Magazine Article 06/07/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Taxation.Tags: Chip Wry, choice of entity, llc, tax attorney, tax law
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Inc. Magazine’s article “10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Business Structure” offers a primer on choosing a company’s business form. Tax attorney Chip Wry notes that “choosing a business entity is like looking into the crystal ball of your company’s future”. The article covers some of the differences between S corp, C corp, B corp and LLC and what those differences can mean for the future of a company.
For more information, please read the full article or contact Chip Wry.
Encore Event! Strategic Alliances: Pot of Gold or Pretty Poison? – Life Sciences Series, June 28 06/05/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Corporate, Events, Life Sciences, MBBP news.Tags: biotech, John Hession, licensing, pharma, strategic alliances
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Due to overwhelming demand for our April 28 “Strategic Alliances: Pot of Gold or Pretty Poison?” event, we will be holding another round on Wednesday, June 28 at the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC). Moderated by corporate attorney John Hession, a panel of business development experts will explore various research and collaboration structures, from options to license to comprehensive collaboration partnerships. The panel will discuss various licensing vehicles, the importance of concise fields of use descriptions, sample economics, and conventional transaction structures.
Space is limited! View our event page for more information and to register for the event.
Howard Zaharoff Co-Chairing 2017 MCLE Annual IP Law Conference 05/11/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Events, Intellectual Property.Tags: 2017 MCLE Annual IP Law Conference, Intellectual Property, intellectual property law, MCLE
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As in previous years, intellectual property attorney Howard Zaharoff will co-chair MCLE’s 20th Annual Intellectual Property Law Conference 2017. The conference will cover various intellectual property topics, including IP litigation, protecting designs, IP issues in software, and the Defense of Trade Secrets Act.
The conference will be held on June 20th, both in-person and available via live webcast.
Lisa Warren Moderating Panel at Northeastern University School of Law 2017 Women in the Law Conference 05/08/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Events, Intellectual Property.Tags: Lisa Warren, Maura Healey, NUSL, NUSL Women in the Law Conference
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Don’t miss Lisa Warren next Friday, May 19 at the Northeastern University School of Law (NUSL) 2017 Women in the Law Conference. Lisa will moderate the panel “Unlocking the Mysteries of the ‘New Girl’ Network“, where panelists will discuss how women’s networks can spark ideas, recharge your career, build client relationships, and lead to meaningful connections with others in the public and private sectors. Attorney General Maura Healey will be the keynote speaker at the conference.
View the event page for registration information and the full conference agenda.
Shann Kerner Joins MBBP as Intellectual Property Partner 05/03/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Intellectual Property, Life Sciences, MBBP news.Tags: intellectual property attorney, intellectual property law, patent law, Shann Kerner
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We are pleased to announce the addition of Intellectual Property Member Shann Kerner.
Shann has substantial experience advising emerging, mid-sized and public companies in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device fields, counseling them on the creation, leveraging and protection of IP, with a view towards strengthening the business strategy of her clients.
A versatile and seasoned member of the Intellectual Property department, Shann concentrates her practice on IP counseling, particularly on patent portfolio procurement and management and IP due diligence in connection with venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and internal audits. Shann also focuses on analyses regarding patentability, freedom-to-operate, inventorship, derivation, validity and competitive subject matter landscape.
We invite you to contact Shann directly.
Tales from the Trenches: Reflections on Successful Exits – Venture Capital Event, May 18 04/28/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Corporate, Events, MBBP news, Venture Capital & Private Equity.Tags: event, exit planning, exit strategies, venture capital, venture capital law
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Our Venture Capital team will be hosting a panel event, Tales from the Trenches: Reflections on Successful Exits, on Thursday May 18 at the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC). Moderated by corporate partner Scott Bleier, a panel of entrepreneurs will share stories about how they built and eventually sold their companies to large strategic acquirers.
Space is limited! View our VCs and Startups blog for more information, including how to register.
MBBP’s Life Sciences Vector Newsletter, Spring 2017 04/20/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Corporate, Intellectual Property, Life Sciences, MBBP news, New Resources.Tags: Life Sciences, Life Sciences Newsletter
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Our Life Sciences team has published the Spring 2017 edition of its newsletter, Vector. Below you will find brief descriptions of the news and articles included in the publication. Read the full newsletter for more information.
DAVID CZARNECKI AND STANLEY CHALVIRE ELEVATED WITHIN THE FIRM
We are pleased to announce that David Czarnecki and Stanley Chalvire have been elevated to Member. Dave is exceptionally proficient in guiding both buyers and sellers through a wide range of corporate transactions. Stan is a Registered Patent Attorney, specializing in the licensing of intellectual property and related counseling.
AMANDA PHILLIPS NAMED 2017 UP & COMING LAWYER
Litigation associate Amanda Phillips has been named a 2017 Up & Coming Lawyer by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The recognition is awarded to a select number of attorneys who have been practicing for fewer than 10 years but whose professional achievements are noteworthy and whose service to the community is also significant.
CORPORATE ATTORNEY MICHAEL JABBAWY JOINS FIRM AS PARTNER
Michael’s practice is focused primarily in the areas of emerging and growth technology companies, venture capital, M&A transactions, and corporate governance. As a member of the Corporate Department, Michael advises technology and other emerging companies through each stage of growth. Prior to joining MBBP, Michael was a member of the Technology Companies group at Goodwin Procter LLP.
RECENT LIFE SCIENCES TRANSACTIONS
MBBP represented several clients in life sciences transactions, including iSpecimen, Orionis Biosciences, First Light Biosciences, and Manus Biosynthesis. The transactions ranged from convertible debt to equity investments. Learn more on page 2.
FREEDOM TO OPERATE: PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE
Launching a new product or service can be fraught with uncertainty and involve large expenditures of limited resources. An FTO opinion can reduce uncertainty and provide some insurance against loss from an unfavorable finding of infringement of another’s patent. An FTO opinion makes a determination whether a product or service infringes issued patents. In other words, the opinion indicates whether or not there is “freedom to operate” the product or service within the patent landscape. Often, FTO opinions also identify patent applications that, if later issued as patents, may be problematic. Read the full article on page 2.
THE PATENT PROCESS: GET ON THE FAST TRACK
One of the biggest frustrations for patent applicants is the incredibly slow pace at which an application proceeds from filing to receipt of a substantive examination report to allowance. On average it takes 15.7 months for a patent application to receive even a first substantive examination report, though there is significant variability across technology areas. The Patent Office has recognized this problem and implemented several initiatives which attempt to address the problem from different angles. Two programs in particular have gained traction: the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) and Track One Prioritized Examination. Continue reading for more information about these programs.
OWNERSHIP OF ARISING INVENTIONS IN JOINT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
Collaboration remains a valuable means of fostering innovation and advancing scientific, clinical and commercial objectives. Towards that end, two or more parties contemplating a collaboration often consider entering into a Joint Development Agreement, where they define, among other things, their respective contributions and responsibilities towards their common objectives. These types of collaborations require a careful and thorough consideration of the disposition of intellectual property rights that may arise as a result of each party’s performance of its responsibilities under such collaborations. Read more starting on page 3.
GUEST COLUMN:
FOR SKILLED IMMIGRATION TO THE U.S., THE TIMES, THEY MAY BE CHANGING
The last year of the Obama Administration saw an increased activism by President Obama in the area of skilled immigration. Through Executive Orders and regulations, the President made a number of important changes including providing Employment Authorization for spouses on H-4 visas, increasing the period of post-graduate employment authorization for foreign students in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), increasing the number of academic fields included in STEM and formalizing a grace period for foreign nationals on H-1B visas that find themselves between jobs. Read the full article beginning on page 5.
Faith Kasparian Comments on Privacy & Data Security Implications of Burger King’s New Google-Triggering Ad 04/14/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Intellectual Property, Privacy and Data Security.Tags: Data Security, Google, Google Home, Intellectual Property, privacy, Privacy and Data Security, privacy laws
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Intellectual property attorney Faith Kasparian comments on the potential privacy and data security repercussions of Burger King’s new ad in Bloomberg’s article, “Burger King’s Google-Triggering Ad Invites Complaints, Scrutiny“. The article discusses Burger King’s recent ad controversy, after it prompted consumers’ Google Home devices to respond to the prompt “OK, Google. What is the Whopper burger?”.
Faith notes that:
It’s unreasonable for Google not to have appropriate mechanisms in place so that the device couldn’t be activated by a third party.
She also states that the FTC could have a claim against Google for the ad since consumers did not receive proper disclosures, and that Google could also take legal action against Burger King for “inappropriately leveraging that device”.
For more information on the legal implications of the ad, read Bloomberg’s article.
MBBP Corporate Attorneys Represent Mosse & Mosse Associates in Acquisition of Certain Assets by Risk Strategies Company 04/12/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Client News, Corporate, Deal News, MBBP news.Tags: acquisition, corporate law, transaction
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A team of Morse Barnes Brown Pendleton attorneys, led by Joe Marrow, Dave Czarnecki, Kelly Hinkel and corporate paralegal Yongha Lee, recently represented our client Mosse & Mosse Associates, LLC in a sale of certain assets to Risk Strategies Company. Mosse & Mosse provides its client base with both employee benefits and retirement plan consulting services. Risk Strategies Company, a privately-held, rapidly-growing national insurance brokerage and risk management firm, has expanded its employee benefits practice and expertise through the Mosse & Mosse acquisition. The sale of assets did not include Mosse & Mosse’s benefits business related to municipalities and educational institutions, and MBBP will continue to represent Mosse & Mosse in that on-going enterprise.
Why You Should Spend Dollars on Patent, Trademark Protection 04/11/2017
Posted by Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton in Attorney News, Intellectual Property.Tags: Intellectual Property, patent, Sean Detweiler, trademark, trademark protection
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In the article, “Why You Should Spend Dollars on Patent, Trademark Protection“, published on CFO.com, patent and trademark attorney Sean Detweiler discusses why it is important for companies to protect the thoughts they pay for through patent and trademark protection. According to Sean, failure to protect this information could lead to loss of company value and a narrowing of opportunities.
Most often, patents are the best form of protection for innovations implemented in your products or services. But if you take your time in pursuing them they may no longer be available to you.
For more information, read the full article on cfo.com or feel free to contact Sean directly.
