Press Releases
Smith, Gambrell & Russell Recruits IP Talent
ATLANTA (June 8, 2007) ¯ Smith Gambrell & Russell has broadened its chemical patent expertise with the recent recruitment of two experienced Atlanta attorneys to the firm’s intellectual property group.
Joining SGR are attorneys Laurence P. Colton and Nigamnarayan Acharya.
“The addition of Larry and Nigam significantly bolsters our chemical and biotechnology patent capabilities,” said partner Robert (Jeff) Veal, who heads the firm’s intellectual property group.
The firm’s 23-member intellectual property group has technical and industry experience in the fields of biology, business methods, chemistry, e-commerce, entertainment, electronics, engineering, pharmacology, physics, software and textiles, among others.
Attorneys Colton and Acharya will participate in the IP practice group’s chemical section, based at SGR’s Atlanta headquarters, and the biotechnology section, which operates out of offices in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Both attorneys bring their existing clients to the firm while adding to the resources available to SGR’s long-term clients, Mr. Veal said.
Mr. Colton specializes in patent applications in the chemical, chemical engineering and mechanical arts fields, and handles trademark and copyright applications in all fields. He received his Doctor of Law degree With Distinction from Emory University and his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Tufts University in Massachusetts.
He has been an adjunct professor at Mercer University School of Law. He guest lectures on intellectual property at area universities and writes for various intellectual property publications.
Mr. Acharya focuses on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, mechanical and business method arts. He also advises clients in matters of product clearance, due diligence and patentability. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin and his J.D. from Emory University.
“Interest in intellectual property is very high in our current business climate, and as a result law firms nationwide are vying to assemble the best group possible,” Mr. Veal said. “We have built a team with the range of knowledge and experience necessary to provide the full complement of intellectual property law services. We plan to continue to recruit and grow in this area of law because, in an idea-driven economy, the intellectual property needs of any business will continue to multiply.”
