ATLANTA (June 2, 2025) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that six attorneys have been recognized on the IAM Patent 1000 List of World’s Leading Patent Professionals of 2025. Gregory J. Kirsch, Dr. Judy Jarecki-Black, William F. Long, Michael J. Riesen and Matthew P. Warenzak were recognized for their patent work in the state of Georgia, and Indhira A. LaPuma was recognized for her patent work in the state of Illinois. In addition, the firm has once again been recognized in the “highly recommended” category. IAM highlighted a comment from a firm client that Smith Gambrell is “beyond professional, more of a partner. The team are willing to invest in client success and advise to help achieve business goals. They have unparalleled service and response times.”
The IAM Patent 1000, published by the “Intellectual Asset Management” (IAM) division of Law Business Research Ltd., of London, UK, shines a spotlight on the firms and individuals that are deemed outstanding in the pivotal area of patent law. IAM undertakes exhaustive qualitative research, identifying top firms and individuals based on their depth of expertise, market presence and sophistication of work. SGR’s IAM Patent 1000 profile may be found here: https://www.iam-media.com/rankings/patent-1000/profile/firm/smith-gambrell-russell-llp
Mr. Kirsch is a Partner and the Head of Smith Gambrell’s Intellectual Property Practice. IAM noted the following comment from one of his clients: “Gregory is open to advising against action to avoid unproductive outcomes or needless expense. He truly looks for success for the business, not just patent processes or legal acceptance of the application.” He has an undergraduate degree in electrical and computer engineering, in addition to his law degree, and his legal practice focuses on the entire range of patent law services. In addition to his full-time legal practice, he serves as an adjunct professor of patent/IP law at both Emory University School of Law (Atlanta) and Washington University School of Law (St. Louis).
Dr. Jarecki-Black is a Partner in the Intellectual Property Practice, where she leads the biotech/chemistry patent team. She has over twenty years of experience in both private and corporate practice and previously served as the Global Head of IP for a major life sciences company. For 18 years, she headed a global IP department responsible for developing and implementing a global patent strategy as well as conducting patent prosecution and patent litigation activities both in the US and other countries. In addition to her law degree, she received her undergraduate degree in biology, her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology & Pathobiology, and an M.D.
Ms. LaPuma is a Partner in the Intellectual Property Practice. In addition to her law degree, she has an undergraduate degree in physics. As a former in-house counsel, she has significant experience managing global patent portfolios, forming strategic partnerships, drafting complex IP agreements, performing patent analyses for patent valuation, due diligence, and commercialization projects, and counseling clients on how to develop, acquire, and maintain strong intellectual property portfolios.
Mr. Long is a Partner in the Intellectual Property Practice. IAM noted he “has led many cases involving various technologies and products, including high-stakes Hatch-Waxman litigation.” In addition to his law degree, he has an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, and an M.B.A. In patent disputes, Mr. Long has served as lead counsel in matters involving a wide range of intellectual property and technology issues, including, for example, patent and trade secret disputes involving computer software and hardware, pharmaceutical products (including Hatch-Waxman cases), chemicals, medical devices, industrial machines, and consumer products.
Mr. Riesen is a Partner in the Entertainment and Intellectual Property practices and serves as Executive Director of SGR Labs. IAM notes the following comments from one of his clients: “Michael Riesen is simply fantastic. He brings a highly positive capability to patent law and excels in team collaboration.” In addition to his law degree, he has an undergraduate degree in physics, and a Master’s degree in Engineering, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.
Mr. Warenzak is a Partner in the Intellectual Property Practice, with a focus on patent and trademark matters, both from the procurement and enforcement perspective. In addition to his law degree, he has an undergraduate degree in industrial and systems engineering. His representation of clients includes a wide variety of general patent matters, including enforcing clients’ patent rights, representing clients in post grant review proceedings with the United States Patent Trial and Appeal Board, prosecuting applications to obtain patents, and providing counsel in patent portfolio management. In addition to his full-time legal practice, he serves as an adjunct professor of patent law at the University of Georgia School of Law. He also serves as the firm’s Pro Bono Chair.
With more than 40 Intellectual Property professionals practicing in eight cities – Atlanta, Chicago, Jacksonville, London, Los Angeles, New York, Tampa, and Washington, D.C., – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP offers a full range of intellectual property services. Smith Gambrell’s patent prosecution lawyers possess technical backgrounds in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, and mechanical, electrical, chemical, industrial and biomedical engineering. Seven (7) of our patent professionals have advanced degrees (Masters and/or PhDs) in their respective fields. Our patent attorneys and agents are registered to represent clients before the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and two are UK solicitors licensed to practice at the European Patent Office (EPO). Our patent and IP attorneys and patent agents have substantial experience with the full range of patent legal services, including patent application preparation, prosecution, opinions (patentability, validity, and infringement), freedom-to-operate, patent clearance, post-grant proceedings, oppositions, patent litigation, due diligence, and other strategic services.
Learn more about our Intellectual Property capabilities here: https://www.sgrlaw.com/practices/ip/
About Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP
Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP is a full-service, international law firm that advises regional, national and global businesses on a wide range of legal matters. The Firm’s nearly 350 attorneys provide legal counsel in more than 50 specialized practice areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, aviation, banking, art law, real estate, insurance/reinsurance, construction, employment law, international, and employee benefits and executive compensation. Founded in 1893, Smith Gambrell has 14 domestic and international offices, including Atlanta; Austin; Charlotte; Chicago; Jacksonville; London; Los Angeles; Miami; Milan; Munich; New York; Southampton; Tampa; and Washington, D.C.