Sheridan Ross P.C.

International Trademark Association (INTA) Selects Three Sheridan Ross Attorneys to Committee Positions for 2012-13

Three members of Sheridan Ross P.C. have been selected to serve two-year committee terms for the 5,900-member International Trademark Association (INTA) beginning January 2012. More than 2,400 members applied for committee positions to represent the membership spread across 190 countries.

John Posthumus will serve on the U.S. Amicus Subcommittee of the International Amicus Committee; Miriam Trudell will serve on the Association News Subcommittee of the INTA Bulletin Committee; and Sarah Miller will serve on the Free Trade Areas Subcommittee of the Harmonization of Trademark Law & Practice Committee.

INTA is a not-for-profit membership association dedicated to the support and advancement of trademarks and related intellectual property as elements of fair and effective commerce. Committee work is broken down into projects that focus on:

Policy development and advocacy;
Educational programs and events and networking;
Developing online and print global trademark resources; and
Cross-industry benchmarking.

"These appointments are well earned, well respected positions that allow our colleagues the opportunity to share and shape the ideas, opinions and guidelines surrounding trademark law across the globe," said Sheridan Ross Managing Partner Bruce Kugler.

Headquartered in New York City, INTA has offices in Shanghai and Brussels and representatives in Geneva, Mumbai and Washington, D.C.

Sheridan Ross Opens Colorado Springs Office

DENVER – Sheridan Ross, the oldest intellectual property law firm in the Rocky Mountain region, announced the opening of a Colorado Springs, Colo. office.
Located at 24 S. Weber Street in downtown Colorado Springs, the office is led by Scott Hawranek, special counsel who joined the firm earlier this year. It is the firm’s first office location outside of the Denver area since its inception in 1954.
“There are an incredible number of high-tech manufacturing companies in the Colorado Springs market that we believe we can reach out to and deliver the IP specialty services that have been the foundation of our firm since day one,” said Sheridan Ross Managing Partner, Bruce Kugler. “Colorado Springs is home to some of the most dynamic and innovative companies and people in the business and we’re excited at the opportunity to bring our expertise to that market and to be a part of that future growth as well."

Hawranek, a registered patent attorney who previously worked for a firm in Colorado Springs, focuses his practice on strategic enforcement, defense, and development of patent and trademark rights both domestically and abroad.

“This is a wonderful time to be in a very exciting market like Colorado Springs,” said Hawranek. “We strongly believe in this community and the innovative business leadership that will help drive the local economy for decades to come.”
Focused entirely on the worldwide protection of intellectual property rights in the United States and around the globe, Sheridan Ross has 32 attorneys and patent agents delivering tremendous depth of experience and results to clients across the globe. The firm’s professionals hold advanced degrees in technical fields such as pharmaceuticals, mathematics, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics and aeronautics. A majority have prior work experience in technical fields such as engineering and manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, plastics, computer software, biochemistry, molecular biology and neuroscience.

For more information on the firm and its newly established Colorado Springs, Colo. office, www.sheridanross.com or 719-749-6013.

Sheridan Ross Shareholder Craig Mueller Writes About Passage of Leahy-Smith America Invents Act in Law Week Colorado|

Sheridan Ross shareholder Craig Mueller recently published an article on the passage of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, which signals a major overhaul to U.S. patent law in place since 1952. Coupled with the potential for a new satellite of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) based in Denver, the changes could help our state and the Rocky Mountain region in the ongoing push for economic recovery and long-term stability for companies working to protect their innovations in a time-efficient manner. Click here to read Craig's piece as published in the October 3, 2011 edition of Law Week Colorado.

American Invents Act Signed by President Barack Obama

DENVER - With the signing of the American Invents Act by President Barack Obama on September 16, 2011, Denver takes another important step in its push to secure one of three new satellite patent offices and help speed up a bogged down patent approval process. Sheridan Ross's John Posthumus played a key role in drafting the amendment and working with Senators Udall and Bennett to secure this important milestone for Colorado. Read more about this major step that could provide a boost to Denver's economy and attract technology companies to the region [here].

Sheridan Ross Law Firm adds Associate Thaine Lennox-Gentle

DENVER – Sheridan Ross P.C. announced the addition of Thaine Lennox-Gentle as associate.

Lennox-Gentle’s practice focuses on the prosecution of patents in the areas of mechanical, electro-mechanical, process and software engineering.
With more than 12 years of practical engineering experience, he has worked on projects in a diverse list of industries including: assembly automation engineering, consumer electronics, data storage, medical, MEMS, military, optics, semiconductor, and telecommunications.

Prior to joining Sheridan Ross, Lennox-Gentle served as the vice president of engineering for an automation company specializing in the design and manufacture of automated hazardous-environment assembly equipment. He has also worked as a manufacturing and mechanical engineer for a telecommunications company where he designed and built custom cleanroom assembly tools and worked on the mechanical design of an all-optical wavelength switch. [link]

Sheridan Ross Law Firm adds Senior Associate René Pereyra

DENVER – Sheridan Ross P.C. announced the addition of René Pereyra as a senior associate.

With 11 years of legal experience, including the past 6 years at Merchant & Gould, P.C., Pereyra practices intellectual property law including patent, trademark, and copyright law. His practice focuses on U.S. and international patent prosecution, intellectual property strategic planning, technology licensing and patent litigation support.

Pereyra also counsels clients with respect to patent infringement and patent validity issues. His patent experience includes drafting and prosecuting patents in a variety of technology areas including semiconductor processing equipment, gaming devices, mechanical devices, extractive metallurgy, nanoparticle manufacturing, fuel cells, and computer software.

Founded in 1954, Sheridan Ross is the oldest intellectual property law firm in the Rocky Mountain region. From individuals to the world’s largest corporations, we believe that the extraordinary effort to innovate should be matched by the strength of protection. With advanced degrees and work experience in technical fields including computer software, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, mathematics, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics and aeronautics – we are engineers, researchers, rocket scientists and so much more. Working with clients from virtually every industry and technology, we’re known for our ability to deliver relevant, cost-effective solutions to a broad range of IP legal needs.

Read the article in Law Week Colorado here.

Sheridan Ross Law Firm adds Scott Hawranek as Special Counsel

DENVER – Sheridan Ross P.C. announced the addition of Scott Hawranek as Special Counsel to the firm.

Hawranek is a registered patent attorney who focuses his practice on the strategic enforcement, defense, and development of patent and trademark rights both domestically and abroad. His practice also includes licensing strategies; freedom to practice strategies; invalidity and non-infringement opinions; and counseling clients with respect to trade secret issues, trademark issues, and associated employment issues.

Hawranek’s clients include those engaged in IP litigation and patent prosecution matters across a broad spectrum of technical fields, including pharmaceuticals, such as small molecule therapeutics and drug delivery systems; therapeutic methods, such as nutritional supplements and compositions; green energy processes and devices; semiconductor processes and devices; software; business methods; telecommunications; and medical devices.

Prior to joining the firm, he practiced intellectual property law both at another major law firm in Washington, D.C. and as in-house counsel for a large international medical device company. In addition, Hawranek was a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office examining semiconductor devices and processes. Before starting his intellectual property career, he worked as a research and development engineer.

Founded in 1954, Sheridan Ross is the oldest intellectual property law firm in the Rocky Mountain region. From individuals to the world’s largest corporations, we believe that the extraordinary effort to innovate should be matched by the strength of protection. With advanced degrees and work experience in technical fields including computer software, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, mathematics, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics and aeronautics – we are engineers, researchers, rocket scientists and so much more. Working with clients from virtually every industry and technology, we’re known for our ability to deliver relevant, cost-effective solutions to a broad range of IP legal needs.

2011 Top Trademark Firms

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TODAY, June 2011 – Denver-based Sheridan Ross P.C. has been recognized as one of the country’s top trademark firms by Intellectual Property Today magazine. The firm’s #19 ranking, up from #59 in 2009, is based on 2010 performance according to the number of U.S. trademark registrations issued in 2010 where the firm or individual is listed as the legal representative on the registration. The firm’s 30 percent increase in trademark registrations from 2009 to 2010 was the largest increase among any of the Top 20 firms. [link]

Six Sheridan Ross Attorneys Recognized as Top Patent Prosecutors

PATENT BUDDY, June 2011 – Six attorneys from Sheridan Ross have been recognized at Top Patent Prosecutors by Patent Buddy, a publication of Sunlight Research. Out of approximately 30,000 registered patent attorneys, less than 2% were selected as Top Patent Prosecutors.

The Sheridan Ross attorneys who claimed six of the top 14 spots on the Colorado list are:

• Gary Connell
• Matthew Ellsworth
• Brent Johnson
• Joe Kovarik
• Jason Vick
• Tadd Wilson

The Top Patent Prosecutor selection process is designed to identify patent prosecutors who have achieved a reputation among their peers for high quality work product and counseling skills in patent application preparation and prosecution.

Following the nomination process, the nominees were sorted into various geographical regions and general technology categories. A peer review panel for that area prepared the final list of honorees.

Sheridan Ross President Bruce Kugler Featured in Law Week Colorado 2nd Quarter Managing Partner Roundtable

LAW WEEK COLORADO, Denver — June 20, 2011 — Sheridan Ross President Bruce Kugler was featured in Law Week Colorado 2nd Quarter Managing Partner Roundtable. Kugler joined other Denver area law firm leaders to offer insights on how today's firms are managing expectations for clients, employees and business as a whole in a tough economy. (Read the full article)

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Satellite Office May Open in Denver

LAW WEEK COLORADO, Denver — June 6, 2011 A team of Denver intellectual property lawyers, including Sheridan Ross Shareholder John Poshumus, has lobbied for years to get the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to open a satellite office here, and their efforts may be close to bearing fruit. (Read the full article)

Eight Sheridan Ross Attorneys Recognized as Top Attorneys in Colorado Super Lawyers Lists.

Six Sheridan Ross shareholders and two associates are selected for the list of top attorneys in Colorado by Super Lawyers - Rising Stars 2011. Less than 5% of Colorado attorneys are included in this honor.

Selected as Colorado Super Lawyers 2011 are shareholders Todd P. Blakely, Robert R. Brunelli, Joseph Kovarik, John Posthumus, Sabrina Stavish. Shareholder Craig Mueller and associates Ian Walsworth and Tadd Wilson are named Rising Stars 2011. The 2011 list is published in Colorado Super Lawyers magazine and the April issue of 5280 magazine.

Sheridan Ross Patent Agent and Patent Attorney Quoted in Law Week Colorado.

In "A Niche Profession, Scientifically Speaking", Sheridan Ross patent agent Dennis Dupray discussed his career path which began with a Ph.D. in mathematics and master's degree in computer science, as well as experience including computer-aided design software and telephony.

Matt Ellsworth, one of Sheridan Ross' newest patent attorneys, discussed the considerations and decision to pursue a law degree after six years with Sheridan Ross as a patent agent. Sheridan Ross has four patent agents, among the most for Colorado IP law firms according to the list published by Law Week from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office web site.

Bradley Knepper Appointed to CPAC Board

Sheridan Ross intellectual property attorney and shareholder Bradley Knepper has been apointed to the Colorado Photographic Arts Center board of directors.

Founded in Denver in 1963, the Center was the first venue in the region to foster the art of photography and continues to be a vital force through its ongoing exhibition programming.

Sheridan Ross Attorneys Comment on Biotech Patent Flap.

Denver Business Journal reports "The prospect of a federal appeals court ruling invalidating thousands of biotechnology patents has caught the attention of Colorado companies.

While the implications aren’t completely clear yet, the case is one of the most talked-about issues in intellectual property law today, said John Posthumus, head of the Colorado Bar Association’s patent section.

“Arguably it could invalidate and implicate over 10,000 existing patents in the patent office — which is really huge,” said Posthumus, a shareholder at Denver-based Sheridan Ross P.C." [link]

Sheridan Ross P.C. Honored for Barrister Level Sponsorship and Participation in the Wheels of Justice Cycling Team in Courage Classic Bicycle Tour.

On October 21, 2010, Sheridan Ross was honored for their Barrister level sponsorship and participation in the Wheels of Justice Cycling Team in the Courage Classic Bicycle Tour. The 165 member Wheels of Justice team was the top fundraising team for the Courage Classic this year, having raised $250,196.00. The Courage Classic raises money for the Children's Fund for The Children's Hospital in Colorado. To see where the money goes, click here.

Sabrina Stavish Named a Nominee to the Denver Business Journal's Outstanding Women in Business 2010 Award

Sheridan Ross shareholder Sabrina Stavish has been named a nominee to the Denver Business Journal's Outstanding Women in Business 2010 Award. The honor recognizes Denver's most influential women in different industries who have achieved great success through leadership in business and community contribution.

John Posthumus Involved in the Push for a Regional U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Sheridan Ross Shareholder John Posthumus, the in-coming chair of the IP Section of the Colorado Bar Association, helped organize a reception for Deputy Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Sharon Barner and Deputy Chief of Staff Toni Hickey at the Carriage House at the Colorado Governor's Residence on June 4. John had the privilege of introducing Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper to attendees that included Rep. Perlmutter, Rep. Coffman, State of Colorado COO Don Elliman,Colorado State University Chancellor Joe Blake and 30 other distinguished political, community and business leaders, and stated in-part “From the very start of our efforts, Mayor Hickenlooper and his office have recognized the importance of this project not only for Colorado, but also as supporting innovation and job creation in Colorado and across the country. Prior to his political career, Mayor Hickenlooper was a geologist and a small business owner, and recognized the value of intellectual property to his business ventures.

John's introduction was followed by formal remarks by Mayor Hickenlooper, who indicated strong support for locating a satellite patent office in Colorado. Finally, Deputy Barner provided formal remarks thanking the Mayor and the attendees for their support and indicating that Colorado will receive strong consideration.

John has been at the forefront in the push for a regional U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He was recently quoted in the Denver Business Journal on this issue and has campaigned both in Colorado, at the PTO and on Capitol Hill. He strongly believes that the PTO needs to recruit patent examiners from a deeper pool of candidates from untapped regions across America, and that the best way to do this is to operate one or more satellite patent offices outside the beltway.

Bruce Kugler Speaks at the 8th Annual Rocky Mountain Intellectual Property and Technology Institute

Sheridan Ross shareholder Bruce Kugler recently spoke at the 8th Annual Rocky Mountain Intellectual Property and Technology. Bruce’s presentation, “Design Patents – Pitfalls and Strategies for Success,” covered design patent uses, applications and prosecution.

Sheridan Ross Ranked by Chambers USA for Second Straight Year

Sheridan Ross was ranked among the top Intellectual Property firms for the second year by Chambers USA. “This respected IP boutique covers a range of matters, including copyright, patent prosecution, trademark work and licensing and technology transactions.” The firm’s lawyers are also noted for being “flexible and proactive.”

Shareholder John Posthumus was named a Key Individual. John is "known for his IP practice, in particular matters involving trademarks. He is regarded as a top-notch attorney in this field." (Chambers USA, 2010)

Michael Incorvia and Research Team From Cornell University and International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. Receive Best Paper Award

Michael Incorvia and the team received The Soap and Detergent Association Best Paper Award at the Annual Meeting of the American Oil Chemsts' Society for their paper, “Adsorption of Aroma Chemicals on Cotton Fabric in Different Aqueous Environments,” published in the Journal of Surfactants & Detergents. For the full press release, please click here.

Pamela Hirschman Named Anti-Defamation League Board Member

Sheridan Ross attorney Pamela Hirschman was inducted today to the Board of Directors of the Anti-Defamation League Mountain States Region. Pamela previously has participated in the League’s Glass Partners in Leadership Program, has lobbied on its behalf and has helped organize educational events on civil rights issues.

Sheridan Ross Ranked in Top 60 Trademark Firms Nationwide

Intellectual Property Today ranked the firm in the top 60 of 210 trademark firms by volume of trademark registrations issued in 2009. Sheridan Ross was also ranked in the top 200 of patent firms by average number of utility patents issued in 2009.

Sabrina Stavish Named Among the “Top Women Lawyers 2010” by Law Week Colorado

Sheridan Ross shareholder Sabrina Stavish was named one of nine top women lawyers in Colorado by Law Week Colorado. Sabrina was commended for her investment and persistence in obtaining client solutions and her leadership both within the firm and with the Legal Aid Foundation. Please click here for the full article.

John Posthumus Quoted in Denver Business Journal

Sheridan Ross shareholder John Posthumus was quoted recently in the Denver Business Journal regarding his involvement in a push to open a satellite U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) in Denver. “Having something like that here would be attractive to Fortune 500 companies,” Posthumus said. “It would help support the growth of startup companies here in Colorado. There’s a broad ripple effect.”

Sheridan Ross Highest Ranked Denver-based IP Firm by Chambers USA

As the highest ranked Denver-based "full-service" intellectual property law firm, we are well known for our “expert knowledge in trademark and copyright law, patent prosecution, transactional work, licensing and IP litigation” and our "full team of specialists dedicated to each specific area." (Chambers USA, 2009

Eight Sheridan Ross Attorneys Receive Super Lawyer Honors

As a nod to the firm's stellar reputation, more than 25% of its attorneys were named to this year's Colorado Super Lawyers or Rising Stars. "We thank our peers for this recognition," says Sheridan Ross president Brad Knepper. "Working with many of the most innovative enterprises, old and new, in the Rocky Mountain West and globally is exciting and leaves no doubt about our being on the right path."

The following attorneys were chosen to 2010 Super Lawyers:

Todd P. Blakely
Robert R. Brunelli
Joseph E. Kovarik
John R. Posthumus
Sabrina C. Stavish

The following attorneys were chosen to 2010 Rising Stars:

Patricia Y. Ho
Craig W. Mueller
Ian R. Walsworth

Sheridan Ross Ranked Second Among U.S. Firms in Healthcare by Intellectual Asset Management Magazine

For the full article please click here.

This article first appeared in Intellectual Asset Management magazine, issue 40. To view the magazine in full, please go to www.iam-magazine.com.