Laurie Axford
Gordon & Rees LLP
101 W. Broadway, Suite 2000
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 230-7714
Education
Law School/Year: Western State University/1992
Other Graduate School/Year: SDSU/1982
College/Year: SDSU/1979
Bar Admissions
California/1992
Practice Areas
Intellectual Property
Major cases you have participated in
I have been involved in a number of complex intellectual property litigations, and have assisted in defending companies such as Chiron, Molecular Biosystems and Kaiser Permanente in these litigations. In addition, I have managed the intellectual property portfolios of several biotech companies, including Cohesion Technologies, Molecular Biosystems, Metrika, Sangart, Chugai Biopharmaceuticals, Inova and Medical Analysis Systems.
Professional background
I am a partner in the San Diego office of Gordon & Rees LLP, and chair of the firm's Intellectual Property group. My practice focuses on all phases of patent prosecution, including forming initial patent strategies for new technologies and managing complex existing portfolios. I have written and prosecuted patents covering inventions relating to organic chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, nanotechnology, synthetic polymers, textiles, small molecules, assay devices, business methods, and drug delivery systems. My industry focus includes a large cross-section of life science-related fields including diagnostics, therapeutics, medical devices and consumer goods.
Professional affiliations
I was named by The Daily Transcript as one of 'The Transcript's Ten' Top Attorneys in San Diego in 2005. In addition, I am a member of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry and the American Chemical Society. I am also former President of the San Diego Intellectual Property Law Association and the former director of the San Diego Nucleic Acid Conference.
David Branfman
Branfman & Associates
12750 High Bluff Drive, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-5800
Education
Law School/Year: University of San Diego School of Law/1978
College/Year: Alfred University/1975
Bar Admissions
California/1978
Practice Areas
Intellectual Property, Patent, Trademark & Copyright, Entertainment/New Media
Major cases you have participated in
No single case stands out as "major." Instead, the major work has been the thread of hundreds of cases and deals over the years -- most of which addressed the competing rights of owners versus users of IP in a constantly-evolving technological and artist marketplace. But one stands out: the case of an individual entrepreneur we guided who started a sales-training business with simply a seminar notebook, an audiotape and a great name; over time he built the business into a virtual corporation with annual sales in excess of $25 million and then sold the business for a handsome profit.
Professional background
Have been practicing law in San Diego County for over 27 years. Practice focuses on intellectual property and entertainment/new media law, including trademarks, copyrights, e-commerce, trade secrets, licensing, motion pictures, television and music. After a five-year association with the IP firm Charmasson & Holz, I joined Gary Martin to form Martin & Branfman. In early 1994 formed Branfman & Associates to focus on intellectual property and entertainment matters. Writer and publisher of "INTELESCOPE," a periodic newsletter concerning new developments in intellectual property and new media/entertainment law that has been published continuously since the early 1990's.
Professional affiliations
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Film Commission from 1998 -- January 2000 and currently a member of the Board of Directors; Legal Chair of the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences; Member of the State Bar of California's Intellectual Property Section
Personal background
My wife Susyn and I live in Encinitas with our parrot POTUS and two dogs -- Lola (named after either a Kinks or Barry Manilow song) and Branfdog (named after the lord and master of the pack). I am an avid softball player, in-line skater and percussionist - but not at the same time.
Randall Broberg
Allen Matkins
12348 High Bluff Drive, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92120
(858) 481-5055
Education
Law School/Year: University of Virginia, School of Law/1989
College/Year: Stanford University/1983
Bar Admissions
California, 1991; Texas, 1989; District of Columbia, 1990
Practice Areas
Corporate Business, Intellectual Property, International, Patent, Trademark & Copyright, Technology
Major cases you have participated in
I am a transactional attorney, so my 'cases' are really deals for the most part. Representation of Avanir Pharmaceuticals in a license against Glaxo Smith Kline. Representation of Overland Storage in a manufacuring outsourcing agreement against Sanmina-SCA. Representation of General Atomics in a manufacturing arrangement against Dungbo Anam, a Korean manufacturer. Representation of Jack in the Box licensing software from Oracle. Representation of Overland Storage in an agreement opposite Dell. Representation of Overland Storage in an agreement opposite HP/Compaq. Representation of Overland Storage in an agreement opposite IBM. Special intellectual property counsel to the Probate Court that probated the estates of the 39 deceased members of the Heavens Gate cult. Representation of Serena Williams to acquire the domain name, serenawilliams.com. Representation of Swiss Air against cybersquatters who registered domain names after the crash of Flight 111. Representation of Ken Blanchard Companies in a copyright case against Dell Computer. Representation of the Estate of Princess Diana in connection with rights of publicity, particularly in connection with medalions and coins being sold by Franklin Mint. Trademark representation of Directed Electronics (Viper car alarms) in connection lawsuits against numerous infringers around the US. Registration of sound of Viper car alarm as a registered U.S. trademark. Registration of the colors of Never Compromise golf clubs as U.S. trademarks. Representation of Avanir Pharmaceuticals licensing technology in Greece, Sweden, Japan, Korea, China, and others. Representation of Axesstel, Inc. in multiple international transactions. In last 24 months, I've handled 44 international transactions involving 27 different countries.
Professional background
Began professional career as a legislative assistant to Congressman Bill Lowery (1983-1988). Associate, Baker & Botts, 1989-1991. Associate, Brobeck Phleger & Harrison, 1991-1993 General Counsel, Directed Electronics, Inc. 1993-1994. Of Counsel, Baker & McKenzie, 1994-1997. Partner, Baker & McKenzie, 1997-1998 Shareholder, Heller Ehrman, 1998-2000 General Counsel, WebSideStory, 2000-2002 Solo Practice, Broberg & Associates, 2002-2005 Partner, Allen Matkins, 2005-present.
Professional affiliations
Member, Licensing Executives Society; Member, International Association of Privacy Professionals; Member, American Intellectual Property Association; former member, International Trademark Association; Former Vice Chairman, Health Care Policy Counsel; Former Chairman, North County Enterprise Consortium
Personal background
Originally from Minnesota but grew up in Texas. Married, 17 years to Justine Broberg. Three children, Alex, age 12, Spencer, age 11 and Mallory, age 9.
James Cleary
Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo P.C.
9255 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 600
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 320-3033
Education
Law School/Year: University of California, Davis/1997
Other Graduate School/Year: Chapman University, MBA/1991
College/Year: United States Air Force Academy, BSEE / 1989
Bar admissions
California, USPTO
Practice areas
Corporate Business, Intellectual Property, Patent, Trademark & Copyright, Technology
Major cases
I have supported litigation to defend Gateway Computers v. Lans, as well as supported the defense of Hewlett Packard v. Pitney Bowes. Most of my work has been in support of patent prosecution for large, global clients such as SAP AG.
Professional background
I specialize in patent prosecution and other services related to the commercialization and exercise of intellectual property.
Professional affiliations
I am a member of SDIPLA, and regularly attend MIT Forum meetings, Kiretsu Forum activities, and Tech Coast Angels events.
Personal affiliations
I co-founded a sports equipment company that specializes in aquatic fitness and therapy using cutting-edge drag resistance technology. I also co-founded a bicycle seat design company that specializes in lightweight, configurable air-filled seats.
Personal background
I am married and a father of three young children.
Karen Dow
Townsend and Townsend and Crew, LLP
12730 High Bluff Drive, Suite 400
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 350-6108
Education
Law School/Year: Indiana University/1979
College/Year: Bowling Green State University/1976
Bar Admissions
California, U.S. Patent Office
Practice Areas
Intellectual Property, Patent, Trademark & Copyright
Major cases you have participated in
As a person who obtains patents for clients and counsels clients on intellectual property matters, I do not participate directly in litigation. I represent a substantial number of biotechnology companies in all aspects of their patent and other intellectual property matters. I have obtained important patents in various medical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology areas.
Professional background
I am partner-in-charge of the San Diego office and am a senior partner of the firm. Part of my responsibility is to manage all aspects of the office, as well as practice law. I have extensive experience in biotechnology patent issues, having been involved in the business since its inception. And have practiced within both biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
Professional affiliations
I am a member of all of the state and local bar associates, as well as patent law associations. In addition, I am a member of Athena, and have been nominated for one of Athena's Pinnacle Award. Plus, I am on various committees within CONNECT.
I was the first woman at Townsend and Townsend and Crew to become a partner in the area of patents, and have been the first woman to chair committees within the firm. Moreover, I am recognized as one of the pioneering women in biotechnology law. Throughout my career, I have taken the time to truly train junior attorneys and have promoted women and minorities.
Personal background
My personal background is very modest, since I was born in a small coal-mining town and was the first woman on my mother's side of the family to go to college. Unlike many of my legal colleagues, I have worked, since I was 16, at various jobs to pay for my college and law school education.
Linda Evans
Johnson & Johnson
3210 Merryfield Row
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 320-3406
Education
Law School/Year: George Mason University School of Law/1991
College/Year: The Ohio State University/1983
Bar Admissions
Virginia, District of Columbia, California (registered in-house)
Practice Areas
Corporate Business, Intellectual Property, Patent, Trademark & Copyright
Major cases you have participated in
Based at the San Diego facility of Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C., my responsibilities have included performing due diligence for various merger & acquisition deals, drafting and negotiating licenses, preparing and prosecuting patents, and counseling clients on behalf of J&J and its pharmaceutical/biotech operating companies.
Professional background
My IP practice has spanned more than twenty years, with experience ranging from a patent examiner at the USPTO, to a patent agent at a boutique firm (Wegner & Bretschneider), to an attorney at a large IP firm (Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner), and eventually to in-house counsel at several major corporations (Owens Corning, Agouron Pharmaceuticals/Warner-Lambert/Pfizer, J&J).
Professional affiliations
San Diego Intellectual Property Law Association (SDIPLA): member and co-chair of SDIPLA Mentoring Committee; American Intellectual Property Law Association; American Bar Association
AnneMarie Kaiser
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
550 West C Street, Suite 1200
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 235-8550
Education
Law School/Year: University of California, Hastings, College of the Law/1992
College/Year: University of California, Davis/1985
Bar Admissions
California, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. District Court, Southern and Central Districts of California
Practice Areas
Intellectual Property, Patent, Trademark & Copyright
Major cases you have participated in
I concentrate on patent protection with special expertise in molecular biology, immunology and diagnostics. As a result of my patent prosecution and strategic counsel on behalf of Genentech Inc., I was named one of the 11 Best Lawyers in the Bay Area for patents by Bay Area Lawyer Magazine in 2005. I have lectured on intellectual property law and have authored several articles for various professional journals, including the LA Daily Journal and the San Diego Daily Transcript.
Professional background
I am a partner in the San Diego office of Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP. My practice focuses on domestic and foreign patent strategy, prosecution, licensing and opinion work, as well as all aspects of U.S. and international trademark law. I provide comprehensive patent portfolio development and management for clients in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device fields. In addition, I represent a variety of clients in relation to U.S. and international trademark and domain name matters.
Professional affiliations
Member, San Diego and California Bar Associations, Board Member, Athena, Member, San Diego Intellectual Property Association, Member, International Trademark Association (INTA)
Carl Kukkonen
Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC
9255 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 600
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 320-3035
Education
Law School/Year: George Washington University/1998
College/Year: Harvey Mudd College/1995
Bar Admissions
California, United States Patent and Trademark Office
Practice Areas
Corporate Business, Intellectual Property, Patent, Trademark & Copyright, Technology
Major cases you have participated in
Mentioned under Notable Deals in April 2006 issue of IP Law and Business - Represented Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Corporation in license of more than 50 patents from California Institute of Technology and University of Southern California.
Professional background
Practice focuses on strategic intellectual property counseling including advice on patent infringement and validity, preparation and prosecution of patent applications, licensing, and due diligence studies. I also regularly counsel emerging growth companies on issues ranging from entity formation and governance to venture capital financings.
I have drafted and prosecuted patents in a wide range of technical areas including computer software and architecture, computer security, nanotechnology, optical devices, sensors, fuel cells, and aerospace. In addition, my articles have been published in many legal and technical periodicals.
Professional affiliations
Member of Federation Internationale des Conseils en Propriete‚ Industrielle; Member of Association Internationale pour la Protection de la Propriete‚ Intellectuelle; committee member of the San Diego MIT Enterprise Forum Program; judge for the San Diego State University Venture Challenge
Personal background
Proud father of son Aksel.
Terrance (Terry) Meador
INCAPLAW
1050 Rosecrans St., Suite K
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 222-2536
Education
Law School/Year: Western State/1979
Other Graduate School/Year: San Diego State University/1973
College/Year: Claremont Men's College/1966
Bar Admissions
California/1981; United States Patent and Trademark Office/1981
Practice Areas
Intellectual Property, Patent, Trademark & Copyright
Major cases you have participated in
I have written over 175 U.S. patents and patent applications for Arizant Healthcare Inc. and its predecessor company, Augustine Medical Inc. The entire patent portfolio provides protection for the company's temperature management, fluid warming, and perioperative treatment products. In addition, I established the company's trademark portfolio which includes such well-known medical product brands as Bair Hugger, Ranger and Bair Paws.
Professional background
Following service with the Marines, and with degrees in History/Economics and engineering, I worked as an electronics engineer for the Navy on projects involving optical technology and communications. After night law school, I began patent practice, my vocation and avocation for the last 25 years. I've served as a Navy Department patent attorney and held partnership in three fine San Diego law firms. Along the way I've been Chair of the Cal Bar IP Section and of the patent and trademark practice group at Gray Cary. Presently I'm the proprietor of INCAPLAW, and having the time of my life!
Professional affiliations
I hold membership in Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society, the California Bar, the US Patent Bar, the American Intellectual Property Law Association, the American Bar Association, the San Diego Intellectual Property Law Association, and the San Diego County Bar Association.
Personal background
My roots are 99 percent California and 1 percent Guam. I was born in Oakland and schooled in Mong Mong, San Diego and Claremont. I have been married to Trudy Kralles Meador for 36 years, and we are the proud parents of Megan Alicia Christie and Matthew Joseph Meador, and proud grandparents of Nathan Edward Christie. With the exception of two years at the U.S. Naval Station, Guam, Trudy and I have lived in Point Loma for all of our married life.
Jacob Reinbolt
Procopio, Cory, Hargeaves & Savitch, LLP
530 B St., Suite 2100
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 525-3868
Education
Law School/Year: The University of Michigan/1984
College/Year: Miami University/1981
Bar Admissions
California/1988, Indiana/1984
Practice Areas
Commercial, Corporate Business, Intellectual Property, Patent, Trademark & Copyright, Technology
Major cases you have participated in
Obtained the first and only copyright registration in the history of the Copyright Act for a sequence of yoga postures. This registration has generated worldwide commentary. Successfully prevented the Federal Trade Commission from obtaining an injunction against a San Diego company that sent pop-up ads to consumers' computers by capitalizing on a loophole in Microsoft's Windows operating system. Many of those pop-up ads would instruct users to go to a Web site where they could buy software to end the barrage. The FTC had alleged that the advertisements caused substantial injury to consumers.
Professional background
Practice involves information technology and computer law, intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets), Internet law, financings, corporate law, business planning and structuring, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial transactions. Leader of Procopio's 20-person Intellectual Property Team. Special Outside Counsel to the City of San Diego for Intellectual Property, e-Government, and Internet matters, 2001-2003. Author of Chapter 8 'Intellectual Property Protection' of CEB's 3-volume work 'Capitalizing and Protecting New Businesses.' Recognized as one of the top four Intellectual Property Attorneys in San Diego by San Diego Magazine.
Professional affiliations
American Bar Association, State Bar of California, and San Diego County Bar Association Intellectual Property Sections; San Diego Intellectual Property Association; San Diego Software Industry Council; International Technology Law Association.
Personal affiliations
E. W. Scripps Associates Member (supports the Scripps Institution of Oceanography)
Personal background
Born in Toledo, Ohio. Five brothers and sisters. Member of Sylvania High School Alumni Hall of Fame. Obsessive tennis player until age 17. Now an obsessive triathlete and quantum physics enthusiast. Qualified for and completed the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona Hawaii.
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