MARCH 26, 2008, St. Louis, Missouri...The Intellectual Property Practice Group at Gallop, Johnson & Neuman (www.gjn.com) continues to address a growing number of client needs with the addition of two experienced IP attorneys, Kenneth Solomon and Jeffrey H. Kass, former partners in the IP practices at the Thompson Coburn and Armstrong Teasdale law firms in St. Louis, respectively.
With the additions of Mr. Solomon and Mr. Kass as partners of the firm, there are now ten attorneys in Gallop, Johnson & Neuman's IP Practice Group, which expanded in October 2007 with the addition of new partner Kay R. Sherman and associate Daniel T. Simpson, Jr.
Thomas J. Campbell, managing partner at Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, said, "Our firm is serving an increasing number of business clients who are dealing with a variety of IP matters, and our growing IP Practice certainly reflects this. Ken Solomon and Jeffrey Kass are very experienced in addressing a full range of IP legal issues for clients, including matters before government agencies and the courts. The expertise Ken and Jeffrey bring materially enhances our firm's booming IP practice."
John W. Kepler III, chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group at Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, said, "In part, our IP practice is expanding exponentially because the practice of IP law is the fastest-growing area of the legal profession. More biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical, computer and other high-tech industries, as well as companies in virtually every industry sector, are dealing with needs to protect and leverage their IP assets in a changing global business world. In terms of IP injunctions and pending litigation cases, our firm is especially busy."
Kepler added, "In September 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1908, also known as the Patent Reform Act of 2007. In weeks ahead the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on its counterpart bill, S 1145, which if passed will represent the first truly sweeping change to U.S. patent law in more than 50 years. This legislation, along with the U.S. Supreme Court's recent landmark decision regarding MercExchange LLC's patent infringement suit against EBay Inc., which sets a new precedent in patent infringement cases, will have substantial impact in business and legal communities already addressing many IP issues arising in the 21st century."
Mr. Solomon has over 25 years of experience representing IP clients in the U.S and internationally. He focuses his practice on management of large IP portfolios, from obtaining and securing rights through the preparation and prosecution of patent and trademark applications, to protection of such rights through client counseling, policing, licensing and litigation, as well as defensive protection against rights asserted by others. His expertise includes drafting IP agreements, and preparing patentability, validity and infringement opinions. He has substantial experience in many industries, including the chemical arts and mechanical arts. He has prepared and prosecuted applications for products and processes in biochemical and pharmaceutical technologies, petroleum technologies and industrial chemistry, among other areas.
Mr. Kass focuses his practice in trademark, copyright and patent litigation, as well as trademark law, technology law, business and commercial litigation, broker-dealer arbitration and business planning matters. His IP practice also focuses on contract issues, trademark and patent disputes, software licensing and leasing, Internet domain name disputes, and related areas of law. He is experienced handling preliminary injunctions and temporary restraining orders, jury and non jury trials, and he has participated in securing multiple trademark infringement victories in federal court. Mr. Kass is the author or co-author of many publications and has made many presentations for business, academic and legal forums. He also is an adjunct law professor teaching IP litigation.
Clients of the Intellectual Property Practice Group at Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, which is one of more than 30 practice areas at the firm, include a medical device manufacturing firm; a pharmaceutical company; a developer of computer software; a soy protein technology company; a major food products company; cable TV services company; securities brokerage firm; pet food manufacturer; international printing company; and a major consumer products company, among other clients.
Since 1976, Gallop, Johnson & Neuman has served clients in St. Louis and around the world. The firm is distinguished by a Commitment to Excellence. The firm serves public and privately held corporations, small companies, start-up enterprises, entrepreneurs and non-profit entities, as well as individuals and families. Gallop, Johnson & Neuman is one of the largest law firms in St. Louis. Offices are located at 101 South Hanley Road, Suite 1700, Clayton, Missouri, 63105.
For more information about Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, please contact Daniel P. Mauzy at 314.615.6000 or visit the website www.gjn.com.
