San Diego, CA, February 21, 2005 – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – Baker & McKenzie LLP announced today that it has expanded its intellectual property practice with the addition of a team of attorneys to its San Diego office. The new group is led by partner Howard Wisnia, and includes associates James Conley, Noel Gillespie, Dave Koo, Christopher Serra and patent agent Lester Anderson. All six join from Paul Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP.
The new group focuses its practice in litigating Intellectual Property (IP) disputes, building patent portfolios and advising clients on various IP related matters. They have litigated patent disputes in a variety of technical areas, including semiconductor, telecommunications, computer technologies, biotechnology and medical device technologies. The group also has extensive experience in IP licensing, due diligence, and counsel matters. Each member is registered to practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office and has supervised and conducted domestic and international patent prosecution.
“We are pleased to welcome Howard, Jim, Noel, Dave, Christopher and Les to Baker & McKenzie. Our ability to attract talent of this caliber is a testament to the strength of our practice in this key area. Expanding our practice in North America is a priority for Baker & McKenzie, and adding groups of talented attorneys of the standing and reputation of Howard Wisnia and his team is a core element of our growth strategy.” said John Flaim, Chair of the North American Intellectual Property practice.
Charles Dick, Managing Partner of the San Diego office, added, “This is wonderful news for the San Diego office. Howard, Jim, Noel, Dave, Christopher and Lester are highly respected attorneys as well as collegial individuals. They make a very welcome addition to our team here in San Diego.”
Commenting on his move, Mr. Wisnia said, “I am delighted to join Baker & McKenzie and its thriving intellectual property practice, both in San Diego and globally. The Firm has a first-rate reputation in this area, and I am looking forward to leveraging the benefits of its global presence for the benefit of my clients.”
Mr. Wisnia began his career in Intellectual Property as a U.S. patent examiner in 1991 and joined Lyon & Lyon in 1996 upon graduating from law school. He also served as General Counsel to the medical device company CryoGen, Inc. He most recently worked with Paul Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP prior to joining Baker & McKenzie. He received a J.D. from George Washington University in 1996, and a B.S. Electrical Engineering from George Washington University in 1991.
James Conley focuses his practice on litigating intellectual property disputes, patent prosecution and strategic counsel. His education background is in mechanical engineering.
Noel Gillespie assists his clients in building strategic national and international patent portfolios, as well as advising them regarding patent litigation, licensing and other IP matters. His education background is electrical engineering.
Dave Koo focuses his practice on a wide range of IP matters with emphasis in the areas of patent litigation, licensing and advice. His educational background is in molecular and cell biology with an emphasis in biochemistry.
Christopher Serra focuses his practice on patent litigation and prosecution. His education background is in computer science.
Les Anderson’s focus is on preparing patent applications in the telecommunications and electrical arts, and managing the patent docket. His education background is in electrical engineering.
