International law firm Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is expanding its intellectual property practice significantly with the addition of James L. Bikoff as partner in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Mr. Bikoff’s practice focuses on trademark and copyright matters, including litigation, as well as Internet and domain name protection and enforcement, in the United States and abroad.
In addition to Mr. Bikoff, David K. Heasley (counsel), Valeriya Sherman (associate), and Darlene S. Klinksieck (trademark portfolio manager) are also joining the firm’s intellectual property practice.
“The addition of Jim and his team strengthens our thriving IP practice and supplements the legal services our attorneys are currently offering,” said Stephen Forte, SGR’s managing partner. “It’s an impressive group that possesses great perspective and experience in the area of trademark and Internet law.”
Mr. Bikoff has been active for over 40 years directing worldwide intellectual property protection, trademark litigation, anti-counterfeiting enforcement, and Internet and domain name litigation. His clients have included the International Olympic Committee, United States Olympic Committee, American Red Cross, Federation Internationale de Football Association (“FIFA”), The National Grange and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”). He writes and speaks frequently on intellectual property protection and enforcement, and has testified before Congress in support of intellectual property legislation. He was actively involved in the enactment of the U.S. Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (“ACPA”).
“We are fortunate to have here at SGR a large and growing IP team, which assists our many clients across the full range of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret legal matters, including IP procurement, transactions, licensing and litigation,” said Greg Kirsch, the head of SGR’s IP practice. “Jim and his team are well-known for their work in handling trademark and domain name protection and disputes, and will add considerable depth to our existing comprehensive trademark practice.”
Mr. Bikoff graduated, cum laude, from the University of Cincinnati. He received his LL.B. from Columbia University School of Law and obtained an LL.M. in trade regulation from the New York University School of Law. He is chair of the Trademark Legislation Committee of American Bar Association, the European Community Trademark Association (Anti-Counterfeiting Committee), International Trademark Association (Internet Committee, Chair of the Domain Disputes and the Whois Subcommittee), and the New York Intellectual Property Law Association. He previously served as co-chair of the IP law section of the DC Bar Association.
SGR’s Intellectual Property Practice Group
SGR offers a full range of intellectual property services, including patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection, licensing and intellectual property litigation. Working with lawyers from SGR’s corporate practice, we also routinely handle commercial transactions involving the licensing, acquisition or sale of intellectual property.
About Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP
SGR is a full service, international law firm that advises regional, national and global businesses on a wide range of legal matters. The firm’s 200 attorneys provide legal counsel in more than 45 specialized practice areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, aviation, banking, construction and employment law. Founded in 1893, SGR has offices in Atlanta, Jacksonville, New York, Washington, D.C. and Frankfurt, Germany. Please visit www.sgrlaw.com for more information on the law firm.