ATLANTA (April 8, 2019) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce the addition of Partner Michael Riesen and Counsel Indhira LaPuma to the firm’s Intellectual Property (IP) Practice in the Atlanta office.
“SGR is excited to welcome Mike and Indhira to the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice,” said Greg Kirsch, Head of the firm’s IP Department. “Mike and Indhira both add extensive patent and technical expertise to our large and growing IP group, along with creative approaches to practice management and automation. They bring with them an impressive roster of clients, from small start-ups to well-known technology and consumer companies, as well as universities. As former in-house patent and innovation counsel for a major company, Indhira also brings a unique perspective to the practice of patent law.”
Mr. Riesen has developed a practice of true partnership with clients, building a deep understanding of the convergence of IP and business. He manages IP portfolios including preparation and prosecution of patent and trademark applications. Mr. Riesen also uses his technical background in artificial intelligence, material sciences, physics, electrical engineering, and computer science to assist in IP due diligence and patent litigation, and works with clients to quickly assess their cases and develop effective strategies. Mr. Riesen joins SGR from a national law firm where he was a Partner in the IP Practice.
Ms. LaPuma has significant experience managing global patent portfolios, drafting complex IP agreements, performing patent analyses for patent valuation, due diligence and commercialization projects, and counseling clients on how to develop, acquire, and maintain strong intellectual property portfolios. She has experience in private practice and as in-house counsel for large global companies. Ms. LaPuma joins SGR from VF Corporation where she was Innovation Counsel.
In addition to their legal practice, Mr. Riesen and Ms. LaPuma have launched “SGR Labs,” an innovation team comprised of legal practitioners, engineers, and software developers. SGR Labs is partnering with software developers and thought leaders in the legal industry to develop and provide practical legal solutions in a quickly evolving legal landscape. The program, which provides a platform for research and collaboration across practice groups, has three initial mandates: software implementation, data analytics, and automation. For more information about SGR Labs, please click here.
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 250 attorneys provide legal counsel in more than 45 specialized practice areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, aviation, banking, real estate, construction, employment law, and employee benefits and executive compensation. Founded in 1893, SGR has offices in Atlanta, Austin, Jacksonville, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Munich, New York, Southampton, and Washington, D.C.