Am Law 100 firm Polsinelli welcomes Shareholder Eric Hanson to the national Intellectual Property Department. With his appointment, Polsinelli expands the depth and capability of the Intellectual Property Department in the Southeast and its breadth of patent, trademark and copyright-related services, including portfolio creation and management, transactions and monetization strategies.
A registered patent attorney, Hanson has dedicated his 20-year career to representing clients in all aspects of domestic and international patent law, as well as matters related to trademarks, trade secrets and copyright.
Hanson earned his undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology from Vanderbilt University and his J.D. as a member of The Order of the Coif from Tulane Law School. His legal career has been shaped by his background and strong interest in science and technology. Working closely with a pioneer company in medical technology for over a decade, Hanson navigated the company to secure over 100 patents and trademarks for its groundbreaking acoustic pressure shock wave technology. He has also represented numerous physician entrepreneurs and physician-led start-up companies in medical device patenting and monetization strategies, including devices for alleviating sleep apnea, treating degenerative spinal conditions, healing injured and diseased muscles, and preventing infections.
In addition to medical devices, Hanson has worked with a variety of cutting-edge technologies and industries, including hardware/software enhancements and functionality, communications, building automation and controls, interactive media, motion picture props, mobile applications, music instruments, building/construction products, industrial/manufacturing equipment and processes, sports equipment, data processing, internet and business methods, 3-D printing, fiber optics, agriculture , chemicals, life sciences, biotechnology and nuclear power plants. He manages the global patent and trademark portfolios for a large building products manufacturer and for one of the world’s largest retail chemical products manufacturers.
Hanson also has extensive experience in all forms of IP transactions. Hanson has managed all aspects of IP due diligence and contract negotiations for hundreds of U.S. and cross-border mergers & acquisitions, investments, licenses, joint ventures and financing deals that value over $3.5 billion, including reviewing a potential investment of over $1 billion in patented nuclear power plant technology.
“I was drawn to Polsinelli because of the strength of the Intellectual Property Department,” explains Hanson. “My colleagues at the firm include former patent and trademark commissioners of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and attorneys and agents with PhD-level technical experience and insight that is unrivaled by other firms in the country. Together we can help clients navigate complex intellectual property and patent issues, including IP-centric deals across all industries.”
Hanson joins a team of 35 in Polsinelli’s Atlanta office, which is led by Brian McEvoy, Office Managing Partner and Chair of the Government Investigations Practice at Polsinelli. The Intellectual Property Department is overseen by Practice Chair Patrick C. Woolley.
“Polsinelli’s Intellectual Property Department is one of the largest practices of its kind in the country with a deep bench of more than 165 attorneys, patent agents, scientists and other professionals,” explains Woolley. “Eric is our first attorney appointment to the IP Department in the Atlanta office. His experience as an ‘outside’ chief IP counsel for a number of corporations and experience in managing international IP portfolios, day-to-day issues and transactions brings a lot of value to current and potential clients.”
“Eric is a great complement to our team of corporate, technology and licensing attorneys in Atlanta, says McEvoy. “He brings an unparalleled background in the management of global patent and trademark portfolios and the ability to handle IP transactional matters across multiple industries. Eric will undoubtedly guide our continued growth in the broad market of intellectual property in the Southeast and across the country.”
Hanson has practiced his entire career in Atlanta and is member of the Advisory Board for Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta, which connects him with Atlanta-area non-profit companies that require legal guidance for trademark and copyright issues.
Source: www.polsinelli.com
