AI Magazine Issue 2 2017

24 Acquisition International - February 2017 Brian W. Hannon shares his thoughts on how Sughrue Mion, a successful patent law firm based in Washington DC, USA, has become award winning in Acquisition International’s Leading Advisor category. ughrue Mion PLLC is an IP boutique that provides strategic counselling to clients in obtaining, maintaining and capitalising on their intellectual property. When litigation is unavoidable Sughrue’s experienced trial attorneys obtain results that further its clients’ business objectives. Sughrue lawyers have particular expertise before the International Trade Commission and extensive experience in all matters before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Federal and state trial courts and the U.S. Courts of Appeal. A recognised leader in intellectual property law, Sughrue has obtained more U.S. patents for clients than any other firm in the world and is consistently ranked among the top U.S. firms annually for the number of issued U.S. patents and trademarks. Brian outlines his role at the firm and how his day to day responsibilities contribute to the wider firm. “I am the practice group leader for the largest group in the firm - the electrical/mechanical group. In my role, I develop the vision of our group. This involves communicating the long-term direction of the firm and establishing short term goals to help these long-term objectives. I help to build consensus throughout the group and work to gain the commitment of my partners to our practice vision. I ensure the alignment of people; that partners all have input and are heard and that all opinions are considered and communicated to the group. “As the EM practice group leader, I am accountable for effecting change and for the execution of the firm strategies through client development and marketing activities and I help people become involved in events and organisations that will help us achieve our long-term goals. As the EM Company: Sughrue Mion, PLLC Name: Brian W. Hannon Email: [email protected] Web: www.sughrue.com Address: 2100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037 Phone: 202 293 7060 Premier IP Powerhouse S 1702AI10 Leader, I work to ensure that we are not only a working organisation, but one that fosters learning, collegiality and a desire to provide the best advice possible.” Brian discusses more in depth about what the firm does in the industry. He tells us what the firm can offer potential, future clients whilst also briefly describing the firm’s international stature. “First and foremost, Sughrue is a leader in patent preparation and prosecution. In addition, our practice consists of trial and appellate litigation in the federal courts with regular appearances in the U.S. District Courts, U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Administrative Courts. Because of our diverse client base we are equally experienced in managing litigation for our clients internationally. Our focus is on protecting the universe of our clients’ intellectual properties and assuring that protectable rights remain freely available. While some firms specialise in litigation and others in intellectual property, our Litigation Practice Group brings these skills together into a formidable team. “For over 40 years, Sughrue Mion, PLLC has been internationally recognised for its expertise in USPTO post grant proceedings, including patent interferences and ex parte and inter-partes re- examination. Sughrue’s post grant practice group has extensive experience in this specialised area of administrative litigation. Our team of specialists has successfully advocated clients’ interests across the spectrum of technologies, in the USPTO, district courts and the Federal Circuit. “Sughrue is an international firm in every sense of the word. We are experienced in handling worldwide patent and trademark portfolios, and have major clients throughout the world, for example, in Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, India and Europe. All our patent attorneys have technical degrees, speak many languages, and travel the world on a regular basis to meet with clients and speak at international conferences as authorities on Intellectual Property issues.” Dealing with clients is a vital component of any firm and Sughrue is no exception. Brian describes what approach the firm takes to client service. “Protecting intellectual property - the property of ideas - demands experience , substantive knowledge and a commitment to the client’s needs. Sughrue rises to meet these challenges every day.”