Vorys Strengthens Technology and Intellectual Property Group
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease is pleased to announce the addition of three patent attorneys to the firm’s technology and intellectual property group in the Washington, D.C. office. Susanne M. Hopkins joined Vorys as a partner, William L. Klima joined as of counsel and Ari Zytcer joined as an associate. Hopkins, Klima and Zytcer came to Vorys from the Alexandria VA office of the Nath Law Group.
“We’re excited to strengthen our intellectual property practice by adding Susanne, Bill and Ari’s expertise in many underlying areas of technology, including biotechnology, chemical, pharmaceutical, aerospace, software and business methods,” said Benita A. Kahn, chair of Vorys’ technology and intellectual property practice group. “In addition to their U.S. patent experience, Susanne, Bill and Ari have significant experience working with Israeli and Japanese companies seeking patent protections in the U.S.”
Hopkins has been practicing intellectual property law for over 20 years and focuses her practice on technology areas including biotechnology, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biologics, cosmeceuticals, biomaterials and medical devices. She has counseled both emerging and mature companies, including health care providers, universities, software companies and hi-tech clients on intellectual property issues. Hopkins expertise includes developing patent strategies; procuring domestic and foreign patents; managing patent portfolios; monitoring competitive activity; drafting and negotiating technology agreements; preparing legal analysis; and developing strategies to defend, leverage and/or expand intellectual capital value. Hopkins earned her law degree from the George Mason University School of Law and her B.A. in cell and molecular biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Klima has been a practicing patent attorney for more than 20 years. He counsels clients on intellectual property strategy, business strategy and portfolio development. Klima also advises clients on the patent, trademark and copyright protection of technology. Prior to practicing law, he was a registered patent agent and a U.S. patent examiner. Klima received his J.D. from the George Mason University School of Law, his B.S. in aerospace engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and his A.B. in organic chemistry from Syracuse University.
Zytcer’s practice includes the preparation, prosecution and acquisition of U.S. and foreign patents across a wide range of technology areas, including new therapeutic chemical and biological treatments. He also prepares patentability, freedom to operate, non-infringement and validity analysis and conducts reexamination proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Zytcer received his LL.M from Trinity College Dublin, his J.D. from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law and his B.S. in pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He is also a registered pharmacist in the state of Ohio.
About Vorys: Vorys was established in 1909 and has grown to be one of the largest Ohio-based law firms with nearly 375 attorneys in six offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Akron, Ohio; Washington, D.C.; and Houston, Texas. Vorys currently ranks as one of the 200 largest law firms in the United States according to American Lawyer magazine.