John G. Smith Joins Drinker Biddle's Intellectual Property Group

Former Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Partner Focuses on Domestic and International Patent Matters

WASHINGTON, DC (April 21, 2005) - The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP is pleased to welcome John G. Smith as a partner in its Intellectual Property Practice Group.  Mr. Smith joins Drinker Biddle from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, where he was a partner in the firm’s intellectual property practice.  He will be resident in Drinker Biddle’s Washington, DC office.  In addition to Mr. Smith, Paul A. Fournier will be coming to Drinker Biddle as an associate from Morgan Lewis. 

“John’s focus on patent matters in the electrical, computer, telecommunications, optics, semiconductor, electro-mechanical and mechanical arts will enhance the work we do in these areas.  We are delighted to welcome such a highly accomplished lawyer to our practice, on the heels of adding two new partners with extensive experience in the biotechnology fields,” said Gregory J. Lavorgna, head of Drinker Biddle’s Intellectual Property Practice Group.  “The addition of John and Paul also greatly enhances the Group’s patent capabilities in the DC office.”

“I am delighted to join Drinker Biddle’s rapidly growing intellectual property practice.  The firm has a deep commitment to helping clients leverage and protect their strategic business assets, which is critically important in this demanding global marketplace,” said Mr. Smith.

Mr. Smith was resident as an intellectual property lawyer in the Morgan, Lewis Tokyo office from 1995 to 1998.  He frequently visits Japan to conduct client meetings, negotiations, and intellectual property lectures and seminars.

Mr. Smith has also served as a patent examiner with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  His litigation experience encompasses work on cases before the International Trade Commission, various U.S. District Courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.  Mr. Smith earned his BSEE from Marquette University and J.D. from the George Washington University National Law Center.