Sonnenschein Recruits Agricultural Biotech Attorney Dr. Robert E. Hanson

September 11, 2007

Hanson recognized nationwide as "rising star" in intellectual property law

(DALLAS, September 11, 2007)—National law firm Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP announced today that Dr. Robert E. Hanson, whose legal practice focuses on intellectual property issues surrounding agricultural biotechnology and the life sciences, has joined the firm as a partner in the Dallas office. Hanson comes to Sonnenschein from Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. and brings with him Dr. Ron Laby, a patent agent and scientific advisor who has written and prosecuted patent applications in the areas of molecular genetics, agricultural biotechnology and medical devices.

Hanson has more than 10 years experience in the field handling ag-biotech patents for Monsanto and other clients.  He has successfully argued multiple appeals before the U.S. Patent Office Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences that substantially changed examination policy in the areas of plant varieties and plant gene regulatory elements.  At Sonnenschein, Hanson's team provides counsel for Monsanto and others on ag-biotech patent issues, as well as all aspects of strategic patent portfolio management, including patent prosecution and appeals, counseling, invalidity, non-infringement and due diligence opinions, and patent interferences in the plant genetics and animal health areas, licensing and litigation-related matters.

"Rob is a talented and nationally-recognized 'rising star' in intellectual property circles with a distinct specialization," notes Carol Anne Been, national chair of Sonnenschein's Intellectual Property & Technology Practice Group. "Rob's and Ron's abilities to navigate the legal and biological complexities associated with agricultural biotechnology patents is an immense asset to our clients and adds to the increasing scope and growth of our group. Furthermore, Rob's 10 years working with Monsanto as an attorney and patent agent is a testament to his ability to deliver quality client service in this complex area."

"Sonnenschein is a dynamic firm with an amazing group of professionals. Their commitment to client service and a culture of team work is incredible," says Hanson. "I am proud to be the newest member of Sonnenschein's esteemed intellectual property practice and look forward to working with such an elite roster of clients."

The addition of Hanson's practice further establishes Sonnenschein as a premier provider of legal services in the biotechnology field. It is one of only a few law firms with a strong concentration in agricultural biotechnology issues nationwide, including robust practices in St. Louis, San Francisco, and now Dallas.  Agricultural biology is a rapidly growing technology specialization and Hanson's and Laby's practices give Sonnenschein unparalleled strength in the area of agricultural biotechnology, a rapidly growing technology specialization spanning plant genomics, plant pathology, animal husbandry, plant-based pharmaceutics, and bioenergy and environmentally friendly "clean tech" disciplines. 

Hanson has frequently spoken and published numerous articles on plant biotechnology and related patent issues, including contributions to scientific publications such as Genome, American Journal of Botany, Genome Research and Chromosome Research. He received B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Genetics from Texas A&M University and a J.D., with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law, where he was designated an Order of the Coif member.

Laby earned a B.A. degree in biology from Haverford College, a M.S. in Plant Pathology from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Pathology with minors in Genetics and Microbiology, also from Cornell.

Hanson and Laby join a growing life sciences practice at Sonnenschein which also recently added highly regarded biotech attorney Dale C. Hunt and five others in San Francisco and St. Louis with extensive backgrounds in the areas of patent law and biotechnology.

At Sonnenschein, we are committed to providing the highest-quality legal and counseling services for all of our clients, all of the time.  They include many of the world's most admired businesses, nonprofits and individuals.  Through integrated, inter-office teamwork, we help them to prosper and grow.  For more information, visit www.sonnenschein.com.

Media Contact:

Dorri Thyden
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP
(202) 408-6430
dthyden@sonnenschein.com