Richard is an associate in the Intellectual Property Group at Troutman Sanders LLP. His practice focuses on trademark, copyright and unfair competition matters, with an emphasis on securing and enforcing intellectual property rights. He advises clients on strategies for trademark clearance, prosecution, registration and enforcement in the U.S. and internationally, including pursuing and defending against oppositions and cancellations. He also counsels and represents clients in disputes involving domain names, creative works, trade dress, false advertising, and rights of publicity. Additionally, he assists in and manages transactions involving the licensing, assignment, purchase and sale of intellectual properties, including all related due diligence.
Richard has also negotiated and drafted a variety of agreements concerning intellectual property rights, including software development agreements, product development agreements, employee agreements, consulting agreements, confidentiality and non-compete agreements, and corporate intellectual property policies.
While Richard concentrates on intellectual property law, he also has experience with franchise law matters, including drafting franchise agreements, creating franchise disclosure documents (FDDs) and counseling on compliance with all elements of disclosure regulation.
Prior to becoming an attorney, Richard was a Certified Public Accountant with a Big 4 accounting firm, and he continues to maintain his CPA license.
Presentations and Speaking Engagements
"Starting an Independent News Organization: Business Law and Other Considerations," - Panelist at Harvard Law School's Citizen Media Law Project, September 25, 2010.
"Truths & Myths about Trademarks & Copyrights" - webinar for Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta, December 16, 2009.
"The Accidental Franchisor" - Presentation, April 19, 2005.
"Intellectual Property: What Is It and How Do I Protect It" - The Resource Institute for Small Businesses, May 19, 2006.
"Earnings Claims Made by Franchisors" - Atlanta Symposium for Franchise Brokers and Consultants, March 28, 2007.
"To Catch a Thief: Protecting Your IP from Rogue Employees" - Luncheon, May 10, 2007.
Other Distinctions
Member, Atlanta IP Inn of Court
Selected as a Rising Star by Law & Politics and Atlanta Magazine for Intellectual Property excellence (2007, 2008, 2010)
Named as one of Georgia Trend magazine's Legal Elite in Intellectual Property Law (2007, 2008)
Work Experience
Associate, Troutman Sanders LLP, 2008-present
Associate, Seyfarth Shaw LLP, 2004-2008
Law Clerk, Seyfarth Shaw LLP, 2003-2004
Senior Tax Accountant, BellSouth, 1998-2003
Memberships
· Member, Intellectual Property Section of the Georgia Bar
· Member, Trademark Subcommittee of the Georgia Bar
· Member, AAA-CPA (American Association of Attorneys - CPAs)
· Member, Atlanta IP Inn of Court