NORA'S NOTES: APRIL 09, 2007

Happy April to Everybody:

• Third Annual SpringPosium IP CLE Event
• New "ATLANTAIP" website
• CLE luncheon on April 17th, 2007
• Election of IP Law Section Officers
• Bill Selman - graphic designer extraordinaire
• Update on Bob Fox
• Memorial Fund for Rajeeni Thomas
• Thanks to Chuck Warner, Roger Frost, Tom Hodge, Dale Lischer & Brenda Holmes
  

Third Annual SpringPosium IP CLE Event - is set for April 12th, 2007 at the Georgia Aquarium.  This is an all day event (and I'm going!).   For registration information see:  registration@springposium.com or visit www.springposium.com

New "ATLANTAIP" website - Joe Staley and Brad Groff have launched a new website at www.atlantaiplaw.com, which will provide the local IP community with a forum to publicize local IP-related events, exchange commentary on IP topics, announce firm news, post job openings and resumes, etc. Announcements, postings or proposed content are welcomed--email them to info@atlantaiplaw.com.

 CLE luncheon on April 17th, 2007 - The Litigation Committee of the IP Law Section has announced a CLE luncheon on April 17 at the Bar Center.  The topic is "LIVING WITH MEDIMMUNE" and the panelists include Ann Fort of Sutherland Asbill, Frank Landgraff of GE Energy, and Robert Hodges of Needle & Rosenberg with Dan Gresham of Thomas Kayden as moderator.  Please contact Johanna Merrill at the State Bar for further info (or visit the www.gabar.org). 

Election of IP Law Section Officers - ballots have been distributed for the election of the 2007-08 section officers.  Each position has one proposed candidate and a write-in possibility.  Please return your ballots by April 24, 2007.  It is important for at least some of us to do so because the election requires a certain percentage of submitted ballots (I think).  The candidates are:  Wab Kadaba for Chair-elect; Andrew Crain for Vice chair; Steve Wigmore for Secretary; and Shane Nichols for Treasurer.   I know that all the candidates have been active in the section and are very worthy of election.  

Bill Selman - graphic designer extraordinaire - I still get compliments and inquiries about my business card and business announcement that I sent out almost 5 years ago.  Bill Selman (who is also my next door neighbor) created the designs and worked with the printer to make sure everything came out perfectly.  I was amazed at the details involved.  Bill used something that looked like a jeweler's loupe to study the test runs of the card and announcement.  I am very thankful to Bill and am very very happy to recommend his services.  Bill may be reached at 404.966.4778. 

Update on Bob Fox - Bob is a former colleague of mine from Jones & Askew.  He moved to Tennessee a good while ago - but he has been very sweet to help me with my IP continuing education by sending me copies of his firm's newsletters.   I asked Bob for an update and he sent along a copy of his family's Christmas newsletter from this past season.  I attach it as a pdf and hope you can open it.  Bob may be reached at Luedeka, Neely and Graham, P.C.  P.O. Box 1871 Knoxville, TN 37901 865-546-4305 phone 865-523-4478 fax   http://www.LNG-Patent.com.

Memorial Fund for Rajeeni Thomas - the most recent issue of The YLD Review (the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia) included an announcement of the establishment of a memorial fund for Rajeeni Thomas.  The announcement explains, "On Feb 3, newly-admitted Bar member and young lawyer, Rajeeni Thomas was killed in a car accident.  Rajeeni graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2006 and was sworn into the State Bar in November.  She had already become an active member of the YLD High School Mock Trial Program.  Both Rajeeni and her boyfriend Dale Richardson, who was injured in the crash, were attorney coaches with the Morrow High School Mock Trial Team.  An account fund has been set up to help defray the costs of her funeral.  Checks can be made payable to "Friends of Rajeeni Thomas" and contributions may be made by the following:  Wachovia Bank, Friends of Rajeeni Thomas, Account # 2000035389710 or Friends of Rajeeni Thomas, P.O. Box 348, Morrow, GA   30260-0348".  I have mentioned Dale Richardson before in this e-column as a colleague with whom I worked at Kilpatrick Stockton and also in my solo practice.  I was much sorrowed to hear of the accident and send my prayers. 

Finally - Thanks to Chuck Warner, Roger Frost, Tom Hodge, Dale Lischer & Brenda Holmes - recently I had been told that some IP attorneys advise that at least a claim be included in the filing of a provisional application.  I remember that issue being extensively discussed when provisional applications were first proposed, but I hadn't heard of any requirement.  My greatest fear as a solo is that I am going to "miss something" because I don't have all that wonderful support that I had when I was with a firm.  So - I often make inquiries when I hear of something "new". This time I made inquiry of Chuck, Roger, Tom, Dale and Brenda.  I didn't say I was going to share their responses in a Nora's Notes - so I won't.  Just let me say  there seems to be no "definitive" answer.   I welcome any further insight, advice on that issue (or any others for that matter).  Thanks again to Chuck, Roger, Tom, Dale and Brenda for keeping me "in the loop". 

Live long and prosper.   nmt

P.S.  I turn 51 on April 18th and would welcome flowers and chocolates.  (I have no shame).