Life Sciences Entrepreneur Series Begins March 23

WALTHAM, MA — The law firm of Morse, Barnes-Brown & Pendleton, P.C. will be hosting a series of engaging and interactive discussions on key topics for entrepreneurs in the life sciences sector, The ABC’s for Life Sciences Entrepreneurs: From Start-Up to Exit. Targeted at individuals looking to start or join a life sciences company now or in the future, the series consists of four sessions to be held at the Cambridge Innovation Center, One Broadway, Cambridge, MA (5th floor) from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. as follows.

Session 1: Protecting IP - Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - Attorneys Stan Chalvire and Tom Dunn will lead a discussion of intellectual property protection issues of interest to life sciences entrepreneurs and companies, focusing on the basics of patent and trademark protection. The speakers will provide general information regarding filing for and obtaining these two types of IP, common pitfalls, and offensive and defensive strategies for dealing with competitors.

Session 2: The Role of Technology Transfer - Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - Eureka, we have an invention! Now what? Attorney Jeff Somers will talk about inventorship and ownership of inventions made in the lab, and how sources of research funding play into ownership. Topics will also include the role of the TTO/TLO, particularly in decisions about patenting and identification of commercialization options, and the continuing role of the inventor. In addition, the discussion will touch on issues relating to the commercialization of inventions, including common commercialization strategies such as licensing and spinout companies.

Session 3: Forming & Financing a Company - Wednesday, May 5, 2010 - Attorney Peter Barnes-Brown will focus on issues central to company formation and financing. Topics will include choice of entity (e.g., corporation vs. limited liability company); employment issues, including wage and hours requirements and IP ownership; and financing options such as institutional seed financing, corporate strategic partnerships, venture capital, and government grants.

Session 4: Company Growth & Exit Strategies - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - Issues key to the growth and development of life science companies will be reviewed by Attorney Mark Tarallo. Participants will learn about marketing and distribution issues in the industry, including regulatory frameworks and sales and marketing regulations, as well as other issues affecting the growth and development of a company. In particular, the discussion will include transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, asset sales, and IPOs, in addition to exit strategies for founders.

For more information and to register, please contact jjefgood@mbbp.com.

Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton, PC, focuses exclusively on the core legal services that businesses need to succeed. The law firm assists businesses of all sizes — from start-ups to Fortune 1000 companies — in the areas of business law, technology and intellectual property, employment and immigration and taxation.

Morse, Barnes-Brown Pendleton, PC
Reservoir Place
1601 Trapelo Road, Suite 205
Waltham, MA 02451
781-622-5930
mbbp.com