Practice Areas

Science & Technology

Paley Rothman’s experienced attorneys are uniquely capable of providing today’s technology-based companies with the diverse legal services they require. Our attorneys take a practical problem-solving approach to transactions and negotiations, and we understand the business challenges faced by high-tech clients. We take care to stay abreast of changes and developments in technology licensing and transactions, E-commerce and Internet law, and corporate finance for early-stage businesses. Paley Rothman’s Science and Technology practice group also handles large-scale real estate transactions for technology firms, including highly specialized transactions for biotech companies.

Licensing and Transactions

Paley Rothman’s attorneys have negotiated virtually every type of domestic and international licensing agreement on behalf of both licensors and licensees in information technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, as well as many other technology sectors. Many of these licenses are vital parts of broader domestic or international business transactions including toll manufacturing agreements, supply agreements and distribution arrangements. We also routinely establish general and project-specific joint ventures and prepare research and development and related agreements and partnerships, including specialized agreements for electronic game development, design and distribution.

E-Commerce Law and Regulation

Our attorneys negotiate and draft complex licenses and contracts with clients and service providers for online businesses. Our clients include application service providers, database licensors and virtually all types of professional service firms that deliver services or value-added information to clients through the Internet. We advise clients on E-commerce issues of all types, including disputes over domain names and websites, and we negotiate and litigate these issues when necessary. We also monitor judicial and legislative developments affecting the Internet, such as limits on transmission of copyrighted audio and video, the developing law of online privacy, initiatives relating to identity theft, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (authorizing use of electronic “signatures”) and many others.

Business and Trade Secrets

Technology companies cannot survive unless their proprietary technologies are well protected. Paley Rothman’s attorneys frequently prepare specialized confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, including consulting and employment agreements, which contain measures to protect the value of intellectual property after the end of the relationship. We regularly advise clients on disputes arising from alleged misappropriation of trade secrets and also create defensible, yet practical corporate procedures and guidelines for in-house management of confidential information.

Trademarks and Copyrights

When it comes to attracting the attention of clients and protecting or increasing market share, Paley Rothman understands that a firm’s trademarks are often as valuable as its products and services. We also recognize that copyright registration affords important advantages in protecting against appropriation of valuable intellectual property. Attorneys in the Science and Technology practice group prepare and prosecute trademark applications and work with clients to structure cost-effective copyright registration programs. Our attorneys also counsel clients when disputes arise and have successfully litigated infringement cases to conclusion when needed.

Corporate Organization and Development

Our experience with many specialized regulatory and licensing requirements as well as with federal, state and local grants and benefits allows us to help clients establish tax-advantaged business organizations that optimally fit their unique needs. This enables us to form and represent technology-based entities ranging from fast-growth startup companies to fully mature regional and national companies. We handle syndications, venture capital placements, leveraged acquisitions and other forms of financing, often working closely with clients to refine business plans in preparation for negotiations with lenders and investors.

Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals

Paley Rothman represents major biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing firms, including several Fortune 500 companies, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, nationally and internationally. Our services include pharmaceutical licensing, regulatory compliance, FIFRA counseling, and structuring and closing synthetic lease financings for cGMP manufacturing facilities and R & D campuses.

News

March 21, 2023

Michelle Chapin’s Article on the Use of Arbitration Causes in Trusts is Published by the MSBA’s Estate & Trust Law Section

Michelle Chapin, a Principal in Paley Rothman’s Estate Planning department, authored an article titled "(Un)Enforceability of Arbitration Clauses in Maryland Trusts" in the MSBA's Estate & Trust Law Section Newsletter Volume 29 Issue 1.

Read More

Blog

Sec. Deb Haaland – First Native American in the Cabinet

Sec. Deb Haaland is the first Native American to serve in the President’s cabinet and has been instrumental in bringing attention and action to the horrific incident rate of...

Read More

Awards

Paley Rothman is delighted to announce that 14 of the firm’s attorneys have been named Maryland Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2023. Family Law attorney Glenn Cooper was ranked the Number 1 Lawyer in Maryland. Both Glenn and Litigation attorney Trish Weaver were named in the Super Lawyers Top 100 List and Trish was honored in the list of Top 50 Women.

For the 11th year in a row, Paley Rothman earned national and local honors in U.S. News - Best Lawyers® 2023 "Best Law Firms" rankings.

Paley Rothman is pleased to announce that 19 lawyers have been selected in the 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Jennifer Pope was named Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch for the first time alongside attorney Hayes Edwards. Attorneys Glenn Cooper, Hope Eastman, and Daniel Hodin have been listed Best Lawyers for 15 consecutive years.

Read More