PHILADELPHIA – Robert F. Zielinski, former partner and co-chair of Wolf Block's Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law Practice Group, and Brian L. Belles, an associate in the same firm, have joined the Intellectual Property (IP) Practice of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC. Zielinski and Belles joined Buchanan as a shareholder and counsel, respectively.
"The addition of these attorneys supports the firm's strategy of growing the Philadelphia office as well as growing our IP Practice nationwide," said Howard D. Scher, co-managing partner of Buchanan's Philadelphia office.
Zielinski, who concentrates on IP primarily in the areas of patent prosecution, trademark and copyright matters as well as information technology issues, stated, "Buchanan affords me the opportunity for growth in the areas of international markets, emerging companies and the pharmaceutical industry. I am excited to be a part of such a large IP practice."
About Zielinski
Robert F. Zielinski's practice covers all phases of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret and unfair competition law including prosecution, licensing and litigation as well as software licensing, emerging new media issues and electronic commerce. He represents a broad base of clients such as large international and national corporations, small to medium-size closely held companies, innovative start-ups, software developers, Internet-based companies, medical institutions, university and individuals, musicians and inventors.
Zielinski received his B.S. in biology and chemistry from Edgewood College and his J.D. from Temple University School of Law in Philadelphia. He was a senior research scientist for Merck & Co., Inc. for eight years prior to his entry into the legal profession. Zielinski served as chair of the Philadelphia Intellectual Property Law Association's Committee on Trademark, Copyrights and Unfair Competition, and he remains actively involved in that committee as well as on the Association's Chemical Practice Committee and the Federal Practice and Procedure Committee. He is also a member of the Benjamin Franklin American Inn of Court.
About Belles
Brian L. Belles' practice covers all areas of intellectual property procurement and enforcement, with a focus on the development, management and monetization of domestic and international patent portfolios. His practice includes the representation of clients in a wide variety of mechanical and electromechanical technologies, including nuclear, semiconductor equipment, medical devices, military equipment, nanotechnology and electronics. He also represents clients in patent litigation matters, handles freedom-to-operate studies, and works closely with companies to develop patent portfolios that suit each companies' strategic goals.
Belles' engineering experience includes quality assurance, equipment design and process control in the semiconductor, industrial door and high-tech glass industries. He is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Belles received his J.D., cum laude, from Boston University School of Law, and his B.S. in mechanical engineering from The Pennsylvania State University.