Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, LLP announces the advancement of four associates to partnership effective January 1, 2010. The new partners are Phillip Bennett, Kathleen Mekjian, and Kerry Taylor, based in the firm’s San Diego office and Marko Zoretic, based in the firm’s Orange County office.
“We have selected four outstanding attorneys for partnership who will unquestionably uphold the firm’s tradition of providing the highest quality legal services,” said Steven Nataupsky, managing partner of Knobbe Martens. “I am confident that our new partners will continue to assist clients reach their goals and objectives.”
Phillip Bennett joined Knobbe Martens’ San Diego office as an associate in 2005. He received a B.S.F.S. in International Relations from Georgetown University, a M.S.A. in Systems Analysis from Miami University, and his J.D. from The George Washington University. Bennett’s practice includes all aspects of intellectual property law including patent prosecution, litigation, and client counseling with an emphasis in computer software, internet application, database systems, and computer networking.
Kathleen Mekjian joined the firm’s San Diego office as an associate in 2004. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Washington and Lee University. Mekjian received her Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology from Emory University for work related to developmental pathways in bacteria and received her J.D. from University of California, Hastings College of Law where she graduated cum laude. Mekjian focuses her practice in patent prosecution and interferences with an emphasis in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and chemistry.
Kerry Taylor joined the firm’s San Diego office in 2005. Taylor graduated from Wheaton College magna cum laude with a B.S. in Chemistry. He received his Ph. D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Chicago and his J.D. from University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law. Taylor focuses his practice in patent prosecution with an emphasis in biotechnology, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals.
Marko Zoretic joined Knobbe Martens’ Orange County office as an associate in 2003. He graduated summa cum laude from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada with a Bachelor of Engineering and Management and received his LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School. Zoretic focuses his practice in patent litigation with an emphasis in electrical engineering and computer software.
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, LLP has about 260 lawyers firm-wide and dedicates its practice to intellectual property law. The firm serves a diverse group of clients from multinational corporations to emerging businesses. The firm is headquartered in Orange County, California and has offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C., and Riverside and enjoys an international reputation for excellence. More information about the firm can be found at www.knobbe.com
