Oblon, Spivak Appoints Richard D. Kelly New Managing Partner

For Immediate Release

Alexandria, Va. (January 5, 2009) -- The intellectual property law firm Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, P.C. has appointed Richard D. Kelly as the firm’s new managing partner. In this role, Kelly is responsible for the firm’s strategic operations, practice development, recruitment and hiring.

“Oblon, Spivak has a long and notable tradition of outstanding client service, as well as having more experience in patent prosecution than any other firm. It’s an honor to lead the firm, particularly as we continue to focus our growth on our international practices. I look forward to the challenges and successes, and adding my contributions to the firm’s rich history,” said Kelly.

“Dick has a clear vision of our firm’s future direction and a well-supported management style within the firm. We look forward to his trusted guidance in his new role,” said Gregory J. Maier, the former managing partner who has stepped down from that role to continue focusing on his patent law practice.

Kelly, who joined Oblon, Spivak in 1975, is a partner in the firm's Litigation Practice Group and has been a long-time member of the firm's Board of Directors. In addition to litigation, he actively counsels clients in all aspects of intellectual property matters. He has particular knowledge of the impact of U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations upon intellectual property rights. He has considerable experience practicing before the International Trade Commission, as well as having an extensive patent prosecution and patent interference practice.

Kelly received his law degree from the Catholic University of America and his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as an examiner.

Kelly is admitted to the Bar of Virginia and is licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Court of Appeals for the Fourth and Federal Circuits, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and numerous Federal district courts. He is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), the American Bar Association (Patent, Trademark, and Copyright and Litigation Sections) and the International Trade Commission Trial Lawyers Association.

Assisting clients for 40 years, Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, P.C., in Alexandria, Va., is one of the largest intellectual property specialty firms in the United States. The firm provides a full range of intellectual property services, including litigation matters in all courts. The firm also continues to have a significant trademark, copyright and patent interference practice.