Industries

Nanotechnology

In the emerging frontier of nanotechnology, few firms possess the capabilities that Marshall, Gerstein & Borun can summon to meet the challenges of this evolving technology.

Our multidisciplinary legal teams address the special issues – and opportunities – presented by nanotechnology. Utilizing our considerable experience in molecular biology, electrical engineering, optics, physics, microfluidics, mechanical engineering, materials science, chemistry, and chemical engineering, we have been securing patent protection for nanotechnology advances in biotechnology, sensors, optics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, materials science, and numerous other fields.  Our depth of experience in transactional matters helps us negotiate and draft the often complex agreements required to maximize the potential of nanotechnology inventions each of which may have uses in several industries.

We work with several pioneers in the field, for example: 

• AMCOL International Corp. – we handle all patent-related matters and have prosecuted numerous patents for American Colloid Company, CETCO and Nanocor, Inc., all subsidiaries of AMCOL International Corporation.  AMCOL International Corp., is a leading international producer and marketer of value-added, specialty minerals and related products. 
  
  
  • American Colloid Company: one of the world’s leading producers of bentonite clay.
  • CETCO: a diversified specialty mineral and chemical company providing performance products for a wide range of industrial and consumer related markets.
  • Nanocor, Inc.: the largest global supplier of nanoclays designed for plastic nanocomposites. Nanocor has developed patented technologies for producing nanoscale clays suitable for incorporation into plastics and technologies for making nanocomposites themselves.
    
    
• Chad Mirkin, Northwestern University – we file, prosecute and maintain the portfolio of pioneering nanotechnology from Chad Mirkin’s laboratory at Northwestern University.  Dr. Mirkin has started companies that commercialize biological diagnostic applications of nanotechnology as well as dip pen nanolithography.  We also facilitate the transfer of Dr. Mirkin’s technology through agreement drafting, negotiating, and advising for Northwestern’s Office of Research.