Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. announce shareholder Stephen Adams is the new section chair for the firm's intellectual property service group, which routinely counsels clients on matters related to patents, trademarks and copyright preparation and prosecution, as well as intellectual property maintenance, defense and enforcement.
"We are excited to see what the future holds for this service group under Stephen's leadership," said President and Managing Shareholder Mark Cunningham.
"Stephen brings a high level of drive and energy to this role and has the ability to develop strong partnerships with his clients. He is focused on growth and dedicated to helping push our firm forward in a number of positive ways."
"Mr. Adams' diverse clientele ranges from entrepreneurs, inventors and startups to small and large corporations, governmental entities and universities," officials said. "He also advises clients across a wide variety of industries, many of them leaders in their fields, including health care, strength and conditioning, entertainment, manufacturing and renewable energy.
"Mr. Adams frequently speaks and writes on matters related to intellectual property law and provides virtual and in-person training sessions for company stakeholders. Additionally, as a long-time member of Chambliss Startup Group, he works with early innovators on a variety of matters related to protecting their business as it grows and matures, including filing for trademark and patent protection, implementing trade secret safeguards, drafting and reviewing contracts with vendors and employees and other initial business concerns. Mr. Adams regularly volunteers for The Company Lab's legal office hours and is active in Startup Week Chattanooga and other startup programming. In addition to serving as the firm's new intellectual property chair, he also leads the firm's Diversity and Inclusion committee and serves on the Summer Associate recruitment committee."
"I am pleased to take on the position as the firm's intellectual property chair and for the opportunities it will bring. I am looking forward to evolving our IP practice to help our clients meet tomorrow's legal and business needs and also to continuing the tradition of providing the outstanding and timely client service that we are known for," said Mr. Adams. "I am focused on growing this practice while also remaining a trusted partner to our clients in helping them understand and protect the importance and value of their businesses."
Mr. Adams has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Mid-South Super Lawyers for many years, and was recognized in 2021 by Chambers USA. In 2020, he was selected to participate in the Tennessee Bar Association's Leadership Law Program. He is a member of the Tennessee Intellectual Property Law Association, Chattanooga Technology Council (ChaTech) Board of Directors, the ChaTech Early Innovators Award selection committee and the Tennessee PATENTS Pro Bono Assistance Program.
Mr. Adams holds an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and a law degree, both from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Prior to joining Chambliss, he was previously a shareholder with an intellectual property boutique firm in Knoxville. He is a licensed member of the Tennessee Bar and is also licensed to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.