Lackenbach Siegel: An Intellectual Decision

Have you ever thought about inventing a new product? If so, have you ever thought about where you would start or who you would talk to after coming up with your great idea? Well, if you live in Scarsdale, you won't have to look very far. Located in the heart of Scarsdale Village, Lackenbach Siegel is an intellectual property law firm founded in 1923.

When I was a freshman at Scarsdale High School, I had the idea to create an interchangeable jewelry apparatus. Lackenbach Sielgel was right by my side every step of the way. From professional sketches illustrating the engineering behind the idea to discussing plans to ordering prototypes from a factory in Shanghai, Lackenbach Siegel offered wonderful advice and guidance helping me accomplish my goal of inventing a product and seeing it reach fruition.

Lackenbach Siegel also handled the trade marking of my company name “Change Rocks," as well as the company logo.

The firm's website states that their practice areas include "patents, trademarks, copyrights, unfair competition, advertising, antitrust, licensing, litigation, publishing and all facets of computer, Internet and domain law.”

Howard N. Aronson, a partner at Lackenbach Siegel, studied engineering at Drexel University for five years before graduating from New York Law School in 1975.

To learn more about intellectual property law, I interviewed Mr. Aronson to discover more about his practice.

When did you know you wanted to become a lawyer?

 Before entering engineering school, I had intentions of entering law. In fact, I told my college advisor freshman year that I needed to design a curriculum that would give me an engineering degree in structures and strength of materials, as well as necessary law school entry credits. Hence, the five years of engineering. 

When did you discover the specific area you wanted to specialize in?

 My engineering background lead to patent law that involves technical expertise. I did that for four years until I dabbled in trademarks and non-patent litigations and such matters kept my interest and were more interesting than the patent matters I had handled. I slowly gravitated to mostly non-patent matters, and more specifically, trademark matters.

In your opinion, what makes your firm special or unique?

We are an IP law boutique, namely patents, trademarks and copyrights, and hire solely experienced people. That is to be contrasted with the usual law firm business model that hires young attorneys — associates — for the lower cost of hire. No one in our firm has less than 18 years of IP experience.  

Tell me about your clientele.

A broad geographic representation of businesses, as only 10 percent are New York- based. We represent mostly middle market business, but have Hyundai Motors and large multi-national companies on our active client list, as well as smaller embryonic businesses with growth potential and IP needs.  

How involved are you in every case?

As the managing partner, I oversee all departments, and litigation is a primary matter that I get personally involved in. No pivotal decision is made in a litigation that is not run by me.  

What landed the firm in Scarsdale?

It started as a satellite office to the offices in New York City and in Washington, D.C.  We had many clients in the Westchester area and wanted to have a presence close to such clients.

When did the firm first open/start?

The firm opened in 1923.

What are some of your favorite spots to frequent in Scarsdale?

I have been working in the Village for 31 years. I am a firm believer in local loyalty, as all the local merchants will attest to. I am pleased to be a very frequent eater at Metro, Chat and . Zachys knows me by my first name and regrettably, Holsten Jewelers knows my family’s ring sizes.   

Has the economy affected your firm in the past few years?

Yes, very significantly. We are a lagging industry. We were not hurt badly in 2008 or 2009 but 2010 was one of our worst years in two decades.  

I notice you also deal with domain property. Tell me more.

We have a full domain name (Internet Assets) department.

How important is a patent?

It is the key to many industries. The difference between a generic drug manufacturer and a Pfizer or Bayer is a patent on a drug. Patents are a legal monopoly for a limited period of time. It can bring billions of sales to a company to the exclusion of competitors. Due to patents, Pfizer does $12.5 billion in sales of Lipitor globally. That is anticipated to drop as the patents in various countries expire.  

What are the different types of patents?

Design patents cover the ornamental appearance of an item. Utility patents cover the functioning of items or a composition of matter, or its method of manufacturer, and there is a patent for certain aspects of plants (Plant Patent).   

Can you give me any information on the firm's ranking or your personal ranking?

I have been ranked in the top ten trademark filers in the US Patent and Trademark Office for more than the last five years. I will soon learn my ranking for 2010 filings.  As a Scarsdale firm, that is quite an achievement, as I compete with 1000+ attorney firms in New York City and in the rest of the country.  

Tell me about some of the other outstanding attorneys in your firm and their specialties.

While I am the managing partner and get into all areas, Robert Golden is the Head of Litigation, Rosemarie Tofano Heads the Foreign Trademark Department and Nancy Chapman Heads the Trademark Department.  

Can you actually protect ideas?

Yes, utility patents are for the protection of ideas, as long as the manifestation of such ideas is set forth. An abstract concept not tied to an apparatus or structure or end result is not patentable subject matter.

To reach Lackenbach Siegel, you can email mail@lsllp.com, call 914-723-4300 or visit their website at http://www.lackenbach.com