Firm’s growing Phoenix office adds capacity to IP practice
Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to welcome partner Steven Laureanti and associate David Banko to the firm’s Phoenix office. The addition of Laureanti and Banko brings new depth to the firm’s intellectual property practice, and continues a strong growth trend that has included six new attorneys in Phoenix and seventy-one new arrivals firm-wide since December 2016.
“The firm is thrilled to have Steven and David on board in Phoenix. Their concentration in intellectual property, as well as their demonstrated commitment to maintaining strong client relationships, makes them a natural fit for Spencer Fane from both the service and cultural standpoints.” said Patrick J. Whalen, Spencer Fane managing partner. “We have every confidence that Steven and David will further our mission to meet client demand for legal services on the issues and in the places that matter, especially within the Phoenix area.”
Both attorneys are well-versed in complex patent, copyright and trademark issues. Laureanti focuses on patent law, international intellectual property, technology licensing, trade dress, trade secrets, patent litigation consultation, trademarks, and copyrights. He has worked closely with many individuals and companies in the entertainment and sports industries. Banko regularly assists clients in all areas of intellectual property development and protection, including patent, trademark and copyright procurement, registration and defense.
“David and I are excited to join Spencer Fane. It’s clear that the firm is listening to its clients and listening to the market, and has committed itself to growing in those areas that meet a clearly stated need,” said Laureanti. “This focus on client service mirrors our own, and made our decision to join the firm an easy one.”
Laureanti has been helping clients protect their business assets for more than 10 years. He earned his law degree from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law and is active in several professional and community organizations. He currently chairs the board of Wings for Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting combat-wounded military service members returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.
In addition to his legal practice, Banko is a member of AZBio, an organization committed to building the biosciences industry in Arizona. He earned a law degree from the Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. As a law student, he volunteered at the Lisa Foundation Patent Law Clinic and also worked with the attorney general’s office helping victims of consumer fraud.