AURORA, Colo. – Majestic Realty Co. today announced its plans to build a 500,000-square-foot speculative industrial warehouse and distribution building at the Majestic Commercenter in Aurora.  Set to break ground May 1, the Class-A industrial property is scheduled for completion by the end of the year, in time to help supply a growing demand for large, industrial property in the market, according to the company.

Located at the intersection of I-70 and Tower Road, Majestic Commercenter’s Building #28, at half-a-million square feet, represents the largest spec building to ever be constructed in the Denver area and helps break a five-year stretch in the market with no speculative construction.

“We’ve taken a very close look at local and national market conditions, vacancy and absorption rates, product supply and the success we’ve had providing large, high-quality, high-cube industrial space that is the best in the market,” said Majestic Realty Co. Senior Vice President and Director of Development, Randy Hertel.  “We’re excited about the opportunity to continue that momentum in our park and we strongly believe that now is the time to bring the space to the market and deliver a much needed product for the larger users.”

With 2.5 million square feet developed in the Majestic Commercenter, including 10 tenants occupying an average of more than 150,000 square feet each, the company will be adding approximately 20 percent to the size of its Colorado portfolio, growing its presence and product offering at its 1,000 acre, master-planned park.

“We’re seeing continued interest and activity from companies that want to locate in a master-planned park,” said Hertel.  “Working with a nationally-recognized developer like Majestic, these companies know that they will get a consistent, high-quality product in a park that can accommodate both their short-term and longer term growth.”

With limited larger, high-quality product in the market, positive absorption and single-digit vacancy rates, Majestic Realty Co. is poised to ride a wave of momentum that began in late 2011 with a 280,000-square-foot lease to GE, and continued in 2012 with a 200,000 square foot lease to Fed Ex, and nearly 500,000 square feet of lease renewals and expansions with companies including Core-Mark, TricorBraun, Electrolux Home Products, Ethan Allen, and Crate and Barrel.

Targeting the 150,000 square foot and larger user, Building #28 will feature 96 dock doors, 50-foot by 50-foot bay spacing, a 60-foot speed bay, and an ESFR sprinkler system. In addition, the 185-foot truck courtyard on both the east and west sides will provide approximately 125 spaces for trailer parking.

Enhancing the full function of the property, the building design and construction by Commerce Construction Co. will feature east and west loading areas to minimize any weather conditions.  Prime, glass-front office areas at all four corners provide for excellent divisibility, and the site provides more than 300 car parking spaces.

“Majestic’s market knowledge and expertise in industrial development has proven itself time-and-time again, both in Aurora and across the United States,” said Aurora EDC President and CEO, Wendy Mitchell.  “We’re thrilled to know that, like us, they believe in this market and that they’re acting in a timely manner to bring the needed product to Aurora and the marketplace.”

Founded in 1948, Majestic Realty Co. is the largest, privately-held developer and owner of master-planned business parks in the United States.  Majestic’s 70-million square-foot portfolio provides real estate solutions for tenants large and small, creating jobs, tax revenue and community benefits across the country.  Headquartered in Southern California, Majestic has regional offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas and Bethlehem, Penn.

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By: Heather Draper
Reporter- Denver Business Journal

The first three administrative patent judges assigned to the new U.S. Patent and Trademark (USPTO) office in Colorado began their first day on the job Monday, according to a new release from the office of U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet., D-Colorado.

The judges — Gregg I. Anderson, Irvin E. “Gene” Branch and Patrick M. Boucher — will work out of a temporary space at the Denver Federal Center at West 6th Avenue and Kipling streets in Lakewood until renovations at the Byron G. Rogers Federal Building in Denver are completed.

“This is a milestone moment for everyone in the state who fought to bring a satellite patent office to Colorado,” Bennet said in the release. “It’s the beginning of more jobs and increased economic development for the state. These judges will provide easier access for applicants and inventors in our region while helping Colorado’s innovative and entrepreneurial companies maintain our state’s reputation as a hotbed for cutting-edge industries.”

The USPTO announced in July 2012 that Denver was one of the three metro areas to be awarded a satellite branch of the USPTO — a long-sought victory for the area that could mean an estimated $439 million in economic impact in five years.

Landing the office has been a major goal of the city’s business and economic-development leaders for years as a boost to Colorado’s bioscience, aerospace and alternative-energy industries, and as a source of high-paying jobs.

“It’s exciting and rewarding to know that after years of a very thorough and collaborative effort by our public and private leaders across Colorado, we are officially starting the process that we know will put our entire Rocky Mountain region at the forefront of innovation and opportunity for decades to come,” said John Posthumus, an IP attorney with Sheridan Ross PC who played a key role in securing the patent office in Colorado. “With boots on the ground, we begin the transformation from our collective vision to implementation as we help drive our economy and enhance our reputation as business and technology leaders.”

The new satellite offices are being created under an amendment to the American Invents Act passed in 2011, which is meant to streamline the overburdened patent system, which has remained virtually unchanged since the early 1950s. The bill’s backers were seeking faster turnaround on patent applications to spur innovation and new jobs in the United States.

Heather Draper covers banking, finance, law and the economy for the Denver Business Journal and writes for the “Finance Etc.” blog. Phone: 303-803-9230.

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LITTLETON, Colo., Dec. 14, 2012 – Deer Creek Animal Hospital announced today that it is the first animal hospital in the Rocky Mountain region to sell FreeHand™ super-premium dog food and introduce its buy-one-give-one business model to Colorado.

For every pound of dog food sold through Deer Creek Animal Hospital, FreeHand will donate an equal amount of premium-quality food to Colorado Animal Rescue Express (C.A.R.E.), Colorado Coonhound Rescue ,  Retriever Rescue of Colorado or Snowcapped Shepherd Rescue.

“We are proud to be the first veterinary hospital in Denver to offer FreeHand dog foods.  We were immediately drawn to the company’s buy-one- give-one mission and are very enthusiastic about incorporating the FreeHand program into our hospital,” said Dr. Dan Brod, DVM, CEO of Deer Creek Animal Hospital.  “FreeHand pet food is made from the highest quality ingredients and contains no wheat, corn or soy, so our veterinarians feel good about recommending these products to our clients,” he added.

What makes FreeHand’s pound for pound, scoop for scoop, meal for meal™ program unique is its local focus.  Donated food stays in the communities where it is bought.  Just as Deer Creek Animal Hospital chose four local rescues to receive donated food, participating resellers (retail stores and ancillary services like dog groomers, daycare, sitters and walkers – and veterinarians) across the country designate recipients from a list of local rescue groups and shelters screened and approved by FreeHand.  All recipient groups must adhere to strict criteria set by FreeHand to ensure the humane treatment of the animals in their care.

“When people learn about our cause and how easy it is to be part of this growing, socially conscious movement that benefits their own communities directly, they want to get involved.  As a result, the program is spreading like wildfire,” said FreeHand Co-founder and Managing Director Tom Bagamane. “We are delighted to add our latest Denver area partners to FreeHand’s growing number of enthusiastic resellers and rescue organizations that are embracing our mission to save homeless dogs’ lives across the U.S.”

“Colorado Animal Rescue Express is so excited and extremely grateful to be one of the beneficiaries of FreeHand’s generous program,” said Linda Fox, cofounder and transport coordinator with Colorado Animal Rescue Express.  “The cost of dog food is a huge problem for the groups that we help, from shelters, to foster-based rescues.  This program is literally a lifesaver because it will enable these groups to spend the money that they previously spent on food, for vet care, including spay/neutering, microchipping, vaccinations and even emergencies.  Helping homeless animals find forever homes is our passion.  It is wonderful to be associated with two organizations that genuinely share our mission. Deer Creek Animal Hospital and FreeHand are going all out to save homeless dogs with this innovative and original program.”

Since opening in Littleton, Colorado almost 30 years ago, working with rescue groups has been an integral part of Deer Creek Animal Hospital’s long term dedication to community service. FreeHand provides an additional opportunity for Deer Creek to continue its commitment to the community, while benefiting animals across the country.

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BOULDER (Dec. 12, 2012) – Greenlee Sullivan P.C.’s attorneys will join Lathrop & Gage LLP on Jan. 1, 2013, the two firms announced today. The combination creates one of Colorado’s largest intellectual property practices and continues Lathrop & Gage’s aggressive national growth in biotechnology and life sciences.

Greenlee Sullivan, now celebrating its 25th year, provides IP prosecution, strategic analysis, due diligence and transaction counsel to a wide variety of high-tech clients, including start-ups, leading research universities and Fortune 500 corporations. The firm has developed IP strategies and secured patents for numerous innovations in chemistry, biotechnology, physics and materials science, in addition to multi-disciplinary technologies.

Joining Lathrop & Gage are partners Sally Sullivan, Stephen Barone, Steven Penner, Susan Doughty and Gary Chapman, as well as two associates, three patent agents and support staff. They will move into Lathrop & Gage’s Boulder office, led by Curtis Vock and located at 4845 East Pearl Circle.

The addition of the new attorneys and patent agents brings the total number of professionals in the Lathrop & Gage IP practice to 88, with 34 practicing in the firm’s two Colorado offices. After the combination, Lathrop & Gage will have one of the three largest IP practices in the state, and would be ranked No. 12 among Colorado law firms by attorney count.

Adding the Greenlee Sullivan team – with doctorate degrees in chemistry, microbiology, immunology and biophysics – further bolsters Lathrop & Gage’s life sciences practice. In January 2011, the firm opened a Boston office, focused on biotechnology and life sciences. It has grown from three to 11 attorneys, and in the past year has attracted lateral partners from the AmLaw 100 and global healthcare leader Abbott Laboratories. The Greenlee Sullivan team will work extensively with the Boston office to expand the firm’s life sciences footprint nationwide, and Lathrop & Gage’s robust litigation practice can support its clients if IP conflicts escalate.

Lathrop & Gage’s IP practice has received recognition in rankings such as Chambers USA and has been named among the most active trademark groups by CSC Trademark Insider. In addition, members of the practice have been named in Best Lawyers in America, the BTI Client Service All-Star Team and among the “World’s Leading Trademark Practitioners” by Managing Intellectual Property magazine.

Bill Rudy, Chairman of the IP Division at Lathrop & Gage:

·         “Lathrop & Gage opened a Boulder office in 2000 to attract top IP talent. The addition of Greenlee Sullivan, a firm we’ve long admired, continues that dedication to offering our clients the best technical minds along with savvy legal counsel.”

·         “Greenlee Sullivan’s experience in biotechnology will serve as a strong complement to our growing Boston office – we can offer our clients a true ‘dream team’ in life sciences law.”

Steven Penner, Partner at Greenlee Sullivan:

·         “We’re excited to leverage the advantages we have in life sciences, chemistry and other fields – our science backgrounds, our technical and industry experience – with the great strengths and resources available with a national firm like Lathrop & Gage.”

·         “We’re excited to join Lathrop & Gage – we believe there’s a shared deep commitment to high quality service and great value for clients. In Greenlee Sullivan’s 25th anniversary year, we’re pleased that our future will align with a firm that has been providing superb client service for almost 140 years.”

Curtis Vock, partner in charge of Lathrop & Gage’s Boulder office:

·       ”Boulder and the surrounding region are home to some of the most well respected hi-tech companies and startups in the country and we’re excited to expand our capabilities, depth and full-service IP expertise by joining forces with the highly respected attorneys and patent agents of a nationally-recognized boutique firm.”

About Lathrop & Gage:
 A leading full-service law firm, Lathrop & Gage LLP has 320 attorneys in 11 offices nationwide—from Los Angeles to New York. In 2012, Chambers USA ranked Lathrop & Gage’s corporate, environmental, intellectual property, labor and employment, litigation, real estate, and transportation teams among the best in their regions.

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Denver – Dec. 7, 2012 – The Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) named Denver-based Sheridan Ross P.C. as the winner of its 2012 Chairman’s Award at the organization’s annual celebration of Colorado’s bioscience community.

Sheridan Ross was recognized for playing a significant role in the coordination and application efforts to bring a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to Denver.  Announced at a July 2012 press conference by Senator Michael Bennet, the USPTO Denver office is expected to generate more than $440 million in economic impact in just its first five years, according to a study by the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business.  The office is scheduled to open in 2013.

John Posthumus, Partner and Patent Attorney at Sheridan Ross worked with local, state and federal legislators along with business and economic development leaders for many years to accomplish this major development in the Colorado economy that will impact the bioscience industry in the years to come.

“Our annual awards program showcases and honors those individuals and companies making a significant difference to Colorado’s bioscience industry during the past year,” said CBSA President & CEO April Giles.  “We are very proud to recognize Sheridan Ross as our 2012 Chairman’s Award winner and we look forward to more successes in Colorado’s bioscience community in 2013.”

Senator Bennet, who sponsored a key piece of legislation that paved the way for a Denver patent office, stated at the the time of the announcement that “the work was a truly collaborative effort that included bipartisan support in government, the business community, academia and from local leaders across the state. In particular, patent attorney John Posthumus has worked tirelessly for years as one of the leaders to make this a reality.”

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DENVER – Nov. 1, 2012 – The Denver Film Society (DFS) today announced a $2.5 million donation from the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation that has enabled DFS to purchase the building and theaters at 2510 East Colfax Avenue.  The complex and the building will be renamed the Anna and John J. Sie FilmCenter, the Sie FilmCenter for short.  In addition, the main theater within the Sie FilmCenter will be named the Maria and Tommaso Maglione Theater in honor of Anna’s parents.

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Sheridan Ross Shareholders Rob Brunelli and John Posthumus share their insights on the short and long-term growth of the IP practice in Colorado thanks to the addition of a new USPTO for the state…(read full article).

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Denver Post — Oct. 13, 2012

- Festival sets A Late Quartet for Opening Night, Quartet for Big Night, and Silver Linings Playbook for Closing Night – 18 Films Chosen for Competition – Six Packs and Patron Packages on sale now.

The 35^th Starz Denver Film Festival (SDFF), sponsored by Starz Entertainment and produced by the Denver Film Society, announced today its Red Carpet Galas, Special Presentations, and Films in Competition. Recognized as the Rocky Mountain Region’s largest film event, SDFF attracts over 55,000 film-goers and is widely recognized for presenting Academy Award and Independent Spirit Award-winning films, such as The Artist, Black Swan, Brokeback Mountain, No Country for Old Men, and Slumdog Millionaire – well before their collective accolades.

“As our country chooses its next President, the Starz Denver Film Festival will give tens of thousands of local film lovers the opportunity to ‘Vote Film’ and experience the artistic creations of some of the world’s best film makers,” said Festival Director Britta Erickson. ”This year’s festival will offer an astounding array of film choices and the festivities that only SDFF can provide.  This is one time you can vote often and never make a bad choice.

For more information:  www.denverfilm.org

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Lathrop & Gage Attorney Aaron Bradford

Wheels of Justice, the 200-plus member bicycle fundraising team co-captained by Lathrop & Gage Attorney Aaron Bradford, once again finished as the top fundraisers for the 2012 Ride the Rockies.

This year’s team raised more than $310,000 for the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital Colorado through participation in the annual Courage Classic ride and the solicitation of sponsorship from top Denver lawyers and law firms.  The Wheels of Justice Cycling Team has now raised more than $1.3 million for this cause.

In addition to the participation of many of its Denver area attorneys, professional staff and clients, Lathrop & Gage has made significant contributions to the Wheels of Justice fundraising efforts over the past five years.

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Denver Business Journal

Heather Draper, Reporter

September 28, 2012 — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit will be hearing oral arguments in Denver Oct. 2-4 — another milestone for the state’s intellectual property (IP) legal community, which helped land a satellite patent office here earlier this year.

The Washington, D.C.-based Federal Circuit Court each year travels to a different city to hear cases and host educational seminars, and this is the court’s first visit to Colorado.

The Federal Circuit — which hears appeals related to trademarks, patents and international trade, among other things — is unique among the courts of appeal in that it’s the only one that has its jurisdiction based on subject matter rather than geographic location.

The Federal Circuit will hear oral arguments Oct. 2 in downtown Denver at the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse and the Byron Rogers Federal Building, at the University of Colorado Law School on Oct. 3 and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law on Oct. 4. The judges also will attend public events, including a formal dinner for members of the IP community at the History Colorado Center.

“It’s going to be a very exciting week for the IP community, an education for our students and a great opportunity for district court and federal circuit judges to get together and talk,” said patent attorney Michael Drapkin, a partner at Denver-based Holland & Hart LLP. “It plays into the whole momentum we have in Colorado, that something special is happening in the IP community.”

Intellectual proper­ty law covers patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and celebrities’ rights to protect their image.

Drapkin was instrumental in getting the Federal Circuit to come to the state, and also played a role in getting a satellite patent office here, which is forecast to have a $439 million combined economic impact on the state in the next five years.

In July, the U.S. Commerce Department chose Denver as one of three metro areas to be awarded a satellite branch of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, along with Dallas and San Jose, Calif.

“What all of these things are showing … is that people around the country are recognizing that this area is a hub for entrepreneurial and innovation activity,” Drapkin said.

IP attorney George Matava, of counsel at the Denver office of Lathrop & Gage LLP, said he and Drapkin asked the Federal Circuit judges who traveled to Denver in April 2011 to participate in the area’s new IP Inn of Court if the court would travel here for its next city visit.

The Inn — based on the Inns of Court created in England centuries ago to oversee the legal profession — brought together a panel of judges and about 130 intellectual property lawyers, law professors and students from DU and CU to discuss issues facing IP law practices today.

Within a few weeks of submitting a formal proposal to the judges last year, Drapkin and Matava were informed by circuit executives that the court would be hearing arguments in Denver this year.

“The court’s interest in sitting in Colorado this fall is a product of the enthusiasm and quality of the IP community here in Colorado,” Matava said. “Within a short year, we were able to assemble a vibrant IP Inn of Court, and the IP section of the Colorado Bar is and has been active for the last 15 years or so. It has been very much a joint effort by many firms and individuals.”

Bernard Chao, assistant professor at the Sturm College of Law, said the ability of his patent-law students to sit in on the court’s oral arguments will be a “great learning opportunity for them. We don’t get to hear cutting-edge arguments used in a court of appeals on a daily basis.”

At DU, the Federal Circuit is scheduled to hear oral arguments in four cases, including a patent case involving social networking and user review site Yelp Inc. (NYSE: YELP), based in San Francisco.

“My class was required to write a short memo to the public — a one-page summary of the case at the hearings itself,” Chao said. “They’ll also be writing a recommended decision after the oral argument, based on the briefing and the oral argument.”

The attorneys involved in the oral arguments will do a question-and-answer session with the students after the hearing. Some DU students also will get the chance to have lunch with the judges and discuss how they make decisions, he said.

CU law students will have a similar experience the next day, said Harry Surden, associate professor of law at CU.

“The students will get to watch the oral arguments, and it will be really interesting for students to see what we read about in class come to life,” Surden said. “It will humanize the process when they get to see some faces attached to the judges they read about.”

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