Harness IP is pleased to announce that principal Joel Samuels has been appointed to the board of directors of the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) of St. Louis County.

The IDA, part of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, is responsible for administering the industrial development bond program for the county. Bonds issued through the program enjoy tax-exempt status, providing low interest rate financing for manufacturers and 501(c)(3) corporations. The authority has recently introduced low-interest taxable bond programs for these entities under federal law. 

Joel focuses his practice on contested matters in district courts and United States Patent and Trademark Office proceedings, including post grant review proceedings and TTAB oppositions and cancellations. His background in economics and business administration and his work with local manufacturers give him particular insight into the economic health of the St. Louis region’s economy. He joined Harness IP in 2011 as an associate and was elevated to partner in January 2019.

The board of directors consists of seven members appointed by the St. Louis County Executive and approved by the County Council.Joel’s appointment is for a six-year term that begins immediately.

 

 

 

---

Harness IP is celebrating more than 100 years as an intellectual property law firm. Founded in 1921, the firm currently holds a No. 2 ranking from IAM Media for providing counsel to 44 companies with the largest portfolios of issued U.S. patents. The firm also ranks No. 6 for filing the most patent applications on behalf of those companies. Harness IP’s attorneys and IP professionals focus exclusively on patents, trademarks, global IP management, litigation and other IP rights. The firm has offices in metropolitan Dallas, Detroit, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. Visit www.harnessip.com for more information.