Robinson+Cole Presents Annual Awards for Outstanding Contributions

On July 28, 2022, Robinson+Cole recognized 19 lawyers and staff members for their pro bono work, mentoring, community service and efforts to promote a diverse and inclusive work environment as part of the firm's annual awards.

The Pro Bono Award is presented by the firm’s Pro Bono Committee and honors individuals for their outstanding commitment to Robinson+Cole’s pro bono initiative. This year’s honorees were Megan E. Baroni, Laurie A. Krepto, Ryan V. Leichsenring, Leticia C. Pimentel, Stephani A. Roman and Business Center Specialist Elsa E. Colon and Attorney Career Development Manager Kristopher I. Moore, who were honored for their ongoing dedication and support of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Business Transactions Team Represents Hydrofera, LLC in Sale to Essity

Robinson+Cole’s Business Transactions Team represented Hydrofera, LLC, a U.S. company based in Manchester, Connecticut, and the developer of Hydrofera Blue Antibacterial Wound Dressing, an advanced line of wound care products designed to shorten healing times, lower treatment costs, and deliver better patient outcomes, in connection with its sale to Essity, a global hygiene and health company based in Stockholm, Sweden. Our team included Adam Anderson, Christine Bromberg, Rachel Kushel, Ryan Leichsenring, John Lynch, Virginia McGarrity, Kathy Porter, Jacqueline Pennino Scheib, Emilee Scott, Kiernan Ignacio, Patrick Mulpeter, Kayla O'Leary and Kayla West. Read more about the transaction in the press release.

Kayla O’Leary and John Cordani Author IPWatchdog Article on Modern Trends in the Fair Use Doctrine

Intellectual Property & Technology lawyers, Kayla C. O’Leary and John L. Cordani, co-authored the article, “Transformation or Derivation: Modern Trends in the Fair Use Doctrine from Software to Photography,” published in IPWatchdog on November 17, 2021. In the article, Kayla and John discuss how the “Fair Use” doctrine has evolved as technology and the way in which people use copyrighted works has advanced. Through their analysis of recent decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, resulting in some conflicting guidance, they concluded that “[G]iven the emerging trends in the law, it is important for defense counsel to identify and pursue potential fair-use defenses early in a copyright litigation, even outside the traditional areas of commentary, criticism, teaching, news reporting, scholarship, and research.” Read the full article.

Business Transactions Team Represents SmartEquip in Sale to Ritchie Bros.

Robinson+Cole’s Business Transactions Team represented SmartEquip, Inc., a multi-manufacturer technology platform that provides customers with service and diagnostic support to each asset in their fleet, as well as enabling the electronic procurement of parts from OEMs and their dealers, in connection with its sale to Ritchie Bros., a global asset management and disposition company, for a purchase price of approximately $175 million. The R+C team included Adam Anderson, Stephen E. Cooper, Jacqueline Pennino Scheib, Virginia E. McGarrity, Christopher F. Homsy, Kayla C. O’Leary, Kathleen M. Porter, Michael J. Kearney, Jr. and Eric M. Kogan. The sale closed on November 2, 2021. Read more about the transaction.   

Capital Markets + Securities Team Represents GrowGeneration Corp. in Recent Acquisitions

Robinson+Cole’s Capital Markets and Securities Team (the Team) was pleased to represent GrowGeneration Corp. (GrowGen), an owner and operator of a network of specialty hydroponic gardening stores, in the acquisition of Agron.io, a leading wholesale agriculture platform that allows commercial growers to manage their purchasing and logistics in one platform. Led by Team Chair Mitchell L. Lampert, Frank W. Eucalitto, Michael J. Kearney, Jr., Kayla C. O'Leary, Austin G. Provost, and Jacqueline Pennino Scheib advised GrowGen on the transaction. With this acquisition, announced on March 22, 2021, Agron.io Powered by GrowGeneration continues to be a one-stop destination for GrowGeneration's growing roster of commercial clients across the U.S. Read more.

In addition, the Team also represented GrowGen in its acquisition of Char Coir, an RHP-certified growing medium made from the highest-grade coconut fiber available. Char Coir's line of coco products is projected to add in excess of $15 million in revenue to GrowGen in 2021. Led by Team Chair Mitch Lampert, Michael Kearney, Kayla O'Leary Taylor A. Shea, Jacqueline Pennino Scheib and Adam T. Tamzoke advised GrowGen on the transaction. The acquisition was announced on March 15, 2021. Read more.

Capital Markets + Securities Team Represents GrowGeneration Corp. in Significant Transactions

Robinson+Cole’s Capital Markets and Securities Team (the Team) was pleased to represent GrowGeneration Corp. (GrowGen), an owner and operator of a network of specialty hydroponic gardening stores, in two recent transactions. On December 11, 2020, GrowGen completed its $150 million follow-on public offering of shares of common stock at $30 per share. GrowGen intends to use those net proceeds primarily to expand its network of stores through growth and acquisitions. The Team advising on the stock offering was led by Team Chair, Mitchell L. Lampert, and included Shant H. Chalian, Frank W. Eucalitto, and Adam T. Tamzoke. Read more.

The Team also was pleased to represent GrowGen in connection with its acquisition of Canopy Crop Management, an industry-leading silicic acid company that sells silicic acid-enriched fertilizers, which was announced on December 23, 2020. Led by Team Chair Mitchell Lampert, Robinson+Cole’s Megan E. Baroni, Frank Eucalitto, Michael J. Kearney, Jr., Kayla C. O'Leary Jacqueline Pennino Scheib and Emilee Mooney Scott advised GrowGen on the transaction. Read more.

Jackie Scheib and Kayla O'Leary Author CT Chapter in INTA Member Publication

Intellectual Property + Technology Group members Jackie Pennino Scheib, (Chair), and Kayla O’Leary revised the Connecticut chapter in the latest edition of the International Trademark Association’s (INTA) member publication, U.S. State Trademark and Unfair Competition Law, a comprehensive resource for facts, commentary, and analysis on U.S. state trademark and unfair competition law covering each of the 50 states and Puerto Rico. The publication is updated annually by practitioners in each state. INTA is a global association of brand owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and related intellectual property to foster consumer trust, economic growth, and innovation. Its membership comprises nearly 6,500 organizations from 185 countries, representing more than 34,350 professionals, including brand owners from major corporations, small- and medium-sized enterprises, law firms, nonprofits, government agency members and the educational community.