Gesmer Updegrove LLP

Consortium & Standards Setting

Here for You

Since 1988, Gesmer Updegrove has represented more than 100 standard setting consortia, open source development foundations, and accredited standards development organizations, including many of the most influential technology consortia and open source foundations in the world. In most cases, the firm assisted in the structuring and launching of the organization, and has represented it ever since.

Effectiveness Through Expertise

In the process, GU has acquired a great depth of knowledge in how to structure, operate, evolve and dissolve successful consortia in an effective fashion. Although typically we work with the founders of a consortium from the earliest stage, GU has also frequently been engaged to convert a non-incorporated consortium into a corporate form, or to succeed earlier counsel. We have also been retained by major technology companies to advise them on implementing a standards strategy. Andrew Updegrove, who leads the consortium and standard setting practice group, is nationally recognized for his leadership in the development of consortium structures, best practices, and intellectual property rights policies.

We've Got You Covered

Areas where special expertise is necessary in representing consortia include non-profit representation issues, trademark law (including with respect to certification testing), intellectual property ownership and transfer, domestic and international antitrust, and governance issues.

Ready to Get Started?

Besides pure legal skills, GU brings a wide knowledge of practical, business and industry realities to its representation of consortium clients and provides business consulting as well as legal services in order to help create and operate successful consortia. Consistent with our role as the most active law firm in the standards and consortium area, GU has created and maintains www.consortiuminfo.org, a site which is intended to provide the most comprehensive source of information on the Internet regarding the most important topics affecting standard setting and promotional consortia, including:

Forming and maintaining consortia

Adopting and implementing intellectual property rights policies

Maximizing the value of consortium participation

Compliance with antitrust laws
ConsortiumInfo.org attracts a worldwide audience of thousands of visitors every month.

Contact

For more information on our Consortium & Standards Setting Practice, please contact Andy Updegrove.