Overview

At Fredrikson & Byron, we know that algae is more than just pond scum. Algae presents a vast opportunity for the clean technology industry. Today, research focuses on the production of and a myriad of uses for algae, including as a superior feedstock for advanced biofuels, biochemicals, and other sustainable products, as well as opportunities for carbon recycling for carbon intense industries.

Our team works to stay ahead of the curve on opportunities related to algae in order to provide proactive, strategic legal advice to our clients. Clients see us as strategic partners to aid in major business decisions, such as equity, debt, and government financing, joint ventures, patent filings, IP licensing, site location analysis, engineering, design and build contracts, and assistance with feedstock, carbon, and offtake mechanics.

We are also active participants in many algae-related groups, including the Algal Biomass Organization, the National Biodiesel Board, and we are founding members of the Midwest Algae Biomass Roundtable, a group dedicated to helping foster an open exchange of ideas and to commercialize algae companies in the Midwest U.S. Our lawyers are frequent speakers and moderators on a variety of biomass-related topics, including commercialization, funding opportunities, and intellectual property matters.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

Our involvement in the algae industry covers the entire spectrum of project development, including company formation, founders involvement, seed and later stage equity investments, project debt financing, joint ventures, construction contracts, permitting and environmental matters, as well as land acquisition and critical feedstock and offtake contracts.

We have worked with biomass and algae-related companies on technology development joint venture agreements, equipment design and sales, facility construction, carbon offtake and capture opportunities with major power companies, testing and collaboration agreements with end users of algae-derived fuels and Federal and state research and funding programs.

We also serve as a key resource on the critical issues related to government grants, guaranteed loans, and other programs related to advanced biofuels and energy projects. We have experience with Department of Energy, Department of Defense, USDA, and other federal and state programs related to algae projects and assist our clients with identifying and applying for relevant federal and state programs. We also utilize our extensive network of grant writers and other specialists to help our clients maximize the chances for success while helping to manage tight budgets.

Finally, our knowledge of industry trends provides our clients with an important additional tool that they can use to help their businesses succeed. Our team members spend significant time keeping abreast of industry developments, including financing and IP trends and key participants. This way, our clients get not only excellent legal advice, but also the comfort that the legal advice is truly relevant to their business.  

Intellectual Property With a Business Perspective

We offer a full-service Intellectual Property Group focused on helping you maximize the benefits from your intellectual property; we have the capability to file, register, issue, prosecute, and litigate patents on a global basis. We also advise on strategic planning, as well as building and enforcing competitive patent portfolios. We have published a number of articles on how current intellectual property issues impact the biomass industry.

Our lawyers have a range of scientific and advanced degrees – some with current graduate training, others with senior experience navigating the complex interrelationships of business, law, and science.

Technologies covered include: genetics; genetic engineering; genomics; gene therapy; biochemistry; biomaterials; bioengineering; adjuvants; proteomics; recombinant proteins; cell delivery; cellular; petrochemical; microbial biology; pollution control; virology; diagnostics; nutritional supplements; functional goods; medical, agricultural and industrial applications; and related chemistry, including combinatory (or combinatorial) organic, polymer, analytical, and physical.

VERSATILE TEAMING CAPABILITIES

Our team-oriented approach enables us to provide effective representation across a number of other areas; we seamlessly engage other practice groups from our firm to address corporate matters, licensing, securities, government relations, employment, real estate, and more.

If we can be of assistance on your algae project, or you just want to learn more about what we do, please contact any of the following lawyers:

Bios

Primary Attorneys

John F. Dolan
Paul J. LaVanway, Jr.
Adonis A. Neblett
Zachary D. Olson
Kevin S. Spreng
Todd A. Taylor, Team Lead