David T. Azrin Joins Wuersch & Gering

Monday, April 1, 2024

We are pleased to announce that David T. Azrin has joined our firm as a Partner in our Intellectual Property, Corporate, Litigation and Employment groups.

David Azrin’s practice focuses on franchising, licensing, and distribution.  He provides guidance to domestic and international franchisors with respect to preparing their franchise agreements, master franchise agreements, and franchise disclosure documents, obtaining necessary state franchise registrations, registering client trademarks and protecting their brands, counseling clients on employment law issues, and resolving disputes with franchisees. 

In the area of trademarks and copyrights, he handles trademark and copyright registrations and trademark litigation.  In the area of employment law, he advises clients on wage laws, discrimination laws, non-compete agreements, employment and severance agreements, policy manuals, and handles employment litigation.   His commercial litigation experience includes 12 jury trials, as well as numerous arbitrations, mediations, and appeals. 

David has the highest AV-rating by the Martindale-Hubbel peer review rating system.   David has been named for the past ten years as a New York City “Super Lawyer” in franchise and distribution law, and a top rated “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times magazine.   David is currently the chair of the New York State Bar Association Business Law Section Committee on Franchise, Licensing and Distribution.

Prior to joining the firm, David was an equity partner at Gallet Dreyer & Berkey LLP in New York City for 21 years.  David started his career as a litigation associate at Greenberg Traurig in Miami, Florida.  He worked as a summer associate at Paul Weiss in New York City, and at Goodrich Riquelme in Mexico City.

David holds an A.B. from Stanford University and a J.D. from University of Michigan Law School.

David can be reached at david.azrin@wg-law.com or +1-212-509-4745.

Michael J. Brown Joins Wuersch & Gering

Monday, April 1, 2024

We are pleased to announce that Michael J. Brown has joined our firm as Senior Counsel in our Intellectual Property & Information Technology Department.

Michael’s practice focuses on patent, trademark, and copyright prosecution, transactions involving various intellectual property assets and intellectual property litigation. He has filed or directed the filings of more than 2000 patent, design and trademark applications in the US and jurisdictions world-wide.  Michael has handled a variety of intellectual property disputes in patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, domain names and rights of privacy and publicity, ranging from initial investigation of infringement through resolution. Michael has represented clients in litigation in U.S. Federal district and appellate courts, trademark inter partes proceedings and domain name dispute arbitration. Michael served in a variety of functions in corporate, licensing and restructuring transactions, addressing issues including confidentiality agreements, asset due diligence, purchase agreement negotiation, privacy issues, material transfer agreements, licensing agreements, university licensing agreements, software development agreements, joint venture agreements, and transition services agreements.

He holds a B.A. from Colgate University and a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

Michael has been peer-rated as a New Jersey “Super Lawyer” in intellectual property law from 2022 through 2024.

Michael can be reached via email at michael.brown@wg-law.com.

Paula J. Bruening Joins Wuersch & Gering

Tuesday, November 21, 2023
8 a.m. EST/14:00 hrs. CET

We are pleased to announce that Paula J. Bruening has joined our firm as senior counsel in our Data Privacy Department.

In over 30 years of working in the field, domestically and internationally, Paula has acquired extensive expertise in the regulation of data collection and processing. She has deep knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, and closely follows legislative and policy trends. Paula understands and anticipates the issues faced by businesses collecting and processing personal data in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape and helps them stay compliant and plan ahead. She assists her clients by drafting and adapting privacy policies and contractual arrangements regarding data transfers. Paula also advises in the due diligence of privacy practices in transactions and assists companies in data privacy-related litigation, investigation and enforcement proceedings.

Prior to joining Wuersch & Gering, Paula was Director of Global Privacy Policy at Intel Corporation.  She has worked in government and spent extensive time in Washington, Brussels, Paris, and in the APEC region developing legislative models for comprehensive privacy law, innovative approaches to privacy-by-design, international frameworks for cross-border data transfers, and guidance principles for implementation of accountability-based data governance. She holds a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and a B.A. in English Literature from John Carrol University.

Paula Bruening can be reached via email at paula.bruening@wg-law.com.

U.S. Data Privacy Update Webinar

Thursday, September 21, 2023
8 a.m. EST/14:00 hrs. CET

On Thursday, September 21, 8 a.m. EST, 14:00 hrs. CET, Wuersch & Gering LLP (WG) will hold a U.S. Data Privacy Update webinar focused on the concerns of its international clients with subsidiaries in the U.S. Carl van der Zandt, partner at WG, will discuss compliance with U.S. data privacy law with Rowena Dungca, senior counsel at WG serving many international clients on a variety of matters, including US data privacy, and Paula Bruening, counsel focusing on data privacy at WG and former Global Director of Privacy Policy at Intel Corporation.

If you would like to attend this free webinar, please email Rachelle Saint-Firmin at rachelle.saintfirmin@wg-law.com no later than Friday, September 16, 2023.

Wuersch & Gering Represents Motorex in its Acquisition of the Business of Intercontinental Lubricants, Corp. (d/b/a Spectro Oils)

March 3, 2023 – Wuersch & Gering represented Motorex in its acquisition of the business of Intercontinental Lubricants, Corp. (d/b/a Spectro Oils) based in Brookfield, Connecticut. Founded in 1917, Motorex is a globally active Swiss manufacturer of lubricants for motorcycles and other recreational vehicles, bicycles and industrial applications. Prior to its acquisition, Spectro was a family-owned and operated manufacturer of engine oil lubricants with a longstanding presence in the motorcycle market. Motorex has been selling into U.S. market for over 25 years and with this acquisition, it has established its first production facility in the U.S. The transaction closed in late February 2023. Wuersch & Gering’s team included Daniel Wuersch and Claudio Guler (Corporate), Thilo Agthe (IP), David Schumeister (Real Estate) and Christopher Carpentieri (Environmental).

Wuersch & Gering Represents Dietzgen Corporation in its Acquisition of the Assets of Visual Imaging Products

(January 3, 2023) Wuersch & Gering represented Dietzgen Corporation (based in Florida), which is part of the Sihl Group, in its acquisition of the business activities and the assets of Visual Imaging Products, Inc. (based in California). Dietzgen Corporation is a leading provider of converting and distribution services for digital print media including papers, films and textiles in the U.S. For more information, see https://sihl.com/en/newsroom/press-release/sihl-gruppe-baut-geschaeft-in-den-usa-weiter-aus/. Wuersch & Gering’s team included Christophe Durrer, Larissa Simeon (Corporate), Berwin Cohen (Tax) and Orla McCabe (Employment).

Wuersch & Gering Represents ARC Group Worldwide, Inc. in its Business Combination with RM2 International S.A.

Wuersch & Gering represented ARC Group Worldwide, Inc. (“ARC”) in its reverse acquisition business combination with RM2 International S.A. (“RM2”) which closed on February 1, 2022.RM2, a Luxembourg corporation, is the owner and operator of the BLOCKPal, a technologically advanced, hygienic, ESG friendly, composite pallet that is leased to a Tier 1 customer base. RM2 provides its customers with end-to-end logistics Intelligence Optimization & Tracking (RM2 ELIoT) IoT technology for pallet traceability, delivering real-time actionable insights and powerful data to improve the supply chain visibility to the manufacturing and distribution businesses it serves. RM2 launched the smart reusable pallet revolution by embedding autonomous IoT sensor technology in its pallets.  The BLOCKPal pallets are provided to customers across a range of industries, with a particular focus on those where hygiene and traceability are of critical importance.Immediately preceding the combination with RM2, ARC sold all of its legacy businesses and assets to ARC Acquisition Corp.  The RM2 business now constitutes the sole business of ARC.For more information, see:https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/02/03/2378055/0/en/ARC-Group-Worldwide-Inc-Announces-the-Closing-of-the-Business-Combination-With-RM2-International-S-A.html. Wuersch & Gering’s team included Travis L. Gering, Jake Brown, Janet Murtha, Erik Tikkanen, Samara Finckenauer and Tiffany Tsai (Corporate) and Berwin Cohen (Tax).

Wuersch & Gering Represents Sihl GmbH in its Acquisition of Dietzgen Corporation

(January 8, 2022) Wuersch & Gering represented Sihl GmbH in its acquisition of Dietzgen Corporation based in Florida. Sihl GmbH -- which is part of the Sihl Group - develops, produces, and markets media for large-format digital color printing applications. Dietzgen Corporation is a leading provider of converting and distribution services for digital print media including papers, films, and textiles in the U.S. market. For more information, see https://sihl.com/en/newsroom/press-release/sihl-group-acquires-dietzgen-corporation-to-become-a-leading-high-end-coated-print-media-supplier-in-the-us/?nonitro=1. Wuersch & Gering’s team included Christophe Durrer, Rowena Dungca (Corporate), Berwin Cohen (Tax), Orla McCabe (Employment) and Tiffany Tsai (Corporate).

Wuersch & Gering Represents Aebi Schmidt in its Acquisition of Monroe Truck Equipment

(December 17, 2021): Wuersch & Gering represented Aebi Schmidt in its acquisition of Monroe Truck Equipment based in Wisconsin. Aebi Schmidt is a leading European manufacturer of ice and snow removal and street cleaning equipment. With its acquisition of Monroe Truck Equipment, Aebi Schmidt has approximately $850 million in annual sales and 3,000 employees worldwide. The acquisition further advances Aebi Schmidt’s strategic expansion in the North American market following its acquisitions of M-B Companies in 2018 and Meyer Products and Swenson Spreader in 2015.Wuersch & Gering’s team included Daniel Wuersch, Jake Brown, Claudio Guler (Corporate), Orla McCabe and Michelle Goldstein (Employment and Employee Benefits), Linda Shudy Lecomte and Thilo Agthe (IP), David Schumeister (Real Estate) and Christopher Carpentieri (Environmental).

Wuersch & Gering Represents Verder Group in its Acquisition of Mager Scientific, Inc.

(June 10, 2021): Wuersch & Gering represented Verder Group in its acquisition of Mager Scientific, Inc. based in Michigan. Verder Group is a Dutch family-owned global group of companies with strong market positions in positive displacement pumps (the Liquids Division) and the laboratory sector (the Scientific Division). The acquisition was led by Verder Scientific, Inc. of the Scientific Division, which specializes in the development, manufacture and distribution of state-of-the-art scientific applications. Mager Scientific, Inc. is a distributor of metallographic and hardness testing equipment in the U.S. and a longtime distributor of Verder Group products, including the QATM product lines.

Wuersch & Gering’s team included Daniel A. Wuersch, Jake Brown and Claudio Guler (Corporate), and Orla McCabe (Employment).

Wuersch & Gering Acts as U.S. counsel for Microdiamant in its Acquisition of Eminess Technologies

Microdiamant AG, a specialist for diamond-based solutions for fine grinding, lapping and polishing of high precision surfaces, acquired Eminess Technologies, LLC.

Wuersch & Gering acted as U.S. legal advisor to Microdiamant AG in this transaction. Wuersch & Gering’s team included Christophe Durrer (M&A/lead), Berwin Cohen (Tax), Michelle Goldstein (Employment), Erik Tikkanen, John Smitten and Justin Lee (Corporate).

Wuersch & Gering Advised the Owners of Magnolia Innovation in the Sale of their Company

Wuersch & Gering represented the founders/owners of Magnolia Innovation, a premier market research and strategy consulting firm based in NY/NJ, in its sale to Medical Knowledge Group. Wuersch & Gering’s team included Christophe Durrer, Michelle Goldstein (Employment), Berwin Cohen (Tax), John Smitten, Justin Lee and Erik Tikkanen (Corporate).

Wuersch & Gering Advised Open Systems on its Acquisition of Born In The Cloud

July 23, 2020Wuersch & Gering served as US counsel to EQT portfolio company Open Systems AG, a secure access service edge (SASE) pioneer, in its acquisition of Born In The Cloud Inc., a Michigan-based Microsoft Azure Sentinel cyber security expert from its founders.Wuersch & Gering’s team included Christophe Durrer, Jake Brown, Daniel Wuersch, Claudio Guler (Corporate), Orla McCabe (Employment) and Berwin Cohen (Tax).

Wuersch & Gering Represents Italmatch Chemicals in its Acquisition of Water Science Technologies, LLC

Wuersch & Gering acted as special US Counsel for Italmatch Chemicals in its acquisition of Water Science Technologies, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama. Italmatch Chemicals is a leading Italian chemicals group headquartered in Genova specializing in performance additives for the lubricant, plastic, water and oil markets. Italmatch Chemicals is owned by Bain Capital. Water Science Technologies, LLC is a formulator, internal producer and provider of proprietary and third-party chemical solutions primarily of the oil & gas and water treatment markets.

Wuersch & Gering’s team included Daniel A. Wuersch, Jason M. Rimland and Claudio A. Guler (Corporate), Thilo Agthe (IP), Maureen Monaghan (Tax), Orla McCabe (Labor and Employment) and Christoph Durrer (Regulatory). Giovannelli e Associati served as Italian counsel to Italmatch. Giovanelli’s team was headed by Fabrizio Scaparro and included associates, Paola Pagani and Matteo Bruni. The seller was represented by Butler Snow LLP.

Wuersch & Gering Represents Italmatch Chemicals in its Investment in FRX Polymers, Inc.

Wuersch & Gering acted as special US Counsel for Italmatch Chemicals in its investment in FRX Polymers, Inc. headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Italmatch Chemicals is a leading Italian chemicals group headquartered in Genova specializing in performance additives for the lubricant, plastic, water and oil markets, owned by Bain Capital. FRX Polymers, Inc. is a provider of chemical solutions that are based on proprietary technologies in the flame retardants sector.

Wuersch & Gering’s team included Daniel A. Wuersch, Jason M. Rimland and Claudio A. Guler (Corporate), Thilo Agthe (IP), Maureen Monaghan (Tax) and Orla McCabe (Labor and Employment). Giovannelli e Associati served as Italian counsel to Italmatch Chemicals. Fabrizio Scaparro led the firm’s team, which included associates Paola Pagani and Matteo Bruni. The seller was represented by Goodwin Procter LLP.

Wuersch & Gering Advises Ericsson on U.S. Aspects of its Acquisition of Kathrein’s antenna and filters business

Wuersch & Gering advises Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), the leading Swedish network and telecommunications technology company, on U.S. aspects of its acquisition of the antenna and filter technologies business of Kathrein SE.  Ericsson’s lead counsel on the transaction is Hengeler Mueller.  The acquisition will expand Ericsson’s portfolio of antenna and filter products and add around 4,000 highly-skilled professionals in R&D, production and sales in more than twenty locations, including in Germany, the U.S., Romania, Mexico and China.  The acquisition is subject to certain conditions and approvals from regulatory authorities. 

Wuersch & Gering’s team included Daniel A. Wuersch, Jason M. Rimland and Claudio Guler (M&A/Corporate), Thilo Agthe and Linda Lecomte (IP), Sherica Bryan (Employment), Maureen Monaghan (Tax), Steve McNally (Restructuring) and Christophe Durrer (Regulatory).

Wuersch & Gering Represents ASH Group in its Acquisition of M-B Companies

Wuersch & Gering represented ASH Group in its acquisition of M-B Companies, Inc. from its sole shareholder.  ASH Group is a leading European manufacturer of ice and snow removal and street cleaning equipment with approximately $600 million in sales and 2,000 employees worldwide.  This acquisition marks ASH Group’s strategic expansion into the North-American airport market.Wuersch & Gering’s team included Daniel A. Wuersch, Jason Rimland and Claudio Guler (Corporate), Thilo Agthe, Maria Luisa Palmese (IP), Sherica Bryan (Employment), Maureen Monaghan (Tax) and Chris Carpentieri (Environmental). The seller was represented by Husch Blackwell LLP.

Wuersch & Gering Represents the Stakeholders of Envision Discovery in the Sale of their Interests to HaystackID

Wuersch & Gering represented the members of Envision Discovery in their sale of the company to HaystackID. Envision Discovery is an eDiscovery and managed services company.  Additionally, with investments from management, Knox Capital, ORIX Mezzanine and Private Equity and Maranon Capital, HaystackID created Haystack Holdings, a private-equity backed holding company.  HaystackID is a specialized eDiscovery services firm.Wuersch & Gering’s team included Jason Rimland and Claudio Guler (Corporate), Thilo Agthe (IP), Sherica Bryan (Employment), and Maureen Monaghan (Tax). The buyer was represented by Ropes & Gray.

Harry Bertschmann Featured in New York Times

Harry Bertschmann, whose work Wuersch & Gering exhibited as part of its art program in 2006/2007, was featured in an article in the January 7, 2018 Sunday Edition of the New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/05/nyregion/the-struggling-artist-at-86.html 

Wuersch & Gering Represents Schneider + Co in its Acquisition of Prime Transport Group

Wuersch & Gering represented Schneider + Co in its acquisition of the Prime Transport Group from its former owners. Schneider + Co is an international transport and logistics company based in Basel, Switzerland. Prime Transport Group is an asset-based international logistics service provider, freight forwarder and customs broker operating out of New York, Miami and Los Angeles.Wuersch & Gering’s team included Daniel A. Wuersch, Jason M. Rimland and Claudio Guler (Corporate), Thilo Agthe (IP), Sherica Bryan (Employment), and Maureen Monaghan (Tax). The sellers were represented by Salon Marrow Dyckman Newman & Broudy LLP.