Responding to Pfizer’s announced pull-out from Ann Arbor, the law firm of Miller Canfield, Michigan's largest law firm, is offering to incorporate and organize --at no cost for legal services-- qualified start-ups seeking to commercialize their emerging
technologies and grow their businesses in Michigan. These fee typically cost about $7500.
The firm expects increased growth in new business ventures in life sciences as former Pfizer professionals develop spin-off businesses. The goal is to encourage people who have worked in research and development to remain local and pursue commercialization of their innovations.
The deal is available to entrepreneurs outside Pfizer personnel as well. Applicants must show they have a commercially viable business prospect
Paul Dimond, senior counsel in Miller Canfield’s Ann Arbor office says, “With the University of Michigan, one of the top ten research universities in the world, as our anchor, Ann Arbor is uniquely positioned to generate, attract and retain talent and new inventions."
The firm has good reason to believe its efforts will help grow Ann Arbor's life science industry. In 2003, Miller Canfield established their “Stick Around” Campaign, designed to assist ex-Pharmacia workers who wanted to remain in the Kalamazoo community. Southwest Michigan First estimates that pro-bono services by local attorneys helped 200 scientists remain in the Kalamazoo area; launching more than two dozen new businesses.
The Ann Arbor office has expanded its Venture and Technology Practice by
adding two experienced corporate and finance partners and is
actively looking to add biotech and intellectual property lawyers.
In certain cases, Miller Canfield also will offer discounted packages for intellectual property work, procuring IP, as well as other fee arrangements for future rounds of external financing.
Those interested in exploring these business opportunities should contact attorneys Michael VanHemert, Jeffery LaBine or Paul Dimond at the Ann Arbor office of Miller Canfield at 734.663.2445 or visit
www.millercanfield.com.Source: Miller Canfield of Ann Arbor
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