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The Next Generation Arrives at OWE

Spencer Owen, who joined OWE as an associate earlier this year, follows in the footsteps of his father Greg, grandfather Mel and great-grandfather A. Donham as members of the firm.  A. Donham passed away over four decades ago, but Mel still comes in to the office and maintains an active practice.  Greg, one of the firm’s two principals along with Noel Cook, shares responsibility for running the firm and assists a “who’s who” list of clients manage their trademark portfolios and protect their IP.

Spencer graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law in 2017 after receiving a B.A. in Philosophy with an emphasis in ethics and public policy from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He comes to the firm having a strong sense of what it means to practice law in a friendly and supportive small firm environment.  “I grew up around the firm and saw how much both my dad and grandfather enjoyed the challenges and rewards of the IP practice,” says Spencer.  “I’m just getting my feet wet, but already enjoying the work and looking forward to continuing to benefit from the amazing experience and expertise of all the lawyers at OWE.”

“I’m not surprised that Spencer is taking to our practice so quickly,” says Greg.  “Aside from the genetic disposition toward IP law, Spencer is inquisitive, enthusiastic, and has been conditioned from a young age to value common sense.  My hope is that Spencer’s experience is as rewarding and enjoyable as my thirty years of practice with my father.”   Noel, who has been practicing with the Owens for almost 30 years could only say “Wait a minute—ANOTHER Owen?!? Seriously, it’s a real honor to now work with three generations of the Owen family.”

OWE is celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2018.  Mel has been at the firm for more than 60 years and hasn’t lost his sense of humor or his appetite for trademark law.  “Spencer has taken over winding his great-great-grandfather’s clock that is in our lobby and is excellent crew aboard Pat Pending, so it should be all smooth sailing from here,” said Mel.  Pat Pending is the Owen family’s classic motor vessel that has been in the family since 1940 and is a frequent venue for entertaining clients and friends.  On a more serious note, Mel observes that “the practice of law has its challenges, but I predict a long and successful career for Spencer here at the firm.”

Noel notes that family, honoring history, and valuing relationships have always been important and distinguishing qualities of OWE. “We view our clients as part of our ‘family’, and many of them have been with us for decades. When you are lucky enough to work with clients that long, you develop a deep understanding of their businesses, what they need and how they work, all of which translate into better communication and service.”

Scott Graham, IP reporter for law.com, gave a shout out to “Three Generations of Owens” in his “Skilled in the Art” column on March 30, 2018.

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