E-Commerce, Technology Attorney Anthony Perkins Appointed to Maine Blue Ribbon Commission

Anthony E. Perkins, the senior technology, computer and e-commerce attorney at Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, has been appointed to the recently-created Blue Ribbon Commission to Establish a Comprehensive Internet Policy for the State of Maine. He will represent the Maine Bar Association on the commission. He was appointed by Maine's Senate President Mark W. Lawrence.

Perkins, who recently launched the firm's Internet and e-commerce consulting affiliate, TechVentures Group, LLC, joined Bernstein Shur in 1985. A resident of Gorham, Perkins focuses his business practice on information technologies, software, computers, e-commerce and Internet law. He currently serves as chair of the Maine State Bar Association's Computer and Internet Law Committee and chairs the law firm's technology practice group. A 1982 graduate of Colby College in Waterville, Perkins received his law degree from the University of Maine School of Law in 1985.

"The commission will study what initiatives state government can undertake to help develop and attract new technology businesses to Maine and also to help existing businesses with e-commerce and other Internet-related issues," said Perkins. "In addition to economic development, we will also address related policies for the fields of education, research and development, telecommunication and media convergence."

The commission was established by the Maine Legislature in June of this year under a joint legislative resolve. In all, 18 Maine residents will serve on the commission in certain voting and non-voting capacities. The commission will produce a report on these policy issues, along with implementing legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development.

Perkins has long been involved in technology and law issues. With the aid of Perkins and other attorneys at Bernstein Shur, the firm established a high tech practice group in 1994 which focuses on legal issues involving computers, software, telecommunication, the Internet and other advanced technologies. Today, the group consists of 10 attorneys at the law firm with practices related to computers, intellectual property, telecommunication, e-commerce, commercial law, finance, employment law, regulatory matters and First Amendment law. The firm also has advised biotech companies on business planning, protection of intellectual property and financing of initiatives.

Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, located at 100 Middle Street in Portland, is one of Northern New England's largest law firms with 60 attorneys and offices in both Portland and Augusta. The firm provides legal services in all major subject areas, including corporate and commercial law, litigation and trials, municipal and governmental affairs, and tax and estate planning. Bernstein Shur also has an active practice in intellectual property, technology, employment law, health care law, public utilities and other regulated industries. Its web site address is www.mainelaw.com. The TechVentures Group is also located at 100 Middle Street in Portland. Its web site address is www.techventuresgroup.com.

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