New High Tech Consulting Business Unveiled by Law Firm

TechVentures Group, LLC to Provide Business and Technical Consultation to Tech-Based Companies in New England

(PORTLAND, Maine) Ñ One of Northern New England's largest law firms, Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, has unveiled its newest consulting affiliate, TechVentures Group, LLC, and is now accepting clients. TechVentures will provide business and technical consultation including formation, financing, marketing and operational strategies for information technology, biotechnology and telecommunications-oriented companies throughout New England.

"We came to realize that these types of clients, whom we've served for many years, needed more than just traditional legal services," said Anthony Perkins, the senior technology, computer and e-commerce attorney at Bernstein Shur. "Business, financial, marketing and technological issues were always present and very much intertwined. But we found there was no one providing this sort of one- stop shopping consultation, so we jumped in to a market niche we think is in real need of service."

TechVentures Group will help provide businesses across New England with an "outsourced" executive committee comprised of technology and telecommunications specialists, web designers, interactive marketing professionals and specialists in accounting, management and finance. Bernstein Shur will lend its services to act as "virtual" in-house counsel to ensure legal issues such as protection of intellectual property, contracting, joint venture and financing arrangements are addressed properly, and to generally advise TechVentures' clients.

TechVentures' advisory team will provide select free initial consultations to establish the clients' needs and objectives. TechVentures Group is located at 100 Middle Street in Portland and can be reached at 207-228-7200 or on the world wide web at www.techventuresgroup.com.

"The TechVentures team is designed to work with start ups and existing businesses in tech- related ventures to provide business planning and launch strategic initiatives to see that clients' technology-based undertakings have their best chance to become a success," Perkins said. "The goal is to make a sound venture profitable and attractive to potential lenders, buyers and investors by offering the most current and practical business, financial and legal advice necessary for success in today's marketplace."

Added Perkins, "For example, if an existing business wants to begin selling its products online Ñ we take them through the process, from the initial set up and design of the web page, if they need it, through the sales, legal contracts and ultimately into operation. We can then seek to put them together with appropriate lenders or investors who can finance the expansion of the business. There is so much potential out there for businesses to expand their reach through the use of technology. TechVentures was created to help New England businesses realize that potential and help make them successful."

Since 1994, Bernstein Shur has maintained a high tech practice group focused on legal issues involving computers, software, telecommunications, the Internet and other advanced technologies. Today, the group consists of 10 attorneys at the law firm with practices related to computers, intellectual property, telecommunications, e-commerce, commercial law, 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.

Perkins, a resident of Gorham, focuses his practice on computer information technology, 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. He is a graduate of Colby College in Waterville and received his law degree from the University of Maine School of Law. Joining Perkins as a principal in TechVentures is attorney Jim Keenan of Portland. Keenan is a graduate of Boston College Law School. He has practiced extensively in business law and e-commerce law.

Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson is one of Northern New England's largest law firms with 60 attorneys and offices in 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 mainelaw.com.

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