Novak Druce Connolly Bove + Quigg LLP is expanding its Houston office with three hires, including a senior associate who is returning to the firm after a brief hiatus. Monica M. Moussighi left the firm prior to its merger with Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz LLP in 2013 and is returning to assist with the firm’s Litigation and Trademark Practice Groups. Meanwhile, associates Cole T. Duncan and Phillip M. Rice will assist in supporting the firm’s Asia Pacific Practice Group.

“To keep pace with the growing demand for our intellectual property counsel, Novak Druce seeks out the most skilled attorneys,” said Tracy Druce, the firm’s co-executive partner. “We look forward to working with these talented professionals.”

“In addition, we are seeing tremendous growth in opportunities originating from Asia, particularly China,” said Gregory Novak, the firm’s CEO and managing partner. “Hiring knowledgeable attorneys to support this effort is a priority for the firm.” Gregory Novak was invited to speak on intellectual property issues at the IPR Development Forum in Beijing hosted by the Chinese government’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on April 26, World Intellectual Property Day. Mr. Gregory’s speaking engagement was a direct result of a significant event last December where Novak Druce hosted 20 delegates from the MIIT, marking the first time that members of this prominent Chinese ministry have greeted a U.S. law firm during their visit to the U.S.

Monica M. Moussighi’s practice focuses on all aspects of intellectual property rights, including patent and trademark litigation and procurement. Ms. Moussighi has handled patent matters for clients across multiple industry sectors and is involved in all aspects of litigation. She has experience in securing and enforcing trademark rights, managing international trademark portfolios, as well as filing and responding to proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. She earned her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. Prior to attending law school, she earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s in electrical engineering, with a focus on control systems, from the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering.

With an extensive background in chemistry, Mr. Duncan has particular knowledge of inorganic chemistry, nanochemistry and nanotechnology, materials science and materials chemistry, catalysis, and polymer chemistry. He received his J.D. from the University of New Hampshire School of Law. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Duncan earned his Ph.D. in chemistry with an emphasis on inorganic chemistry and materials science from Syracuse University. He holds a B.S. in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry from Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis.

Born into a family of engineers, Mr. Rice has been immersed in the math and science disciplines throughout his life. He earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University. During his undergraduate work, he received field experience as an intern at a large telecommunications company. He holds a J.D. and LL.M. in intellectual property from the University of New Hampshire School of Law and is a registered patent attorney.

“We are excited to be part of a firm that has such a well-regarded reputation in the IP community,” said Mr. Duncan. “We look forward to growing with the firm and supporting our colleagues.”

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