Taft Expands IP Practice in Denver with Addition of 2 Experienced Attorneys

Taft welcomes intellectually property attorneys Briana Long and Stephanie Rice to its Denver office.

Long is in the firm's Intellectual Property Litigation group and helps clients protect their innovations across a wide range of industries. Her practice spans patent, trademark, trade secret, and commercial litigation, as well as inter partes review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

"Continuing my practice at Taft felt like the perfect next step in my career," said Long. "My mentor from my previous firm, Aaron Bradford, joined Taft nearly a year ago and spoke highly about the firm's talented attorneys and impressive depth of resources. I'm looking forward to working alongside Aaron again, collaborating with this dynamic team, and having the opportunity to expand my IP practice."

Rice is in the firm's Trademark and Copyright groups and provides strategic counsel to clients on a broad range of trademark, trade dress, and copyright matters. Her practice spans both domestic and international issues, including brand clearance, portfolio management, prosecution, licensing, risk mitigation, and enforcement.

"The knowledge and reputation of the trademark attorneys at Taft is remarkable," said Rice. "Joining the firm gives me the opportunity to learn from a skilled team and expand my practice on a national scale, while maintaining a dedicated focus to the Colorado market. What truly sets Taft apart is its collaborative culture and strong commitment to professional development, qualities that made this move the right decision."

"Taft's IP group is expanding rapidly, and the addition of Briana and Stephanie reinforces our position as a national leader in intellectual property law," said Taft's Intellectual Property Practice Group Chair Jonathan Polak. "Their experience across patents, trademarks, and global brand protection ensures we can serve clients with unmatched scope and sophistication."

"Welcoming Briana and Stephanie to our team marks an exciting step forward for the growth of Taft's IP group in Denver," said Bradford, intellectual property partner at Taft. "Having worked with Briana previously, I know firsthand the value she brings to our practice. Stephanie's diverse background and experience will also significantly enhance the services we offer our clients across the region."

Long earned her J.D. from the University of Wyoming College of Law, where she served as the article editor for the Wyoming Law Review, and her B.S. in Chemical Engineering, with a concentration in Biological Engineering. Rice earned her J.D. from Yale Law School, where she conducted research for the Solomon Center for Health Law and Policy, and her B.A. from Washington and Lee University.

Taft's nationally recognized IP team includes more than 100 attorneys, 52 of whom are registered patent attorneys, offering clients tailored approaches that meet their immediate goals and long-term business visions.

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, Sherman & Howard combined with Taft, creating a firm powered by more than 1,100 attorneys from Washington, D.C. to the Mountain West. The combination enables both firms to deepen their benches of attorneys and strengthen their service offerings. Since the merger announcement, the firm has added 34 new attorneys to the Mountain West offices, accelerating its strategic growth. As the firm continues to attract top talent and provide clients with exceptional service, it is well-positioned to become a leading force in the nation.

About Taft

Founded in 1885, Taft is one of the nation's fastest-growing law firms, with a 140-year legacy rooted in the historic Taft family. With more than 1,100 attorneys and a modern, non-headquarter operating model, Taft is committed to delivering exceptional legal service to today's organizations and individuals. The firm is recognized nationally in the Am Law 100, Chambers USA, Best Lawyers®, and Super Lawyers. Learn more at Taftlaw.com.