(New York, NY, October 30, 2000)  In his 25 years as a leading international intellectual property lawyer, Gerald Kiel has advised German clients through good times and bad. In the 10 years since reunification, the priorities of his clients have shifted with the times as well.

An improved business environment at home and the high-tech revolution refocused the efforts of German companies to enter or increase presence in U.S. markets, according to Mr. Kiel.

The New York-based Mr. Kiel, who speaks fluent German and whose previous firm, McAulay, Nissen, Goldberg, Kiel, LLP, recently joined the 600-lawyer U.S. firm Reed Smith, advises German clients on how to avoid potential problems involving patents, trademarks, and copyrights often referred to as intellectual property.

"We are in a new era that is exciting and full of opportunity but also fraught with risk," Mr. Kiel said. "We urge our German clients to appreciate the complexities of U.S. patent law so that they can avoid legal problems when they design their products and market them in the U.S. This applies to both large companies and small start-ups. For the small company, lack of appreciation of U.S. legal principles could be fatal."

Small, high-tech German companies form an increasingly large part of Mr. Kiel's activities, including those companies from the eastern part of Germany near Leipzig and Jena, an area that has become known for start-up high-tech companies and their IPOs.

Mr. Kiel has recently advised German clients and handled related litigation in the U.S. involving a variety of complex technical matters, including semiconductor testing and manufacturing equipment, laser and optical display technology, professional audio equipment, sophisticated optical measurement equipment, and vehicle and aircraft apparatus. He previously handled major patent litigation in the U.S. for large German companies in the areas of satellite control systems and professional motion picture cameras.

According to Mr. Kiel, "Our clients in Germany know well that success in the evolving high tech arena depends on preparation and reliable legal and business advice. Reed Smith is committed to meeting the complex needs of our clients."

Reed Smith now has a significant presence in New York's "Silicon Alley," a center for venture capital and other private and public financings, as well as other IP and e-commerce opportunities. Its IP capabilities extend to all high-tech areas, including computers, electrical engineering, optics, chemical engineering, medical technology, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, bio-technology, and mechanical engineering. The firm is among the first full-service law firms to integrate Intellectual Property capabilities with corporate law and other legal practice areas to support technology and e-commerce clients. Reed Smith maintains close associations with or membership in leading technology, e-commerce and venture capital trade groups and provides legal and strategic business counsel to several leading incubators.