Smith Gambrell & Russell has recruited patent lawyers Mike Riesen and Indhira LaPuma to start an artificial intelligence lab for the firm, with the initial aim of making patent prosecution and IP portfolio management more cost-effective and efficient.

Indhira A. LaPuma, Smith, Gambrell & Russell. (Courtesy photo) Indhira A. LaPuma, Smith, Gambrell & Russell. (Courtesy photo)

Riesen, who joined as a partner from BakerHostetler, is the executive director of SGR Labs, which launched this month. LaPuma, who joined Smith Gambrell this week as counsel, was innovation counsel for one of Riesen’s clients, VF Corp., the holding company for retail brands such as North Face, Timberland, Wrangler and Vans.