MALVERN, Pa., August 25, 2022 — Saxton & Stump has grown its Franchising, Licensing and Distribution Group by adding two attorneys in its Malvern office. John W. Goldschmidt Jr. is now senior counsel at the firm, as he continues a 30-year career in intellectual property and franchising law at firms throughout the Philadelphia area. Bianca R. Basilone is an associate at the firm who recently worked as a federal judicial clerk in Delaware after graduating from law school.
“Franchising, licensing and distribution remains one of our fastest growing practice areas both nationally and internationally,” Saxton & Stump CEO James W. Saxton said. “We are thrilled to now add John’s significant experience and relationships to our team. Together with Bianca we continue to add to the depth and breadth of this department.”
Goldschmidt is a fixture in franchising and IP law in the Philadelphia market. He has worked for a range for firms, including Reed Smith, were he served as practice group leader for the Philadelphia intellectual property practice, Dilworth Paxson, where he was the chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property team, and boutique IP law firms in the region. He has worked with clients on legal issues such as prosecuting, enforcing and licensing domestic and international trademark rights, particularly important aspects of franchising law, as well as related patent, copyright and trade secret issues. He is a graduate of Rutgers University Law School and the chairman emeritus of the board of directors at Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor.
Basilone graduated from the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law in 2021 and has worked as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court of the District of Delaware for the Hon. Sherry Fallon since then. During her clerkship, one of the specific items she drafted opinions on was patent infringement, an important piece of franchising law. While in law school, she worked as a clerk at a law firm assisting with patent litigation, and she also interned at the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. Before her law career, Basilone worked as an analytical chemist for the Delaware Division of Forensic Science in its Toxicology Unit. She also worked for a year as a laboratory technician while still attending West Chester University, where she earned a B.S. in forensic and toxicological chemistry and graduating magna cum laude.
Led by attorneys Thomas J. Kent, Jr. and Amanda Dempsey, the Saxton & Stump Franchising, Licensing and Distribution Group works with clients to establish their businesses, develop into new national and international markets, protect and monetize their intellectual property, and negotiate and enforce licensing agreements. The team of business, intellectual property and trial attorneys possess experience serving the needs of franchisors and distributors across all industries. The group can help emerging and mid-market U.S. and international companies handle all aspects of owning and operating franchise and distribution businesses.
Saxton & Stump’s strategic growth outlook
The firm was named the fastest growing law firm in Pennsylvania by The Legal Intelligencer, having added 53 professionals in 2021, including 22 attorneys. Overall, Saxton & Stump has grown to a team of more than 150 professionals, including 90 attorneys. The firm has added new services and established groups dedicated to criminal defense and environmental, workplace safety and utilities. In addition to bolstering their infrastructure, they have also grown key existing practice areas such as healthcare, senior care, real estate, government affairs and trusts and estates.
The firm continues to grow based on their strategic plan for 2022 and will continue to expand its current team of lawyers and professionals, focusing on bringing additional resources to support client needs.
Saxton & Stump provides solutions for complex legal issues and partners with clients to create a roadmap for their success. The firm is committed to empowering clients by delivering five-star service and results-focused advice.