Cronin, Skytte Represent Vertical Works in Connection with First-Ever Taco Bell Defy

06.08.2022

Stinson LLP Partners James Cronin and Eric Skytte represented Vertical Works in connection with the innovation, design and manufacturing of Taco Bell Defy, a first of its kind two-story Taco Bell restaurant incorporating innovative technology and design. Taco Bell Defy opened its doors on June 7 in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

Cronin and Skytte assisted Vertical Works with corporate formation and the intellectual property work to protect the restaurant concept and license it to Taco Bell and its franchisee Border Foods.

The technology and design contains a solution for a faster, contactless experience, featuring four drive-thru lanes, digital check-in screens for mobile order customers, two-way audio and video technology and a proprietary vertical lift to transport customers’ orders from a second-story kitchen to the drive-thru lanes.

Cronin is a registered patent attorney who focuses his practice on obtaining patents and trademark registrations, developing strategies to help innovative companies increase the value of their most important assets and advising on how to avoid infringing intellectual property. He counsels clients on trademark prosecution and clearance, copyright advice, patent non-infringement and invalidity opinions, and negotiation of intellectual property and software development and license agreements.

Skytte is a multidisciplinary attorney who focuses his practice on complex business transactions, joint ventures, M&A and private securities financings. Drawing on his strong experience in corporate and securities law, and his knowledge of the technology and manufacturing industries, Skytte assists clients by assessing opportunities and completing a broad range of corporate, securities and business related transactions to help them compete in today's fast-paced business markets.