OREANDA-NEWS  On 21 October Hogan & Hartson announced that it has been appointed as one of the legal advisers of the state-owned Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies (RUSNANO). The lawyers of Hogan & Hartson will advise on financing projects in the nanotechnologies sector.

The team of Hogan & Hartson lawyers on this project will be led by partner Ilya Rybalkin. Lawyers from other international offices of Hogan & Hartson will also be involved.

Rybalkin stated, “Our firm is very enthusiastic about the opportunity to participate in these innovation projects and in the development of a priority field of the Russian economy. We hope that employing the extensive international experience and resources of our firm will enable us to contribute to the enhancement of the international connections of RUSNANO and promote the successful entry of Russian companies into international markets.”

The state-owned Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies (RUSNANO) was established by Federal Law No. 139-FZ dated July 19, 2007, for “the implementation of the state policies in the sphere of nanotechnologies, the development of the innovative infrastructure for nanotechnologies, and the implementation of projects aimed at creating innovative nanotechnologies and nanoindustry.” The corporation achieves this goal by serving as a co-investor in nanotechnological projects possessing a significant economic and social potential. The financial involvement of the corporation at early stages of projects reduces the risks of its partners that are private investors.

The corporation participates in the creation of a nanotechnological infrastructure, such as centers for collective use, business incubators, and early investment funds. RUSNANO chooses the first priority directions for investment on the basis of long-term development forecasts (foresight) with the assistance of leading Russian and international experts. In 2007 the Russian government allocated 130 billion rubles to the corporation activities. The managing bodies are the supervisory council, the board of directors, and the Director General. The RUSNANO Director General is Anatoly Chubais.