United States (National)

Chicago-based Banner & Witcoff is recommended nationally in the area of patent prosecution, offering a number of technically versed attorneys focused on protecting IP. The firm employs some of the leading design patent experts in the country, establishing itself as one of the go-to practices in that area.

Robert Katz and Darrell Mottley are two of the firm’s design-focused practitioners, who together combine decades of experience providing strategic advice in the area. They are both currently active for longstanding clients Nike and Microsoft in the management of their design patent portfolios.

IP litigator Christopher Renk had a noteworthy year in the trademark space with a significant win for Converse involving the ITC. A Federal Circuit decision vacated an earlier ruling by the ITC that found the client’s trade dress claims invalid. The dispute was recognized by Managing Intellectual Property as one of the Milestone Cases of the Year, and the firm won Midwest Trademark Contentious Firm of the Year for its involvement in the case. Helen Hill Minsker is an experienced trademark attorney with decades of experience managing clients’ brands. She is currently active for Nokia, Toshiba and the Marmon Group in portfolio management. Minsker returns this year as one of the global Top 250 Women in IP.

Covington & Burling is nationally ranked in patent litigation, life sciences, and most notably is top-tier in ITC litigation. For patent disputes, a competitor says, “I’ve been both opposite Covington and on the same side of the ‘v’ with them, and I find them consistently strong.”

Gary Rubman is vice chair of the patent litigation group, and represents clients across industries, including the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and electrical sectors. Maureen Browne, Alexander Chinoy and Sturgis Sobin have extensive experience representing clients in Section 337 matters. A patent litigation opponent describes DC partner Christopher Sipes as particularly active in life sciences disputes. George Pappas is another standout name at the firm, who has been lead trial counsel in hundreds of litigations. He has experience representing clients in an array of fields, including the pharmaceutical, software and telecommunications sectors.

Davis Wright Tremaine is recommended nationally for its copyright and media practice. Many of the firm’s IP attorneys have expertise in entertainment, publishing, art, and other areas.

Kelli Sager is one of the leading copyright practitioners, based in the firm’s Los Angeles office. She has significant experience handling high-stakes matters for clients in the publishing, motion picture and radio broadcasting industries, especially before the California Supreme Court and California Court of Appeals. Marcia Paul in New York is another copyright specialist at the firm, focusing on IP litigation and media-related matters. She is currently recognized by Managing Intellectual Property as one of the Top 250 Women in IP.

Seattle-based Cindy Caditz focuses on trademark advice and litigation and has significant experience in transactions relating to trademarks.

Debevoise & Plimpton earns high rankings for its strength in copyright and trademark disputes. A client succinctly states, “They are simply the best lawyers for IP litigation.” Another client says, “Debevoise offers the highest level of trademark expertise along with a deep knowledge of the sports industry.” The firm has a reputation for handling high-stakes trademark disputes, often “bet-the-name” in nature.

David Bernstein is a nationally renowned trademark attorney serving as head of the firm’s IP litigation group. “David is one of the most accomplished trademark practitioners in the country,” a client says. “His expertise is unmatched, and he provides detailed, practical advice, even on the most complex cases.” A peer says, “He is as good as it gets.” Bernstein was recently active for co-working entity WeWork in a trademark dispute against competitor UrWork. The parties eventually settled and the opponent changed its name to UCommune. Jeremy Fiegelson represented software client Take-Two in an appeal of a copyright suit brought by Lindsay Lohan involving right of publicity claims. The Federal Circuit affirmed a lower court decision in favor of the client.

Jeffrey Cunard is viewed as a thought leader in the copyright space. He is currently representing Rimini Street in an ongoing software copyright case that involves software licensees and third party use.

DLA Piper has an expansive geographic footprint, and in the US is ranked nationally in a number of litigation areas, including patent, trademark and ITC.

John Allcock has significant experience in patent jury trials, both in the life sciences and high-tech sectors. He is currently active for medical device client Dexcom in a Southern District of California patent dispute. Lisa Haile is focused on patent prosecution and strategy for clients in the biology, immunology, diagnostics and bioinformatics, among other areas. She holds a PhD in microbiology and immunology, and this year was included in Managing Intellectual Property’s global Top 250 Women in IP list. Dale Lazar is active in the computer and software space, often assisting clients with patent and copyright counseling.

Ann Ford is one of the firm’s notable trademark experts based in the DC office. She is currently representing clients Dannon, Lululemon and TD Ameritrade in trademark prosecution and litigation matters. Chicago’s Keith Medansky currently serves as co-chair of the firm’s IP practice, and specializes in all areas of trademark and copyright law.

Litigation boutique Durie Tangri continues to uphold its reputation as a force in IP litigation, earning high rankings in copyright and patent litigation nationally. “I hold them in the highest regards,” a peer says. “If I was in-house and I needed to win, I would have them on my team.” Another peer says, “Everyone agrees they’re in their own, solid category.”

Co-founder Daralyn Durie continuously receives praise for her strength in IP litigation. “Even though her firm is relatively small, she’ll be hired by really big companies because she brings this incisive creativity and great judgement to a case,” a competitor remarks. She was named Outstanding IP Litigator in California by Managing Intellectual Property for her recent casework, including a notable first impression copyright appeal for CoreLogic at the Ninth Circuit. She is also recognized as one of the Top 250 Women in IP globally. Co-founder Ragesh Tangri is experienced in a number of IP litigation areas, including trade secrets, copyrights, and trademarks. Sonal Mehta is another leading IP litigator at the firm, often focused on high-stakes patent disputes. She recently secured a complete victory for Invasix and InMode, which invalidated all patent claims asserted by opponent Syneron.

Mark Lemley is regarded as a thought leader in the IP space. “He truly walks the walk,” a peer says. “If I had a really hard, novel issue, he’d be one of the first guys I’d call.” In addition to his practice focused on IP litigation, he is also director of Stanford University’s law, science and technology program. Joseph Gratz is one of the firm’s copyright and trademark specialists, who has recently been active in music licensing disputes, as well as the CoreLogic copyright case.

Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner maintains its status as one of the leading IP firms in the country, providing a deep bench of experts in all areas. The firm is nationally ranked in patent and trademark litigation, prosecution, copyright, PTAB and ITC proceedings. “Finnegan provides practical advice that aligns with our business strategies and risk tolerance,” a client says. “They are responsive, cost-effective and provide sound legal advice.”

The firm is a destination shop for contentious patent matters, helmed by several trial-tested attorneys. Charles Lipsey stands out as one of the leaders in the group, who after 40 years at the firm has established himself as one of the country’s foremost patent litigators. He is currently active for AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly in separate Hatch-Waxman disputes. Erika Harmon Arner is revered as one of the top post-grant experts, and is currently president of the PTAB Bar Association. Litigator John Livingstone “always thinks what is best for his client,” says a biotech contact. Livingstone currently serves as managing partner of the Atlanta office, and focuses on contentious patent matters related to life sciences technologies. He is currently active for AstraZeneca, Ajinomoto and Kaken Pharmaceuticals. J Michael Jakes has deep experience in patent disputes at the Federal Circuit, ITC and in district court. James Monroe is currently active in one of the largest Hatch-Waxman disputes to date on behalf of Biogen. The case is currently pending.

Thomas Irving and Leslie McDonell provide expert patent advice to clients, often in the life sciences space. A client who recently received IP and transactional assistance says: “Finnegan used a cross-functional approach to ensure that the appropriate staff level was handling the transaction to remain budget-conscious. Also, they made themselves available at all times to ensure timely filing.” Elizabeth Ferrill is one of the top experts in design patents, who a client says is “very accommodating, easy to deal with and extremely supportive.”

Douglas Rettew is a leader in the firm’s trademark practice, focused on protecting clients’ brands in contentious matters. “Doug innately understands our company and is a trusted business partner,” a client says. “When it’s time to go into battle, we want him on our side.” He is currently representing Under Armour, Bridgestone, Nestlé and TD Bank in trademark disputes. Danny Awdeh is “excellent” and “superb” to a client. He currently advises Varsity Brands and Marriott in enforcement matters.

Fish & Richardson is a full-service IP firm employing more than 400 attorneys and professionals specializing in all areas, including patents, trademarks and copyrights. The firm’s group is equally strong in litigation and prosecution. For its activity in many areas of the IP space, Fish & Richardson was recognized as Specialty IP Firm of the Year at the 2019 MIP Americas Awards.

Juanita Brooks is one of the country’s foremost litigators, often handling some of firm’s most high-stakes patent disputes. “She’s definitely just a lion of the bar,” a peer says, adding Brooks is “someone who broke a lot of barriers when she was younger, and continues to be a wonderful, inspirational presence.” Brooks recently acted for Gilead in a Federal Circuit appeal that vacated an earlier $200 million verdict against the client. Jonathan Singer was involved in a closely watched district court dispute for Gilead against Idenix, which reversed a $2.5 billion verdict against Gilead after the opponent’s patent was invalidated. Ruffin Cordell is a leading ITC specialist who currently manages several matters before the commission involving high-tech clients. Fish won ITC Firm of the Year at the MIP Americas Awards.

Janis Fraser is an “outstanding patent attorney” who “has a successful track record at prosecuting patents,” a client says. Fraser specializes in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, offering top-notch counseling and strategy to clients in the space. Another standout patent advisor in the life sciences space is Teresa Lavoie. She is noted by a client at an emerging company for her “efforts to go above and beyond to accommodate our financial pressures as an early stage company, while still producing quality work and implementing our desired strategy.” Brooks, Fraser and Lavoie are all currently recognized by Managing Intellectual Property as one of the Top 250 Women in IP.

Foley & Lardner has a thriving IP practice in the United States, offering top-notch services in patent and trademark prosecution, PTAB proceedings and the life sciences arena. The firm is particularly strong in patent prosecution for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Courtenay Brinckerhoff is regarded as one of the top patent specialists for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, offering expertise in prosecution, licensing, and strategy. Chicago-based Jeanne Gills is the vice-chair of the firm’s national IP department. She handles a broad spectrum of intellectual property matters, including patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright litigation and appeals. Gills has acted for clients in numerous industries, such as the biotechnology, food and beverage, automotive, wireless and electronics sectors. Pavan Agarwal has expertise in the areas of patent litigation, prosecution, and licensing. He focuses on electronics and automotive technology and represents various high technology clients. Agarwal previously served as chair of the firm’s IP group, and also serves on the management committee.

Goodwin Procter maintains a strong reputation in the IP space, boasting active practices in patent litigation, prosecution and transactions. The firm has one of the busiest ANDA litigation groups, often representing pharmaceutical makers on the generic and branded sides. A client describes the firm’s patent litigation team as “smart, practical, hard-working and responsive.”

Elizabeth Holland is one of the firm’s leading patent trial lawyers focused on the life sciences sector. She has extensive experience in ANDA litigations, an area of continued activity last year with her representation of Actavis in a patent dispute brought by Cosmo Technologies and Valeant. IP litigation chair Douglas Kline is well-versed in patent disputes before the PTAB, Federal Circuit and in district court.

Silicon Valley-based Neel Chatterjee is an acclaimed patent litigator in the technology space. He is currently representing autonomous vehicle expert Anthony Levandowski and his company Otto Trucking in connection with the high-profile trade secrets dispute Uber v Waymo. Ira Levy is deemed a ““good analytic mind [with a] good head on his shoulders.” He is currently involved in a patent dispute for a blood glucose maker AgaMatrix. Patent strategist Duncan Greenhalgh is currently advising life sciences clients in IP diligence and transactional matters.

Appellate group co-chair William Jay argued before the Supreme Court in one of the most closely watched life sciences patent disputes of last year Helsinn v Teva. The court ruled in favor of the Goodwin’s client Teva, determining that the secret sale of an invention does qualify as prior art under the AIA. The case was recognized as one Milestone Cases of the Year by Managing Intellectual Property, and Jay was shortlisted for the 2019 Outstanding Appellate Practitioner award.

Greenberg Traurig’s sprawling IP practice group offers more than 200 professionals in several locations throughout the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta and Houston. The firm is recognized nationally for its strength in copyright, trademark, and IP matters related to the life sciences industry.

“Ian Ballon has a really stellar reputation, and there’s a whole team of people there working with him,” a peers says about the firm’s IP and technology co-chair. Ballon is a litigator focused on copyright, trademark and Internet-related disputes. Another copyright peer says he is one of the top practitioners to call on for technology issues. Ballon was recently active in copyright matters for clients in the e-commerce and visual art spaces.

In the trademark group, Susan Heller and Mark Galis are singled out as some of the firm’s top specialists in brand enforcement. Galis was recently active for clients UPS, The Home Depot and Caesars Entertainment. Heller is currently listed as one of the Top 250 Women in IP by Managing Intellectual Property.

Global IP co-chair Scott Bornstein specializes in patent litigation, often in the life sciences space. He recently handled a number of ANDA disputes for pharmaceutical giant Teva. David Dykeman co-leads the life sciences and medtech group, drawing on more than 20 years of experience assisting companies with their patent portfolios. He currently advises Trividia Health in patent matters.

Dallas-based Haynes and Boone offers more than 120 attorneys across the country versed in IP matters, most notably in the areas of trademark, patent prosecution, and PTAB litigation. This year the firm was elevated to top-tier status in the US for PTAB work, supported by a deep bench of post-grant specialists that are highly active in the area.

David McCombs is known as a formidable practitioner in PTAB matters, offering expertise in IPRs, reexaminations, and other Patent Office proceedings. He currently serves as chair of the firm’s technology practice group. A few major companies that call on McCombs for PTAB assistance include Apple, Cisco and LG Electronics. Andrew Ehmke is another notable practitioner in the firm’s post-grant group, boasting almost two decades of experience in IP law. IP litigation co-chair Phillip Philbin specializes in contentious matters in all areas of IP, including patent, trademark, copyright and trade secrets disputes. He is currently handling the appeal of a significant copyright infringement suit involving client ZeniMax, which earlier resulted in a multimillion-dollar verdict against Facebook entity Oculus.

Some of the firm’s leading trademark practitioners are Jeffrey Becker, David Bell and Purvi Patel Albers. Albers is “the first person I call for IP issues,” a client says, while a peer adds “she is very savvy and runs a really great practice. I know that clients really like her.” Managing Intellectual Property recently recognized the group as Trademark Prosecution Firm of the Year in the South for outstanding work in the area.

The firm’s patent prosecution group is active with Tom Chen and IP co-chair Randall Brown. Brown offers more than 30 years of experience in the field. The prosecution team is described by a client as “prompt and responsive in a thorough and complete way.”

Hogan Lovells boasts an international presence, offering over 100 attorneys focused on IP. The firm is nationally ranked in the United States for patent and ITC litigation. The firm was recently recognized as the 2019 Global Firm of the Year by Managing Intellectual Property for its outstanding international IP work.

Celine Jimenez Crowson is head of the firm’s intellectual property group in the US. She has acted for clients like Ferrero, Segway and Mercedes Benz in contentious patent matters before district courts and the ITC. Based in DC, Anna Kurian Shaw has an active trademark and copyright practice, handling numerous trademark litigations and prosecutions.

On the transactional side, clients praise California-based John Brockland and Colorado’s David London. Brockland is a well-regarded IP transactions attorney who clients describe as “knowledgeable and responsive” and an “international expert on IP matters.” According to one company, London’s IP transactions team did an “outstanding job” representing its legal needs, displaying an “intimate knowledge” of its business model.

Jones Day is nationally recognized as top-tier across numerous areas of intellectual property, including patent and ITC litigation. The firm also earns high ranking for its expertise in the life sciences arena.

DC-based Gregory Castanias heads the firm’s Federal Circuit and IP appeals practice. Last year he acted in one of the most closely watched IP cases before the Supreme Court, SAS Institute v Iancu, which eliminated partial institution at the PTAB. For his work in the matter, Castanias was named 2019 Outstanding Appellate Practitioner by Managing Intellectual Property. Also in DC is John Froemming, co-leader of the firm’s IP litigation practice. He has particular expertise in trademark and design disputes. Silicon Valley-based Greg Lanier has almost three decades of litigation experience in the patent, copyright and trademark areas. Lanier is well-versed in handling appeals, especially before the Federal Circuit.

Adriane Antler is co-leader of Jones Day’s global patent prosecution practice, and is experienced in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and bioinformatics areas. She devotes her practice to the preparation and prosecution of patent applications for clients such as Acorda Therapeutics, Baker Brothers Investments and Biogen MA. Massachusetts-based Warren Nachlis is adept at dealing with transactional work, and serves as co-leader of Jones Day’s licensing and technology transactions group.

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton’s full-service IP team earns top-tier rankings for its strength in copyright, trademark litigation and prosecution. The firm also offers significant practices dedicated to patent prosecution, litigation and life sciences IP.

Trademark and copyright co-chairs William Brewster and David Mayberry bring significant expertise in trademark, false advertising and unfair competition disputes. Brewster is currently representing Polaroid in a suit against Fujifilm involving rights to the use of the white border frame around instant camera prints. Mayberry is active for hospitality and food and beverage clients in trademark matters. Charles Henn won Outstanding IP Litigator in Georgia for his role representing Adidas in multiple trademark and trade dress disputes. Marc Lieberstein co-chairs the firm’s retail and consumer goods team, focusing on IP licensing, franchising and counseling for clients across industry areas. “Marc is at the top of his game,” a peer says. Jennifer Arkowitz is an active trademark advisor to major clients in the tech and entertainment spaces. Joseph Petersen is one of the country’s leading authorities on copyright matters, often acting for clients in litigation and licensing efforts.

In the patent group, Wab Kadaba is one of the group’s foremost litigators. He currently serves as chair of the firm’s IP group, and was recently active for CoxCom multiple patent disputes. A client labels Kadaba “unbelievably visionary.” Litigator Mitchell Stockwell represents Arris International in a patent dispute before the ITC. Roger Wylie is a trusted patent advisor and managing partner of the firm’s Seattle office. Tina McKeon contributes to the firm’s significant life sciences expertise, concentrating her practice on patent prosecution and strategy for clients in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. She is currently recognized on the Top 250 Women in IP list.

Kirkland & Ellis is considered one of the foremost IP litigation practices in the United States, offering a group of trial-tested attorneys versed in patent, trademark and copyright matters. The firm also has significant expertise in transactions, and is top-ranked for its activity in the life sciences industry. Kirkland has a “phenomenal reputation,” a peer says, adding the IP group is “hard-hitting and thorough.”

Dale Cendali is one of the “standard bearers” of the firm’s copyright and trademark litigation practice, boasting significant expertise in high-stakes disputes for clients across industry areas. She was recently active for the Fox News Network in a copyright infringement suit against media monitoring company TVEyes. The Second Circuit found that TVEyes’s use of Fox’s content was not fair use, and directed a district court to order issue an injunction. A peer who recently worked alongside trademark litigator Claudia Ray says, “She was excellent and I would certainly go to her” with a referral. She was recently active in trademark matters for retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods and fitness chain Equinox Holdings.

Gregg LoCascio leads the firm’s IP practice, and is focused on representing companies in patent and trade secrets litigation. He recently represented WesternGeco in a significant Supreme Court case which clarified law involving foreign lost profits. A peer says LoCascio is “top-notch and really in the best tradition of the profession – great to deal with as opposing counsel.” Tech-focused patent litigator Adam Alper was successful for client Cisco in a longstanding ITC dispute against Arista involving importation of infringing Ethernet products. Patricia Carson is a “secret weapon [and] a great lawyer,” a peer says, adding “Patricia really knows her stuff.” Carson and patent litigation partner Leora Ben-Ami recently represented Merus BV against Regeneron in an infringement dispute involving genetically engineered animals used in making biopharmaceuticals. James Hurst is another one of the firm’s leading trial lawyers focused on the life sciences space. He was recently active for Impax Laboratories in a pharmaceutical dispute related to its Parkinson’s disease drug Rytary.

Knobbe Martens is a California-based IP firm that excels in a number of areas, including patent and trademark litigation, prosecution and PTAB proceedings. The firm is also top-ranked for its capability in life sciences matters, offering a deep bench of professionals versed in medical devices and pharmaceuticals. A client says of the firm: “They are more than a service provider, they are a strategic partner.” Another client notes, “The advice and work is rock-solid the first time.”

William Zimmerman is co-chair of the firms Hatch-Waxman and life sciences practice groups, drawing on his experience of more than 100 pharmaceutical disputes. “Bill is an excellent attorney, and my go-to person for all IP questions,” a client says. He was recently active for biotech client Illumina in multiple IPRs. Joseph Re is an experienced trial and appellate practitioner, drawing on more than 30 years in the space. He recently represented Amazon and Smith & Nephew in separate patent disputes. John Sganga had an active year in the medical device space, representing Nobel Biocare and Inogen in patent suits.

“Gerard von Hoffman is one of the best medical device patent attorneys in the country,” a client says. Von Hoffmann is active in patent portfolio management and transactions for a number of clients. He recently represented Entellus Medical in patent strategy, a medical device company to be acquired by Stryker. Patent advisor and transactions specialist Salima Merani is a “great team leader that sees the big picture, and can work across the entire spectrum of IP,” says a client. Susan Natland chairs the firm’s data privacy and security group, and is one of the country’s top practitioners for trademark matters. She currently assists a number of companies with brand protection and enforcement, including Twentieth Century Fox, Chico’s and L’Oreal.

Clients also remark the responsive of the firm’s attorneys, asserted by one contact who says the team “quickly added help whenever necessary, including a rapid response to a patent infringement suit.”

Ladas & Parry is an IP firm well-versed in trademark prosecution and strategy, especially for clients faced with international issues. Clients note the attorneys’ grasp of IP laws globally, and the group’s broad network of agents and counsel who support them. “Ladas is extremely responsive and practical in their advice,” a client says. “Because they see our global portfolio, they are able to ensure that our marks are being protected consistently throughout the world.”

Bharati Bakshani and Dennis Prahl are two of the firm’s notable partners focused on trademark and brand strategy. “Dennis has an exceptional knowledge of international trademark law and provides solid guidance in tough trademark cases,” a client says. Bakshani manages US prosecution work in the New York office. Ralph Cathcart is head of the New York litigation department, specializing in trademark disputes in federal court and the TTAB. He recently represented Menudo International in an opposition and cancellation proceeding brought against the client. Matthew Asbell is active in trademark clearing and enforcement for clients in the publishing and broadcasting spaces.

Janet Cord handles patent prosecution for clients in a number of industry areas, including pharmaceuticals, biotech, chemistry and medical devices, among other areas. Lanning Bryer is one of the firm’s transactions experts, often representing companies in relation to IP transfers, licensing agreements, and due diligences. He currently serves as director of the firm’s mergers, acquisitions and licensing group.

Latham & Watkins is a powerhouse in IP litigation, specifically in the areas of patent and ITC disputes. Peers call the group a “leading IP litigation firm,” a “very forceful competitor,” and simply “big league” in IP.

Maximilian Grant receives accolades from peers for his strength in patent litigation. He has experience handling disputes related to software, telecommunications and medtech, among other areas. In addition to his representation of clients, peers commend Grant for his role in building up the firm’s IP practice. “I think he’s terrific…He’s at the forefront of looking for the right people. That’s really hard to do. You can miss more than you hit, and he seems to hit all the time.” Michael Morin is global co-chair of the firm’s IP litigation practice, who recently notched a win for Janssen in a patent dispute involving biologic product Darzalex. IP litigation co-chair Matthew Moore specializes in patent, trade secret, antitrust and false advertising suits. Silicon Valley-based Doug Lumish is a well-known patent trial lawyer in the high-tech space. David Frazier is versed in patent disputes related to pharmaceuticals, antibodies and diagnostics.

Chicago-based partner David Callahan recently won the Outstanding IP Litigator in Illinois for his work in a patent dispute on behalf of Zimmer, which resulted in attorney’s fees for the client. Bert Reiser is one of the firm’s ITC specialists, boasting a record of more than 50 investigations before the agency.

Loeb & Loeb excels nationally in copyright and trademark litigation. The firm is known as one of the “seminal entertainment practices,” offering a number of attorneys versed in media law and related IP matters. Some of the firm’s domestic locations include Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. This year Loeb & Loeb was recognized by Managing Intellectual Property as Trademark Contentious Firm of the Year in the West for outstanding work in the space.

Los Angeles-based David Grace brings more than 30 years of experience to his practice focused on copyright, trademark and entertainment matters. He was active last year for a number of clients in trademark disputes, including a case for Ruthless Records and the widow of late musician Eazy-E related to the use of names “Straight Outta Compton” and “NWA.” Douglas Masters is managing partner of the firm’s Chicago office, and is another asset to the firm’s trademark practice. He recently represented the NCAA, a longstanding client, in matters enforcing the use of marks related to “March Madness.” Copyright star Barry Slotnick is based in New York and serves as chair of the firm’s intellectual property and entertainment litigation group. Recent clients include NBC Universal, Sony, Carrie Underwood and Macklemore.

Patent group chair Mark Waddell stands out for his expertise in the life sciences arena. He is currently assisting with prosecution and counseling for a number of major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Adam Kelly is active in both contentious and non-contentious patent matters. He recently acted for Parsons Xtreme Golf in patent matters, including prosecution and disputes.

Marshall Gerstein & Borun is a Chicago-based boutique with an established reputation as a go-to patent prosecution firm, particularly in the life sciences space. While the firm is well-known for its strength in non-contentious IP work, its status is also on the rise in patent litigation.

Managing partner and patent attorney Jeffrey Sharp is described as a “bright guy” with a “really good head on his shoulders.” Julianne Hartzell and Sandip Patel serve as co-counsel in a patent interference for client Dr Emmanuelle Charpentier related to CRISPR technology. In the IP transactions department, group chair Pamela Cox is praised by one client as an “excellent, client-focused attorney who gets things done.”

Greg Chinlund is head of the trademark and copyright practice group. He assists companies small to large with the development and protection of their trademark portfolios.

Mayer Brown earns national rankings in a number of IP areas, including copyright, ITC, patent litigation and PTAB proceedings. A patent client describes the firm’s attorneys as “smart, thoughtful, prompt and cooperative.” The firm is recognized for its particular strength in the life sciences sector, specifically in ANDA litigations and biotech-related disputes.

Lisa Ferri serves as co-head of the firm’s global IP practice, boasting experience in high-stake litigations related to pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device patents. She recently achieved a summary judgment win for client Sanofi in a district court battle against the Washington Research Foundation and Genentech. Alan Grimaldi has experience handling disputes for clients in the electronics, chemical, pharmaceutical and energy industries, among other areas. Joseph Mahoney is an “excellent patent drafter and prosecutor,” according to a client, adding he is “smart, creative, and easy to work with.” Recent representations include patent assistance for drug maker Mallinkrodt. Jamie Beaber is well-versed in patent disputes and heads the firm’s Sections 337 ITC litigation practice. He is currently active for LG Electronics in a patent dispute in the Eastern District of Texas, and last year secured a $43.3 million verdict for client Maxell in a suit against ZTE.

John Mancini is experienced in a number of IP litigation areas, particularly in the trademark and copyright spaces. Recent trademark representations include Goya Foods and Nestlé USA.

McDermott Will & Emery’s IP group is highly regarded for its expertise in patent litigation and prosecution for life sciences and technology companies. The firm employs experienced IP practitioners across the US, including locations in Boston, Silicon Valley, Chicago and Washington, DC.

Massachusetts star Sarah Columbia is skilled at defending clients’ patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. Her clients belong to a range of industries, including the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, Internet, software, semiconductor and medical device sectors. Jeffrey Gargano, is based in the firm’s Chicago office and has expertise in IP litigation before federal courts and the ITC. He has particular experience handling Hatch-Waxman disputes. Silicon Valley-based William Gaede is versed in high-stakes patent disputes in the life sciences area.

Jorge Arciniega is a California star who is adept at handling IP matters, especially in the areas of trademark and copyright creation, clearance, registration and enforcement. The firm recently hired Christina Martini in its Chicago office, bolstering the firm’s strength in trademark prosecution.

Merchant & Gould is an IP firm well-known for its strength in patent and trademark prosecution. The firm is made up of over 100 attorneys spread across a number of offices throughout the US. The firm’s list of clients includes many well-known international companies, such as Polaris, Radisson, 3M, Ecolab, and Burt’s Bees.

Colorado star Timothy Scull specializes in strategic patent prosecution and the management of complex patent portfolios. He is also an experienced IP litigator. Patent star Kent Stier is managing partner of the firm’s Atlanta office and handles a wide range of intellectual property work, including the procurement, establishment, management and development of international IP portfolios. Minnesota partner and former USPTO patent examiner Dennis Daley has considerable experience preparing patent applications, handling clearance and infringement issues and managing licensing matters. Tennessee-based R Bradford Brittian has expertise in patent, trademark, unfair competition, copyright and trade secret litigation.

Morrison & Foerster is nationally recognized across IP practice areas, including patent and trademark litigation, prosecution, copyright and ITC matters. The firm is especially active in the life sciences industry, handling patent disputes and portfolio work for clients both in the biotech and pharmaceutical spaces.

Michael Jacobs is one of the founders of the firm’s IP practice group, and currently serves as co-chair of the department. He recently represented Uber in the much-watched trade secrets dispute Uber v Waymo, which settled last year. Stefani Shanberg is an active patent trial lawyer, frequently handling patent disputes in federal court and the ITC. Her client list includes a wide array of high-tech companies. David Manspeizer is based in the New York office and has over two decades of experience, which includes a period as in-house counsel. Manspeizer is highly regarded in patent litigation, representing leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Catherine Polizzi is a well-respected patent prosecutor and strategist in the biotechnology arena.

Rufus Pichler and Stephanie Sharron are members of the firm’s active technology transactions group. Pichler specializes in tech-oriented deals for clients in several areas, including semiconductors, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Sharron assists clients with matters related to cloud services, Internet of Things, fintech, and other areas.

Norton Rose Fulbright offers a truly global practice, employing more than 4,000 attorneys and legal professionals throughout its bases in more than 50 cities worldwide. It has domestic offices in New York, Dallas, Austin, Minneapolis and Washington DC. The United States IP group has particular strength in patent litigation and trademark prosecution.

James Repass is global head of the firm’s IP group, focusing on transactions and IP strategy for the firm’s international client base. Gina Shishima is head of the firm’s United States IP practice, specializing in patent prosecution and disputes for life sciences companies. Eric Hall predominantly represents clients in the electrical and high-tech industries. He is skilled at handling patent disputes, prosecution and IP transactions.

One peer praises head of IP brands Tim Kenny for his multifaceted practice, calling him an “excellent lawyer, both on the prosecution and litigation side.” Kenny was recently active for a number of clients in trademark matters, including prosecution for credit score entity FICO. Dallas partner Linda Merritt has expertise in the areas of trademarks, trade dress and copyright.

Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe offers top-notch practices focused on IP disputes in the copyright, trademark and patent arenas. The firm has a strong footprint in California, with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Orange County locations, as well as offices in New York, Washington DC and Houston.

One of the firm’s leading practitioners is Annette Hurst, who draws praise from peers for her skill as an IP trial lawyer focused on trademark and copyright disputes. She is currently recognized as one of Managing Intellectual Property’s Top 250 Women in IP. New York partner Peter Vogl has more than three decades of experience as a trademark and copyright litigator, during which he has built expertise in disputes in state courts, federal courts and before the TTAB.

Veteran patent litigator Claudia Frost, also a member of the exclusive Top 250 Women in IP list, represents clients in an array of industries, including the energy, oil and gas, telecommunications and high technology sectors.

Orrick was one of the most active firms for lateral IP hires last year. The firm recently brought on a number of high-profile IP litigators, including patent trial lawyers Jared Bobrow and Clement Roberts, copyright expert Paul Fakler, and trademark attorneys David Hosp and Mark Puzella.

Paul Hastings offers an experienced group of patent-focused attorneys across its offices in New York, Washington DC and Palo Alto. This year the firm was elevated to a top national ranking in life sciences for its strength in pharmaceutical patent litigation. At the 2019 MIP Americas Awards, the firm was recognized as Life Sciences IP Litigation Firm of the Year.

Yar Chaikovsky and Joseph O’Malley serve as co-chairs of the firm’s IP practice, leading a national group of litigators versed in patent and trade secret disputes in the tech and life sciences arenas. Chaikovsky had an active year in the high-tech sector, recently representing Trend Micro in a longstanding dispute against Intellectual Ventures that invalidated the opponent’s patents at issue on 101 grounds. O’Malley was focused on the life sciences space, acting for pharmaceutical client Helsinn in a closely watched case against Teva that concerned the “on-sale bar.”

Bruce Wexler is another one of the firm’s formidable trial lawyers who contributes to the group’s strength in life sciences disputes. He recently represented Boehringer Ingelheim in a multi-defendant litigation asserting the client’s patents covering drug Pradaxa. Wexler currently serves as chair of the firm’s life sciences industry group. IP group vice chair Naveen Modi is viewed as a leading practitioner in the PTAB, boasting more than 400 representations in post-grant proceedings. He recently took part in two IPRs for Boehringer Ingelheim that resulted in the invalidation of AbbVie patents covering biologic Humira. Chad Peterman represented Orexigen in a bet-the-company patent dispute against Actavis involving the client’s only product Contrave.

Seattle-based Perkins Coie offers more than 250 professionals in its IP group spread across the West, Midwest and Northeast. The firm is strong across IP practice areas, particularly in patent litigation, prosecution and post-grant proceedings.

DC-based Shannon Bloodworth serves as co-chair of the firm’s IP group, specializing in patent litigation for clients in the life sciences sector. She represented Mylan in one of the most closely watched cases from last year, which resulted in a precedent-setting ruling related to tribal immunity and patents. For her work in the matter, Bloodworth was awarded DC Outstanding IP Litigator by Managing Intellectual Property. She is also recognized globally as one of the Top 250 Women in IP. Co-chair Stephen Bishop focuses on patent drafting and strategy for companies in the high-tech space. Paul Parker is regarded nationally as a patent expert for medical device companies, offering more than two decades of experience in the area.

Grace Han Stanton provides expert advice to clients regarding their trademark portfolios. She is currently active for a major software client in trademark matters, including registration, clearances and TTAB proceedings. Lynne Graybeal is co-chair of the arts, entertainment and sports industry group, and specializes in trademark and copyright counseling.

Recent additions to the firm’s list of IP Stars are experienced patent litigators David Anstaett and Ryan McBrayer.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan offers a full-service IP litigation practice with a vast network of attorneys specializing in patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright. “The service is excellent,” a recent patent client says, “We pay for results and the results, to date, could not have been better.” A media client says they chose the firm because of its “stellar reputation and results in litigation, coupled with deep subject matter expertise in copyright.”

Charles Verhoeven co-chairs the firm’s IP litigation practice. He is significantly active for tech clients in high-stakes disputes, including Waymo against Uber in a recently resolved, newsworthy trade secrets suit. Peter Armenio, Dominic Cerrito and Victoria Maroulis serve as co-chairs in the firm’s life sciences group. Each of the trial-tested partners contribute significant experience in matters involving pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. A peer says about Maroulis: “She’s a very skilled lawyer and I think highly of her…She’s certainly someone to pay close attention to.” Raymond Nimrod was successful for the Broad Institute in one of MIP’s Milestone Cases of the Year, a patent interference involving groundbreaking CRISPR technology. A client says about Nimrod: “Ray is the best. He has a perfect disposition for the job. He keeps his cool and stays focused on the task.”

Trademark and copyright co-chair Robert Raskopf was active for the Washington Redskins in a high-profile dispute involving cancellation of the team’s mark due to disparagement. Bruce Van Dalsem is another standout trademark and copyright litigator at the firm, offering more than 30 years of experience in law.

Sidley Austin’s IP attorneys are skilled in all areas of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret matters. The firm was founded in 1866, and today has IP lawyers spread across major hubs like New York, Chicago and San Francisco. While Sidley has knowledge of a variety of industries, the practice is noted for its status in life sciences patent litigation. One leading peer says that in this area the firm is “absolutely tier one.”

IP practice group head David Pritikin is one of the leading litigation talents at the firm, renowned by peers for his strength in patent disputes. Partner Jim Badke heads the New York IP group and co-leads the firm-wide life sciences practice. Badke has a long history trying cases in the medical device space and today continues his prominence in the health care field assisting pharmaceutical clients with Hatch-Waxman disputes.

Ching-Lee Fukuda and Joseph Micallef are two of the firm’s post-grant specialists, often active for the firm’s long list of patent clients at the PTAB. This year Fukuda was shortlisted for PTAB Practitioner of the Year by Managing Intellectual Property.

Weil Gotshal & Manges earns high rankings nationally for its strength in copyright, patent litigation and PTAB proceedings. In terms of industry areas, the firm is one of the top practices for life sciences disputes.

Bruce Rich co-heads the firm’s intellectual property and media practice, and is nationally known as an expert copyright specialist. “Bruce is an excellent lawyer – personable, thoughtful and very up-to-speed on the legal issues,” a client says. “In addition, he is able to put our IP issues in much broader context to help us in all kinds of general commercial thinking.” Rich was recently active in Copyright Royalty Board matters for Pandora, an Eleventh Circuit dispute for Oxford University Press, and a class action brought against client Alibaba involving trademark and copyright claims. Randi Singer specializes in copyright and trademark litigation, and serves as co-head of the cybersecurity and data privacy group. She recently represented a number of high-profile clients in trademark disputes, including Facebook, Twitter and eBay.

Patent litigation group co-heads Brian Ferguson, Ed Reines and Elizabeth Weiswasser contribute to the firm’s status as a go-to firm for contested technology disputes. Ferguson handles patent suits in a number of venues, including district court, ITC and PTAB. Reines is a “very scholarly, smart lawyer” according to a peer, who in addition to trials is one of the preeminent appellate practitioners in the country. Weiswasser is an asset to the firm’s life sciences industry group, often focused on disputes for pharmaceutical clients. Doug McClellan and Garland Stevens are key practitioners in the firm’s Houston office focused on patent litigation and PTAB proceedings. A peer says Stevens is “very technically talented” in contested matters.

Michael Epstein and Charan Sandhu are skilled IP transactions specialists, often assisting clients in tech transfers, licensing agreements, joint developments and M&A matters. Epstein recently represented Kroger and The Campbell Soup Company in deals, while Sandhu advised General Electric.

WilmerHale maintains its status as one of the preeminent IP litigation firms, earning top rankings for patent litigation, PTAB proceedings and life sciences expertise. A recent patent client comments on the depth of attorneys the firm offers: “When you need an additional specialty to consult or assist [as] a new issue comes up, they have it and provide it.” At this year’s MIP Americas Awards, WilmerHale won Patent Contentious Firm of the Year for exemplary work in the litigation space.

William Lee is a luminary in the area of patent litigation, contributing to the firm’s leading status for disputes at the district court and appellate levels. A peer singles out Lee’s appellate expertise: “Bill Lee will always be great. He’s incredible at the Federal Circuit because he’s incredible at everything.” He is currently active in numerous high-tech patent disputes, and in the life sciences space is representing AbbVie against Boehringer Ingelheim in a biosimilar dispute related to Humira. IP litigation co-chair Lisa Pirozzolo is representing Genentech in patent litigation and IPRs related to company’s $7 billion drug Herceptin. Marc Selwyn was successful for Ancestry.com in a suit against 23andMe involving patent infringement and Lanham Act claims. A district court judge recently found claims for the opponent’s asserted patent invalid. Post-grant chair David Cavanaugh was active for Gilead in multiple IPRs connected to the client’s blockbuster Hepatitis C products Sovaldi, Harvoni and Epclusa. His team secured denial of all 10 petitions sought by opponent I-MAK.

Winston & Strawn’s group of attorneys includes some of the country’s top trial attorneys in the patent and copyright spaces. The firm is spread across nine domestic locations, including major markets like Chicago, New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco.

One competitor points to the firm’s expertise in life sciences patent litigation, saying: “Others don’t come close.” Litigation department co-chair George Lombardi is a patent trial expert, described by one competitor as “an absolutely first-rate trial lawyer.” The competitor adds: “He has the gift of making complicated subjects simple for juries.” One client calls Lombardi “one of the best trial lawyers in the market and one of my go-to lawyers for bet-the-company trials.” Lombardi was recently active for Teva in the closely watched life sciences dispute before the Supreme Court, Helsinn v Teva.

Michael Nutter, another life sciences first-chair, focuses his practice almost entirely on ANDA and BPCIA disputes. John Keville acts as lead counsel in a number of tech-related patent litigations. He is well-versed in matters related to trade secrets, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and patent-oriented antitrust cases.

The firm’s copyright practice is mentioned as one of the firms that will be the “future of the copyright space.” Vice chairman Michael Elkin is “one of the top lawyers in copyright” according to a competitor. He recently acted for Cox Communications. Jennifer Golinveaux is another noted copyright expert at the firm, often active in technology and Internet-related matters.