DLA Piper

DLA Piper has a relatively small team, but its attorneys are highly experienced in handling contentious and non-contentious matters. They are well-versed in all aspects of technology law and advise on a range of matters including advertising and promotion, data security, digital media content, e-commerce and privacy protection. Maryland patent star Robert Mathiasconcentrates on intellectual property litigation relating to patent, trademark and copyright issues.

DLA Piper has an IP and technology group driven by Melinda Upton. According to market commentators it delivers "excellent, high-level advice at a reasonable cost". Melbourne-based Robynne Sanders is the "best IP lawyer I have worked with", says a domestic client. An offshore client describes Nicholas Tyacke in Sydney as a "fast-thinker". Louis Italiano, trained in life sciences, is noted for his high-quality work in contentious matters.

DLA Piper has offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The firm's patent team has expertise in global patent application drafting and prosecution as well as patent litigation and licensing. William (Skip) Fisher joined DLA Piper from Hogan Lovells as partner and head of patents. Skip has experience in licensing and litigation. He is particularly skilled at handling patent, trade secrets and international IP and technology-related transactions. A client notes: "I have used many different firms in the past year but DLA Piper offers the most value for money. We achieved a couple of milestones on an anti-counterfeiting programme in collaboration with DLA Piper." Fisher and his team have been working on a number of patent litigation cases in the industrial and technology sector and some other patent enforcement matters. Based in Shanghai, legal manager Ting Xiao is a rising star to watch. Her practice focuses on patents, trade secrets and other technology-related matters. She specialises in IP enforcement and litigation matters as well as licensing, technology transfers and commercial transactions.

The Australian IP team at DLA Piper is recommended by clients and peers. "High quality attorneys who provide cost-effective service and work well with overall global legal strategy and processes," says a client. Melinda Upton is highly recommended for complex trade mark protection issues in Australia and New Zealand. A rising star to watch is Rob McMaster, who is described as "an innovative thinker". Special counsel Rohan Singh has left the firm.

DLA Piper's IP team in Canada is respected by market commentators. Its merger with Stratton and Dimock resulted in two top-rated IP lawyers, Bruce Stratton and Ron Dimock, and their team joining the firm. Chris Bennett, who is experienced in soft IP counselling, is co-chair of the firm's IP/technology practice. Other notable IP practitioners in the firm are Alan Macek, Geoffrey Mowatt, and Sangeetha Punniyamoorthy. The team advises companies such as BMW, Goldcorp, and Mountain Equipment Co-op.

DLA Piper provides advice on contentious issues and strategy. Its clients encompass emerging technology companies, pharmaceutical companies and established banks and financial institutions. Managing partner of the firm's Beijing office Horace Lam heads the firm's Asian IP practice and leads the China team in Beijing and Shanghai. A client from the retail industry says Lam is an "experienced practitioner who also leads a good team of practitioners to deliver excellent advice". William (Skip) Fisher recently joined the firm as a partner and head of patent in China. A client comments on Fisher's expertise: "Excellent advice on anti-counterfeiting strategy. Efficient and responsive to the client's queries. Good communication skills."

DLA Piper’s Dutch IP team deals with contentious and non-contentious soft IP issues. Niels Mulder, Alexander Tsoutsanis and Richard van Schaik are notable senior practitioners in the team for trade mark and copyright instructions. According to one client, Mulder is “creative and knows a lot”. Another client says he is “outstandingly efficient”. There are associates in the firm's IP department including rising stars Matthijs Schonewille and Charlotte Sophie van Triest. Schonewille gets “to the point and gets things done” for clients. The team “takes down counterfeiters in a smooth and efficient manner”, a brand owner notes. Soft IP case studies show the team is experienced in pan-European trade mark enforcement work, acting for companies such as Moët Hennessy and Nike. In 2018, the team obtained an important web blocking order on behalf of Premier League.