Band 1: Intellectual Property
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Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP Firm profileThe Firm: “Work that is nothing short of exceptional” guarantees this firm a national reputation in the IP arena. The team, commended for its “great business and legal advice,” provides assistance on the full spectrum of issues in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and manufacturing to consumer goods and electronics. Washington, DC is the center of activity, with additional offices throughout the country providing the team with the resources to handle large-scale trademark and copyright matters, as well as high-stakes patent disputes. It was pivotal in securing for Philips more than $91 million in trebled damages and interest and a permanent injunction against KXD. Donald Dunner is one of the most recognized patent attorneys in the USA. Seen as a “master in his field,” he is particularly noted for his expertise in IP appeals.
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Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto Firm profileThe Firm: As a dedicated IP boutique, this firm devotes a level of resources to matters that few can match. It undertakes a significant amount of high-end litigation work, recently obtaining partial summary judgment for AstraZeneca in a Hatch-Waxman dispute with implications for the relitigation by generics of prior claims. Commentators highlight the firm’s strength in proceedings connected with the pharmaceutical industry, where its clientele also includes sanofi-aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb. In addition to much-lauded expertise in patent infringement suits, the team is in great demand for its patent prosecution skills and insight into trademark proceedings. Robert Baechtold is considered preeminent in Hatch-Waxman suits and “one of the luminaries” in pharmaceutical patent law.
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Irell & Manella LLP Firm profileThe Firm: Irell achieves nationwide recognition for its heavyweight presence in patent litigation. According to sources, the IP team’s members are “respected, admired and feared for their piercing minds.” The firm is widely associated with the technology sector, where it has emerged victorious from a multitude of high-profile cases. Recently, it obtained summary judgment on behalf of Texas Instruments in infringement proceedings brought by Microprocessor Enhancement. The team is no less prominent in the entertainment field, representing major players such as Universal Music Group and MTV. Of the firm’s many revered IP experts, Morgan Chu is the “jewel in the crown,” clients report.
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Kirkland & Ellis LLP Firm profileThe Firm: Members’ “tremendous ability to work seamlessly across offices” garners Kirkland the business of clients seeking advice and representation in complex, multistate IP matters. While clients apportion most praise to the teams operating out of New York and Chicago, the team in Washington, DC is increasingly making its presence felt. It now houses 15 attorneys undertaking a range of patent, trademark and false advertising disputes. Members based in New York and Washington, DC joined forces to obtain a preliminary injunction in favor of GlaxoSmithKline that halted changes to patent prosecution regulations going into effect in November 2007. The firm’s prowess in patent litigation prompted one peer to observe: “If you’re up against them, you know you’re in for a good battle.” Interviewees heartily endorse John Desmarais’ towering reputation in the contentious patent arena. Based in New York, his practice nevertheless takes him all over the USA. He combines a “masterful courtroom demeanor” with technical expertise and superlative strategic skill.
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Morrison & Foerster LLP Firm profileThe Firm: Hailing from the IP hotspot of California, Morrison & Foerster’s IP practice is distinguished by its “exceptional biotech expertise” and is regarded as a go-to destination by clients in the electronics industry. The large, full-scale team advises on a wide range of portfolio management, trademark and copyright issues. It is also noted for the consistently high standard of advice it provides in patent litigation, where recent highlights include winning a defense verdict for EchoStar Communications in an infringement suit that implicated virtually the entire cable and satellite television industry. A raft of offices throughout the USA and beyond explains the international nature of the group’s clientele. Its “highly sought after” attorneys include Harold McElhinny, an “absolutely top-drawer” lawyer who excels at both the trial and appellate stage.
Band 2: Intellectual Property
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Baker Botts LLP Firm profileThe Firm: This busy IP group is involved in more than 90 cases pending in courts around the country, from Texas and California to Delaware and New York. It comproses a raft of “tremendously smart” attorneys, who spend the majority of their time defending clients involved in high-stakes patent suits. The team makes a particularly strong impression in the hi-tech arena, leading commentators to observe: “They really know their business in the software industry.” Currently, it is representing American Calcar in infringement claims connected with computer and communication technologies used in automobiles. It is also counseling LSI in a major infringement suit against Sony relating to products such as PlayStation 3. Robert Neuner navigates a courtroom with skill, while Scott Partridge, head of the Houston group, is considered “one of the best” patent lawyers in the country.
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Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP Firm profileThe Firm: The exceptional trial expertise contained within this Wall Street behemoth attracts industry heavyweights throughout the USA. “Amazing resources and intellectual firepower” are two key attributes noted by commentators. The firm provides representation in a range of trademark, copyright and patent disputes and has assumed a prominent position in the electronics and pharmaceutical sectors. As well as providing counsel for Bristol-Myers Squibb and sanofi-aventis in a suit against Apotex, it is acting on behalf of QUALCOMM in a variety of IP proceedings. Taking a leading role in this matter is trial lawyer and managing partner Evan Chesler, lauded for his “rapport with clients, judges and juries” and top-quality advocacy skills. Katherine Forrest is acclaimed for her insight into copyright and trademark issues.
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Fish & Richardson PC Firm profileThe Firm: This dedicated boutique has “excellent credentials” in patent prosecution and litigation, as well as in copyright and trademark claims, and houses more than 500 attorneys across a network of offices including Boston and New York. The firm has “all its bases covered” in terms of industry experience, and undertakes a considerable amount of work in the electronics and technology field. Members recently successfully argued for a $1.5 billion verdict against Microsoft to be set aside, and for a judgment of non-infringement to be entered in a suit related to two patents. Boston-based Robert Hillman receives much praise for his insight into patent issues and has garnered a reputation as an “extremely astute and talented attorney.” On the West Coast, John Gartman impresses observers with the depth of his IP knowledge.
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Howrey LLP Firm profileThe Firm: Howrey’s impressive array of domestic and international resources sets it apart from much of the competition, enabling it to “meet challenges that other firms simply can’t” in the IP arena. Decades of experience have seen the practice emerge as a major force in patent prosecution and defense work. However, with 200 members “who can turn their hand to anything,” the team’s expertise extends to cover complex trademark and copyright issues as well. Its clientele is equally wide reaching, drawn from the biotech, pharmaceutical, chemical and entertainment industries, among others. Cecilia Gonzalez and Alan Grimaldi cochair the IP practice in the USA.
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Jones Day Firm profileThe Firm: Jones Day is a dominant presence in the US marketplace, showcasing both its national reach and litigation prowess in a steady flow of big-ticket, multistate patent disputes. Peers acknowledge the firm is a “tough opponent” in the courtroom, and envy its lofty profile in the technology and electronics sectors. As well as achieving the favorable settlement of two patent infringement claims brought by IBM against Amazon.com, members obtained summary judgment on behalf of Sandisk in proceedings involving ST Microelectronics. The firm’s international network, which covers Europe and Asia, makes it eminently equipped to handle the intricacies of cross-border patent, trademark and copyright proceedings. Ken Adamo, who splits his time between Cleveland and Dallas, is a nationally renowned patent litigator who also has much experience of copyright and trademark disputes.
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Keker & Van Nest LLP Firm profileThe Firm: When Keker & Van Nest is on the other side of IP litigation, peers know “it will be a hard-fought encounter.” The firm is skilled in all aspects of complex patent, trade secrets and copyright disputes, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants. A potent combination of “sophisticated advice” and cost-effectiveness confirms its national status. From representing Broadcom in patent exclusion proceedings brought before the ITC to successfully fighting off a $2.2 billion claim against Comcast, the group has had an impressive year. Name partner John Keker is a “superb trial lawyer,” respected by rivals for his advocacy and wide-ranging knowledge of the IP sector. Michael Page, meanwhile, attracts praise for his assured handling of copyright and trademark infringement claims.
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McDermott Will & Emery LLP Firm profileThe Firm: Able to draw on the skills of 240 specialists worldwide, the US IP practice at McDermott is prominent on both national and international stages. Clients within the biotech, electronics and entertainment sectors benefit from its skill and experience in procuring and licensing patents, trademarks and copyrights. Members are also highly regarded for the quality of advice they provide on trade secrets and false advertising issues. The group is no stranger to facilitating precedent-setting decisions, recently representing Seagate Technology in a case that resulted in the abolition of the ‘duty of due care’ standard imposed in the context of willful patent infringement. “Exceptional trial lawyer” Terry McMahon handles high-stakes copyright, trade secret, trademark and other bet-the-company disputes. Raphael Lupo also achieves national renown for his performance in patent, trademark and copyright litigation, with sources describing him as “an outstanding orator.”
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Ropes & Gray LLP Firm profileThe Firm: Ropes & Gray is acknowledged to have “one of the strongest brands” in the IP arena, this reputation being boosted by its merger with boutique Fish & Neave. It attracts an ever-increasing number of high-profile mandates from some of the biggest companies in the world. Sources note that team members “quickly grasp the most complicated concepts” in matters with a substantial technological element; for example, it is advising Apple on patent prosecution issues relating to its entire product line. The group also receives praise for its prowess in disputes in the pharmaceutical sector; highlights here include representing AstraZeneca in patent infringement proceedings arising from Mayne Pharma USA''s application for FDA approval of a generic version of DIPRIVAN, an injectable anesthetic. Herb Schwartz embodies the firm’s strength in patent litigation; interviewees also hold “top-flight” trial lawyer Jesse Jenner in great esteem.
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Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP Firm profileThe Firm: Offering “tremendous, top-to-bottom consistency” throughout the USA, this firm''s IP practice receives unilateral endorsement from clients. The teams operating out of Texas and California garner the most marketplace recognition, but a raft of “strong and extremely responsive” attorneys in New York ensure that Weil Gotshal is making its presence felt in the Big Apple too. Across the board, the firm is singled out by commentators for the standard of its patent work. This reputation is largely founded on the team’s performance on behalf of heavyweight clients drawn from the entertainment, hi-tech and IT sectors. Reflecting its strength in litigation, the group successfully defended Microsoft against a number of infringement claims brought by Spreadsheet Automation. The pharmaceutical industry is another area in which members have achieved considerable acclaim. “Master trial lawyer” Matthew Powers is “king of the hill” when it comes to patent suits, observe peers.
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WilmerHale Firm profileThe Firm: A “fantastic presence” in Boston is just the start for this IP practice, which has made a name for itself in such financial and commercial hubs as New York and Washington, DC. The group’s broad base of expertise covers patent counseling and prosecution, as well as litigation. The legacy of Wilmer Cutler Pickering means it is much in demand for appellate-stage IP disputes. Commentators feel the merger has made the group “stronger than ever,” borne out by its performance on behalf of Broadcom in patent infringement proceedings involving QUALCOMM. Strong links to the hi-tech sector are accompanied by enviable relationships in the medical devices and biotech arenas. Boston-based William Lee is a “class act,” respected nationally for the skill he displays in major patent infringement disputes.
Band 3: Intellectual Property
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Day Casebeer Madrid & Batchelder LLP Firm profileThe Firm: This boutique maintains a national reputation among market observers as a “superb group,” with a history of IP strength and a consistently high profile. “An eminent choice for sophisticated work,” the team covers IP issues of all kinds, with particular skills in licensing, regulatory, unfair competition and trades secrets issues. “Hard worker and creative thinker” Rusty Day is highly regarded as “a great strategist and a superb trial lawyer,” especially in patent infringement, copyright, trademark and trade secrets litigation.
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Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Firm profileThe Firm: The firm’s national IP profile is founded on its top-notch Texas practice. This substantial team works out of bases in Austin, Houston and Dallas, and operates a full-service IP practice. Its strengths in patent prosecution and its work for universities and biotech companies particularly catch the eye of interviewees, as does its IP litigation prowess. Energy, electronics and engineering, life sciences and biotech are all areas in which the team excels, and the group is also able to seamlessly draw on its outstanding litigation and corporate divisions. The group’s talents were on display in its representation of Fenner Investments in its ongoing patent enforcement suit against Microsoft. Austin-based practice co-head David Parker is prominent due to his “excellent biotech prosecution work.”
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Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP Firm profileThe Firm: IP litigation, including large-scale patent infringement and trademark disputes, constitutes this firm’s most notable strength. Commentators say the attorneys here possess “a thorough understanding of IP,” and provide “realistic and grounded advice.” Highlight examples of this include the negotiation of several settlements in the range of tens of millions of dollars for biotech licensing company Competitive Technologies. From the firm’s Denver office, the “experienced, aggressive and effective” Glenn Beaton cochairs the IP practice. An extremely active attorney, his practice takes in patent infringement, trademark, copyright and misappropriation of trade secrets litigation and appeals.
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Kaye Scholer LLP Firm profileThe Firm: This team is praised for doing “a great job” in patent disputes, and its patent expertise in the national and international biotech and pharmaceutical sectors bolsters its high standing in IP litigation. The group’s activity is not limited to these areas, however, and in recent years attorneys have branched out into patent matters for the electronics, medical devices and computer sectors. Notable matters include successfully acting for Pfizer in connection with an attempt by Teva to obtain FDA approval to sell a generic version of Celebrex. Much of the firm’s excellent reputation is attributed to Leora Ben-Ami. She brings her “fantastic technical knowledge” and “first-class trial skills” to bear on biotech-focused patent cases and other issues in the life-sciences arena. Senior statesman and “extremely intelligent guy” Gerald Sobel is especially noted for his skill in matters with a Hatch-Waxman dimension.
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Kenyon & Kenyon LLP Firm profileThe Firm: This venerable IP boutique is active in a range of courtroom and appellate proceedings, often on behalf of generic drug companies such as Teva. Its expertise stretches outside the pharmaceutical arena, however; attorneys have provided advice to clients such as Fisher Price and Mattel, whom the group successfully defended against a patent claim brought by LeapFrog, obtaining Court of Appeal confirmation. Such successes demonstrate Kenyon & Kenyon’s position as “one of the stronger IP boutiques around.” Tough litigator Richard DeLucia is a charismatic trial lawyer with “great courtroom chemistry,” while Steven Lee combines a “high level of technical expertise” with a “very efficient manner” and is also recognized for his skill in Hatch-Waxman litigation in the generic drugs field.
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Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear Firm profileThe Firm: This boutique is staffed with “top talent,” and covers the full gamut of IP issues, covering trademark, copyright, patent and trade secrets, and including litigation. Interviewees credit the group with “a lot of depth in pharmaceuticals,” and in this arena the group acted for Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals before the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit concerning a patent for atorvastatin, a drug currently owned by Pfizer. The group’s talents are not limited to this sector alone, and the client roster features names such as Toshiba, QUALCOMM, Amazon.com and Applied Medical Resources. The firm’s combination of “theoretical expertise and individuals who can really do the job in court” draws praise from market sources. One of the firm’s key players is “brilliant lawyer” Don Martens. He is joined by “outstandingly clever and aggressive litigator” Joseph Re.
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Sidley Austin LLP Firm profileThe Firm: This truly national team fields “professional and wonderful” attorneys from coast to coast, in a team numbering over 100 lawyers. IP litigation is the name of the game here, and the team fields expertise in an array of industry sectors, ranging from pharmaceuticals, medical devices, life sciences and biotech to the hi-tech arena, including the semiconductor, telecoms, software and Internet technology industries. The client base ranges from Fortune 500 companies to emerging technology enterprises and other startups. Key names include the likes of GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, AT&T and ExxonMobil. A notable highlight saw the team successfully reverse a $45 million patent infringement for Cardinal IG Company. Across the board, the group is commended for its “thoughtful and focused” approach. Texas-based Bryan Medlock has a wealth of experience in the field and is renowned as not only “one of the premier attorneys in Dallas,” but also as “one of the best rainmakers in the state.” Standout patent litigator David Pritikin chairs the firm’s national IP practice. Interviewees assert that he “handles himself well.”
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Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates Firm profileThe Firm: “Everyone recognizes Skadden’s reputation,” say clients. The firm complements its “extraordinarily sophisticated corporate resources” with a full-service IP practice. The transactional side of the practice draws most praise, but it is also considered “a formidable adversary” by peers, who highlight its “ample resources for handling large and complex cases.” The team’s IP talents have been showcased in the electronics, Internet and semiconductor industries; highlights have included acting for Comerica in a patent infringement case brought by Ronald A Katz Technology Licensing. Tipping the team for further prominence in future, one interviewee remarked: “You’ll be hearing more of them.” New York-based Edward Filardi co-heads the IP and technology group. His “tremendous technical expertise and excellent judgment” and “helpful and sensitive approach” also win acclaim from sources.
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Vinson & Elkins LLP Firm profileThe Firm: “Always excellent,” this full-service IP group undertakes a substantial amount of patent litigation, as well as licensing and counseling work for clients on the transactional side. The group’s cadre of “extremely fine lawyers” is often seen acting for hi-tech clients in the electronic, Internet and computer-related spheres, although the team’s reach is wider than this. It recently represented Bausch & Lomb in a patent infringement suit against plaintiff Rembrandt Vision Technologies. “A name you always hear,” Bill LaFuze co-heads the IP group in Houston, and has “a good reputation for a good reason.” His broad-ranging experience takes in a significant amount of patent litigation, alongside unfair competition, trade secrets and licensing matters.
Band 4: Intellectual Property
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Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Firm profileThe Firm: Clients are attracted to this team by its “creative handling of complex problems” and its thorough approach. Patent litigation is the foundation of the practice; team members are defending several cellular carriers, such as Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and T-Mobile, in a patent infringement lawsuit against Minerva Industries. Trade secrets, trademarks, licensing, prosecution and other transactional issues are also undertaken, for a client base that ranges across the telecoms, electrical and semiconductor, and chemical industries. Operating from the Houston and Austin offices, “top-flight” David Clonts demonstrates his “impressive work ethic” and knack of “coming up with innovative solutions.” Patent litigation and prosecution, as well as opinion, expert witness and counseling advice, all fall within his sphere of expertise.
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Arnold & Porter LLP Firm profileThe Firm: Interviewees find this group “ferocious in pursuit of what the client wants,” while maintaining “a balanced and nuanced approach to counseling and litigation.” Fielding an impressive national and international network, the well-integrated team “gives its all for its clients.” The practice is wide ranging: “When I think about firms in copyright law, Arnold & Porter is among the first that spring to mind,” one source commented, while the group’s trademark and patent litigation talents are also acclaimed. The team is also active across a broad sweep of industry sectors, featuring clients in the new media, software, motion picture, recording, sports, broadcasting and publishing industries. The “highly sophisticated” team is representing Gucci America in a trademark infringement claim against a former family member who is seeking to use her name as a label for a consumer product. Ronald Johnston is responsible for the Los Angeles office, and has a fantastic reputation for copyright work.
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Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione Firm profileThe Firm: This high-quality boutique fields close to 165 attorneys nationally, but it is the Chicago office that wins widespread acclaim as a “top-level operation” with some of the “best litigation in the city.” The team of talented attorneys takes on all IP-related matters, on both national and international levels, for a client list that includes names such as Coca-Cola, Motorola, Abbott Laboratories and The BF Goodrich Company. Other clients include companies in the Internet, tobacco, electrical and medical sectors. The team boasts high-profile attorneys, such as IP stalwarts Jerome Gilson and Roy Hofer - the former skilled in trademark and unfair competition matters; the latter acknowledged for his alternative dispute practice. President of the firm, Gary Ropski’s ability to “stand up to any case” underscores his reputation as “a stellar member of the Bar .” Patent disputes are his focus, including appearing before the International Commerce Commission.
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Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Firm profileThe Firm: A growing presence on both coasts, this nationally renowned outfit is viewed as “one of the best firms for IP in the life sciences sector.” The group’s transactional, patent counseling and prosecution-related advice was singled out for praise, which - when combined with its litigation strength - means the firm cannot be overlooked for any aspect of IP work on the national stage. Recent matters have included acting for Monolithic Power Systems, ASMC, Asus and Compal against O2 Micro in connection with inverter patents. In the office in Broomfield, Colorado, Jim Brogan is “an experienced litigator and all-round good guy.” In Palo Alto, firm chairman Stephen Neal is commended as “an excellent trial lawyer.”
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Debevoise & Plimpton LLP Firm profileThe Firm: The basis for this firm’s national reputation lies in its strength in federal-level trademark litigation. Clients cite the “excellent service” they receive, while peers have “nothing but admiration and respect for the way they approach IP litigation.” Highlights include counseling Kraft in a trademark and trade dress infringement brought against the makers of ‘South Beach Solutions’ meal replacement bars. “Confident, experienced and aggressive when necessary, this team really fights your corner,” sums up one client. David Bernstein’s “calm and rational style” is a hit in trademark disputes, and he is complimented for having “the kind of creativity that results in big, successful ideas.” One client also remarked: “He wiped the floor with us in a previous case, so I hired him because I’d seen what he could do!” Bruce Keller heads the IP litigation team. His great business sense and tactical skill have made him a “true master of his craft.”
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Fenwick & West LLP Firm profileThe Firm: The firm’s “extraordinary work” has made it “a preeminent player” on the IP stage. It appears in the full range of IP matters and is a popular choice among clients for complex matters, both patent and trademark-related. Litigation chair Lynn Pasahow “understands the science, has a low-key manner and is meticulous in his preparation,” according to clients. He is experienced in patent matters in the Internet, software and bioscience industries. Sally Abel is internationally recognized for her trademark work and “superb brain.” IP head David Hayes wins plaudits for his expertise in copyright, and is seen by interviewees as “one of the top advisers in the sector.”
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Latham & Watkins LLP Firm profileThe Firm: Latham’s impressive IP profile is maintained by a team of “talented lawyers who are experts in their field.” There are over 200 of these nationally, acting on a full range of IP matters. Examples include defending Adobe Systems against claims of copyright, trademark and trade dress infringement, dilution, false designation of origin, and unfair competition in connection with Adobe’s Illustrator product. Orange County-based global IP cochair Perry Viscounty is respected on the trademark side, where he impresses sources as an “exceptional trademark lawyer with a huge practice .” The “brilliantly clever” Robert Steinberg also cochairs, from his base in Los Angeles.
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Mayer Brown LLP Firm profileThe Firm: Fielding 70 lawyers internationally in IP, this excellent general practice firm has displayed its IP talents on behalf of McDonald’s, defending the company against claims of patent infringement involving prepaid and gift cards. Trademark, copyright, unfair competition and antitrust are also areas of expertise. According to interviewees, IP litigator Joseph Mahoney deserves recognition as a “great biotech lawyer.” Clients approve of his “creative approach and sound reasoning.”
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Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP Firm profileThe Firm: Widely acclaimed by clients for “the quality and depth of its expertise in IP,” this firm has a deep bench and broad range of offices. Another distinguishing factor for clients is attorneys’ ability to work across the firm’s offices: “I really appreciate that they go out of the way to accommodate our needs in that way,” remarked one. The group’s experience covers patent, trademark and copyright litigation, and features particular skill in the technology and electronics sectors. Clients include such names as AOL, Intel and Facebook, and recent highlights include advising Dow AgroSciences in the appellate review of a patent dispute. “Extremely intelligent,” William Anthony is an established player in the California market, where his talent for patent law wins him fans. Hopkins Guy is noted for his prowess in IP litigation.
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Townsend and Townsend and Crew LLP Firm profileThe Firm: Not only is this “first-rate patent firm” known for its leading prosecution practice, its litigation capabilities also draw commendation. A “group of gifted individuals who know what a client needs in any situation” are the foundations for rge firm''s reputation. Trademark, copyright, and trade secrets expertise are also on offer here, prompting interviewees to comment on the firm’s status as a “true one-stop shop.” Clients include companies such as First Data and Qwest. Denver-based partner Darin Gibby has expertise in medical devices, software and online matters.
