Intellectual Property: Pennsylvania

THE FIRM This boutique firm is highly regarded in Pennsylvania for its capabilities across all aspects of IP matters, ranging from patent, copyright and trademark procurement to litigation, licensing and transactions. The group has industry expertise across a variety of sectors including life sciences, medical devices technology and software. Recent highlights include reaching a settlement in its continued representation of Microsoft in a patent infringement case relating to the Android operating system.

Sources say: "They offer both quality of services and attention for clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Solid practitioner" Dale Heist led the team in its representation of Microsoft in a patent infringement dispute and has continued to represent it in a declaratory judgment action against DataTern.

Steven Rocci is described as "a very gracious person and really a pleasure to interact with." His notable representations include bringing a lawsuit on behalf of Stertil-Koni USA in connection with infringement issues relating to heavy-duty vehicle lifts.

David Wolfsohn is lead counsel for DuPont in a high-value lawsuit brought against Medtronic for breach of a patent license agreement. He is praised as "a very good communicator" and "an extraordinarily intelligent lawyer."

Joseph Lucci acted for the University of Pennsylvania in a bench trial relating to the ownership of patents by the Alzheimer's Institute of America. Sources note him to be "a good, solid, sound attorney" who is "especially good at complex reexamination."

Nancy Frandsen has a solid reputation among peers. She recently led the firm's representation of First Service Networks in a trademark infringement matter.

The "very sharp" Aleksander Goranin is recognized as a "fabulous lawyer and a really smart guy." He recently co-led the firm's representation of Crown Packaging Technology in patent infringement cases against Ball Metal Beverage Container.

Recent highlights for John Donohue include representing Frontline Technologies in a patent infringement matter against CRS. He is held in high regard by his peers.

THE FIRM This well-known boutique is highly regarded in Philadelphia and offer clients a full range of IP services. The group is experienced across a broad spectrum of industries including financial services, telecommunications and medical devices. The firm also has extensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical sector and is widely acknowledged for its expertise in Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) litigation. Highlights for the team include an action for trademark infringement and unfair competition on behalf of the American Diabetes Association.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "First-rate attorney" Manny Pokotilow is described as a "true gentleman and very smart guy." He has extensive expertise in patent, trademark and copyright enforcement litigation.

Martin Faigus has a broad practice with particular focus on the prosecution of patent and trademark applications. Sources find him to be "very experienced and very capable."

Robert Silver has an extensive litigation practice representing US and international companies across a wide range of industries. He has specific expertise in ANDA litigation.

Barry Stein is highly respected in the sector. His practice places particular emphasis on IP in the technology fields including computer systems, e-commerce and communications.

Stanley Cohen is highly regarded as a leader in this practice area and noted to be an "outstanding practitioner" and a "terrific guy." He continues to counsel with a specific focus on trademark and copyright law.

THE FIRM The group at Drinker Biddle offers clients the full range of IP services. The team is skilled in transactional work, litigation and general counseling and is well regarded for its expertise in the biotechnology and life sciences industries. Notable transactions include handling a diverse array of IP matters ranging from trademark concerns to patent infringement suits for SafeNet both in the USA and internationally.

Sources say: "Very effective in getting the objective as well as proposing strategies to maximize our likelihood of success." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gregory Lavorgna is lead partner for SafeNet handling the company's entire IP portfolio. He assists a range of clients worldwide.

John Marshall focuses his practice on civil litigation in trademark, copyright and patent matters. He is described as "very professional" and "very accomplished."

The "extraordinarily responsive" Robert Koons represents both US and foreign clients across a range of industries. Recent highlights include handling a patent infringement case for ORBCOMM. Clients appreciate his "very good business mind" and find him to be "very intelligent, accessible and reliable."

Robert Cannuscio "does an excellent job. He is very knowledgeable, very efficient and he responds quickly," according to sources. He recently represented Globus Medical in its IPO.

Daniel Monaco concentrates his practice on patents within the biotechnology and chemistry sectors. Sources note he is "extremely knowledgeable in the area of law and within science." 

THE FIRM This boutique firm is recognized for its strength in handling a broad range of IP transactions, particularly patent application prosecutions. The team represents clients across the full spectrum of industries including technology, pharmaceutical and medical devices. Highlights from the past year include acting on behalf of MorphoSys in connection with a trademark infringement action. The firm also represents high-profile client AMI Entertainment Network.

Sources say: "We have a very high success rate with them. They understand our business and they understand the technology behind the business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Martin Belisario has an active prosecution practice. Clients appreciate that he is "very conscientious about doing work efficiently."

Founding partner and "outstanding lawyer" Alan Nadel is admired by peers and is noted to be "a pleasure to work against."

Ronald Panitch is held in high regard by his peers and brings a wealth of experience in IP matters. Sources view him as "a trusted professional in this area" and comment: "He's good at addressing and resolving issues." 

Clark Jablon is lauded as "outstanding at getting patents issued quickly." Clients note he "has the ability to be very persuasive" and is "extremely knowledgeable about patent laws, procedures and practice."

William Schwarze recently represented World Pac International in relation to a patent prosecution matter. Clients appreciate that he "goes the extra mile for you." 

THE FIRM This firm's IP group has a strong reputation for its ability to deal with complex patent matters. The team has particular expertise within the life sciences, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The firm is adept at handling patent infringement disputes for high-profile clients. For example, the group recently provided counsel to Google in several infringement actions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Creative and knowledgeable" practitioner Dianne Elderkin is praised by market commentators. One source notes: "She's cool, very solid and very stable."

THE FIRM This Philadelphia practice regularly handles significant and complex patent litigation, and has particular expertise in Abbreviated New Drug Application issues. The IP practice has international capabilities with matters spanning across the globe including Germany and Japan. The group recently represented Japanese manufacturer Teikoku and its US distributor Endo Pharmaceuticals in a high-stakes dispute.

Sources say: "Very thorough and thoughtful, always a top-notch job."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Martin Black recently represented Hitachi and its licensing agent in a patent enforcement action. He is lauded as "absolutely top-notch as a strategist and a technical lawyer. Very creative and willing to think outside the box."

Glenn Gundersen is highly regarded by peers and widely acknowledged for his trademark practice.

Work highlights for Kevin Flannery include playing a key role in a patent infringement litigation for global pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline. He enjoys a solid reputation among peers.

THE FIRM This well-reputed firm has experience across a broad range of IP matters including patents, copyrights and trade secrets, with particular focus on patent and trademark prosecution cases. Its attorneys have backgrounds in a variety of areas including biosciences, chemicals and telecommunications, providing expertise across a range of industries.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "bold, strong and experienced" Peter Cronk recently handled a trademark and unfair competition dispute for CertainTeed.

THE FIRM This full-service firm provides a full range of IP services for a series of long-standing clients across numerous industries. Recent work highlights for the group include the representation of Drew Estates in a trademark infringement matter. The group is strong in relation to licensing and technology; it is also active within the retail industry and has acted on behalf of Spencer Gifts in multiple IP actions.

Sources say: "Their advice has been very helpful and effective. We are very pleased with the quality and efficiency of their representation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roberta Jacobs-Meadway is widely respected for her trademark expertise. Clients find her to be "very responsive" and "a tough negotiator." One source notes she is "very pragmatic and thinks like a businessperson."

Richard Peirce led the team on a cybersquatting action on behalf of Washington National Insurance. According to clients he is "very knowledgeable and efficient, he follows up promptly" and provides "thoughtful, effective representation."

THE FIRM This internationally recognized firm has a clear presence within the Pennsylvania IP market. The Pittsburgh group has an extensive prosecution practice as well as capabilities in patent, trademark and copyright litigation. Their expertise spans a range of industries including technology, electronics and science.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Kyper has extensive experience advising clients on a broad range of IP-related matters and has an active litigation practice regularly handling trademark, patent and copyright disputes.

Patrick McElhinny has specific expertise in relation to insurance coverage for IP claims. He has significant trial experience and concentrates his practice on patent litigation.

THE FIRM This full-service firm has a deep IP practice with particular strength in the life sciences sector. The group regularly handles complex patent litigation as well as trademark and copyright actions. Its client roster includes high-profile companies such as Comcast and Motorola. Recent highlights include the representation of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics in connection with multiple trade secrets and patent infringement claims.

Sources say: "They're very responsive. They have a depth of knowledge, particularly for trademark work, where they provide a lot of insight."

KEY INDIVIDUALS According to sources, Mark DeLuca "has a great deal of experience and seems to anticipate problems; he thinks a couple of steps ahead." One client comments: "The advice he gives is very good and I think his analytical skills are extraordinary."

Paul Kennedy is appreciated by clients and praised for his "good insight into the business practicalities for applying and protecting trademarks."

Kelly Tillery is well respected among his peers. Recent highlights include representing Nest International in relation to trade secret and copyright infringement claims.

THE FIRM This compact boutique offers sophisticated representation on a full range of IP matters. The group has strong technological background and capabilities counseling on transactions involving cross-border elements, particularly within Europe and Asia. The team regularly represents major clients across many industries including Endo Pharmaceuticals, Porsche and Arkema.

Sources say: "Thorough and adept. I feel comfortable when they tell me something that it will be accurate and good advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chair of the firm's litigation group, Benjamin Leace is described as "quick on his feet and able to give thorough answers that clients understand."

Kenneth Nigon counsels clients across the full range of IP matters. He has significant expertise in patent prosecution.

Paul Prestia is praised as "very helpful, approachable and available." He has extensive experience in the life sciences field.

THE FIRM This boutique firm has expertise across a range of industries and specializes in IP matters within the technology sector. The firm also has cross-border affiliations and handles matters involving foreign jurisdictions such as Germany and Japan. Notable highlights include providing counsel to InterDigital on a $375 million patent transaction.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The well-respected Anthony Volpe is a seasoned practitioner and "very client-oriented."

THE FIRM This full-service firm has a substantial IP department with capabilities ranging from counseling to complex litigation. The group regularly handles a diverse array of IP matters including patent, trademark and copyright actions on a national and international level. Recent representations include serving as IP counsel to the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in numerous disputes.

Sources say: "Very responsive, very practical and a very good sense of finding solutions to difficult situations from both a legal and business standpoint."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lynn Rzonca has a strong reputation in the IP space. Her work highlights include representing Limited Brands in patent litigation and other IP matters.

IP department vice chair Robert Baron is well respected by clients. One source described him as "a brilliant tactician in the litigation arena."

Hara Jacobs is lead counsel for ABIM in connection with numerous disputes. Sources note she is "tenacious and smart, works hard and is fast and savvy."

THE FIRM This group has enjoyed impressive results recently, including securing a summary judgment in favor of client Pitt Ohio Express in a patent infringement action. The team also represented Black Box Corporation and BB Technologies in a trademark opposition matter. The firm has specialized practice groups devoted to IP matters across specific industries including chemical, biotech and electrical. The group is particularly active in patent prosecution.

Sources say: "Excellent and very professional. They take into consideration the business aspects of every legal situation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lynn Alstadt represents high-profile client Siemens International. He is noted as "fantastic at the law" and "very responsive." One source adds: "I always get really excellent advice from Lynn."

THE FIRM Acting on behalf of clients such as The New York Times and The Northface Apparel, this firm's IP department is adept at handling complex matters for significant organizations. The group assists clients on a wide variety of IP concerns ranging from transactional matters to patent prosecution and litigation. Notable highlights include the prosecution of multiple patent applications for American Standard Brands.

Sources say: "They are technically very strong in our areas of concern and provide excellent guidance in constructing new IP as well as prosecuting other IP."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jordan LaVine served as primary counsel to The New York Times in connection with trademark and copyright issues. Clients find him to be "responsive and prompt with advice," and "very pragmatic."

Lynda Calderone is praised as "meticulous and self-driven." Clients appreciate that she "delivers service in a cost-effective and timely manner." Recent representations include providing counsel to Greene, Tweed of Delaware in relation to numerous patent applications.

Abbe Fletman is favorably described as "extremely competent, highly skilled, incredibly intelligent and practical." She recently served as lead partner on a trademark matter for Members 1st Federal Credit Union.

THE FIRM This internationally renowned firm has a significant Pennsylvania IP practice with a focus on patent litigation. The team has an impressive client roster including GE, GlaxoSmithKline and Siemens. It is active across a wide range of industries and recently succeeded in defending a lengthy patent infringement litigation for Altair Eyewear.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frederick Colen has extensive experience dealing with both US and foreign IP matters including copyright, trademark and patent actions. He is described as "a true gentleman and a very honorable person."

William McNichol focuses his practice on the representation of clients in the technology industry. He is well regarded for his experience and "solid judgment."

THE FIRM This Pittsburgh boutique provides counsel on all matters related to IP, ranging from patent innovation, trademark and copyright protection to full-scale litigation services. With significant technical backgrounds, its attorneys are able to offer expertise across a variety of industries including life sciences, medical devices and manufacturing. Clients range from startup companies to Fortune 100 corporations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Byrne is widely acknowledged to be a "very good practitioner." His deep experience has provided him with expertise across the full spectrum of IP-related matters.

Experienced IP practitioner Kent Baldauf also has particular expertise within the engineering industry. He is known as a prominent market player among peers.

John McIlvaine has an extensive patent litigation practice. Sources say he is "very knowledgeable and very good in court."