Intellectual Property: Utah

THE FIRM This team of over 60 attorneys has a long-standing track record in IP that ensures it maintains an enviably busy practice. It commands respect on a national level for its specialization in IP prosecution and litigation and it is particularly well versed in electronics and software protection; big-ticket clients include Microsoft and Abbott Laboratories. Lately the group has also witnessed growing instructions from the alternative energy sector.

Sources say: "A local IP behemoth, both in terms of its size and the sheer breadth of its expertise."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Firm founder and managing director Rick Nydegger handles a diverse range of IP matters, gathering unilateral praise for his considerable experience in patent analysis. He largely handles prosecution work, and he has a long history of working with the USPTO. John Stringham is highly sought after for prosecution and licensing matters, as well as his general strength in patent, trademark and copyright work. Interviewees praise CJ Veverka as a "class litigator with an impressive track record" in defending patent infringement claims.

THE FIRM Interviewees speak favorably of this 20-lawyer IP team, which has lately seen an increase in its litigation work, particularly patent and trademark disputes. Its highly experienced patent attorneys handle a range of prosecution, enforcement and opinion work in the life sciences, software and electronics sectors. Over the last year, work highlights have included defending ACCO and Targus in patent infringement litigation. 

Sources say: "This team is detail-oriented, extremely thorough and incredibly efficient. It has a very strong understanding of US patent issues, and offers significant trademark expertise."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market sources are full of admiration for Kevin Laurence, who impresses with his record in building patent portfolios. He has developed a particular niche in reexamination work. With an MIT background, Barton Giddings manages a huge portfolio of US and foreign patents and is widely considered "one of the best IP lawyers around." The excellent Michael Mangelson wins immense respect for his trademark knowledge. Ken Black splits his time between the IP and litigation teams, and clients appreciate him as "a consistently reliable sounding board with great judgment skills." Matthew Thayne makes his ranking debut following client admiration for his "true professionalism, work ethic and straight-talking style." In addition, clients agree that "he displays an impressive ability to navigate and understand the complex science and technology issues."

THE FIRM This team's long history in IP and expertise across a wide range of technical fields secures its high-ranking position in the table. Its work spans the electronics, life sciences, mechanical and aerospace sectors, and it regularly advises clients on patent prosecutions, trademarks, licensing issues and contentious matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Walkowski is widely admired for his vast patent analysis experience and excellent connections. He regularly advises on the acquisition and exploitation of IP rights. The "highly capable and astute" Edgar Cataxinos handles both patent prosecutions and patent-related litigation, earning particular regard for his knowledge of the pharmaceutical sector. Entering this year's table is the "passionate and committed" litigator Dickson Burton, who acts in a range of patent, trade secret and other IP matters.

THE FIRM Clients of this compact but high-quality group benefit from both its attorneys' wide-ranging engineering backgrounds and the deeper resources of the firm as a whole. Of late, the team's successes and experience have helped secure new clients such as Otto Bock Healthcare. Recent work highlights include winning an $11 million jury verdict in a patent infringement trial for K-TEC against Vita-Mix, which is one of the largest local awards in recent years.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources are quick to praise highly capable patent and trademark litigator Brett Foster. Equally highly regarded is the skilled patent prosecutor Grant Foster, who wins widespread acclaim for his patent analysis and opinions.

THE FIRM This long-established Salt Lake City firm earns high marks for its handling of contentious IP matters across the country. Its client roster includes Baker Hughes and Dyno Nobel, and the team's work over the last year has included a variety of patent and trademark enforcement and infringement cases.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "highly confident and intelligent" group chair David Mangum has been acting for Danaher in patent infringement cases throughout California, Florida and Pennsylvania. The "superbly capable" Kevin Speirs is recognized for his mixed litigation practice and diverse knowledge of technologies.

THE FIRM Sources praise this firm's undisputed strength in litigation, which gives the team a significant edge in any patent, trademark or copyright dispute; indeed, the 12-lawyer IP group solely concentrates on contentious matters. It has added two patent experts to its ranks over the last year, and it regularly attracts referrals from IP prosecution firms as a result of its significant trial experience. It is currently handling a range of ongoing trademark and copyright protection matters for Franklin Covey.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "extremely skilled, practical and innovative" Art Berger focuses on trademark and copyright litigation. The "forthright, straight-shooting and conscientious" Mark Bettilyon "has an invaluable sense of how things will play out" in commercial and IP litigation. Interviewees praise Sam Straight as "a savvy and practical attorney." He has been acting for CytoSport in various trademark claims.

THE FIRM Numerous local clients swear by this 18-lawyer IP boutique, which has been handling a large volume of patent and trademark prosecutions for most of its 31-year history. Clients particularly appreciate the team's friendly approach and the significant experience of its founders.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees continue to recognize the "fabulously talented" Peter De Jonge for his expertise in IP licensing and litigation. As coordinator of the domestic and international trademark prosecution group, he is widely agreed to be a leading trademark prosecution practitioner.