Intellectual Property: District of Columbia

THE FIRM This team offers assistance across the full range of IP matters although it is particularly well regarded for its noncontentious work. The group's clients include companies throughout the technology, fashion, and media and entertainment industries; it acts as primary trademark and copyright counsel to big-ticket names such as Mars, Discovery Communications, Pixar, Lacoste, Diesel and Benetton. It also handles brand protection for major brands such as Harry Potter, Roadrunner, Yogi Bear, Flintstones and Scooby Doo, while on the patents front clients include Par Pharmaceutical, Qualcomm and Cardinal Health.

Sources say: "As clients we feel valued." "Rather than say no, they find solutions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly rated Anthony Lupo cochairs the IP practice and provides counseling to numerous well-known brand owners such as Pixar and Disney. He also regularly advises clients such as LG Electronics on trademark and copyright issues.

Michael Grow focuses on trademark and copyright litigation together with foreign and domestic trademark protection, unfair competition, advertising and e-commerce law. The Saul Zaentz Company is one major client; he handles the company's worldwide protection and licensing of its extensive trademark portfolio, which includes the Lord of the Rings characters. Clients are quick to praise him as "practical, thorough and always available."

THE FIRM In addition to its flourishing copyright and trademarks practice, this group has an increasingly strong presence in IP litigation. Its roster of household name clients includes Disney, FOX, NBC and CBS and of late it has represented Univision in a copyright infringement action. It also advises Major League Baseball on various copyright and telecommunication issues arising from the telecasting of MLB games. On the trademarks front, it represented trademark owners supporting Rosetta Stone in its widely reported case against Google.

Sources say: "They are highly skilled, responsive and successful in their work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "fantastic" David Marsh cochairs the team, and his extensive experience covers interferences, reexaminations, USPTO appeals and patent procurement. Notable highlights include successfully representing Monsanto and Amylin Pharmaceuticals in various matters before the USPTO Board of Appeals.

Matthew Wolf is recognized as a skilled patent litigator who has handled numerous high-profile patent infringement cases for clients such as SightSound Technologies and Hologic. Of late he has won a Federal Circuit panel ruling regarding cardiac stents patents on behalf of Boston Scientific. Impressed sources agree that "he has a good way of addressing issues with the client, and is able to manage the dynamics in a productive way."

THE FIRM This robust patent prosecution practice handles a huge number of US and foreign patents, particularly in the life sciences field. The team offers IP management and counseling, and also acts in a substantial amount of reexaminations at the USPTO. 

Sources say: "The group's strengths lie in its experience with IP prosecution and management, its strong working relationship with the USPTO and its knowledge of the procedural changes." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Susan McBee is a registered patent attorney with a particular focus on chemistry and biochemistry who offers 15 years' experience of patent and trademark portfolio management. Clients appreciate that "she has great energy and develops relationships with an open-minded approach," adding that she has built "a really impressive team; it is just phenomenal."

THE FIRM This well-rounded IP practice is particularly highlighted for the strength of its expertise in patent prosecution, annually handling a substantial number of US design patents. The group's broad industry experience ranges from the  pharmaceutical to the technology and electrical industries. Clients include Brother Industries, Cisco Systems/Scientific Atlanta, Electrolux, Microsoft, Nokia and Toshiba. It also comes recommended for its litigation work; big-name clients include Harley-Davidson, which it represents in numerous patent infringement cases. It has also been handling patent infringement actions on behalf of Lexmark International, one of which involves facsimile forwarding technology.

Sources say: "Its attorneys have a good balance of experience."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly skilled Joseph Potenza leads the DC litigation practice, and offers significant experience of complex IP and ITC cases in addition to regularly advising on licensing, patent and copyright matters. His enviable client list includes Seagate, Brother Industries and Toshiba.

THE FIRM This DC powerhouse offers a fully integrated team with specialists in every aspect of IP law. Its in-depth litigation expertise is complemented by extensive patent and trademark advisory and prosecution services. It also handles domain name protection, cyber fraud copyright and trade secrets. Notable work includes numerous patent infringement cases on behalf of clients such as MySpace, Applus+ Technologies and Microsoft. It is currently representing Nycomed in patent litigation and acting for The New York Times and CBS Interactive on a number of reexamination matters. On the trademarks front, it successfully advised Spirits International on an action relating to the ownership of the Stolichnaya vodka brand.

Sources say: "The team's ability to tailor its advice is outstanding." "This practice has no weaknesses, only strengths."

KEY INDIVIDUALS George Pappas "has tremendous presence in the courtroom and understands the legal issues very well. He is both thorough and unrelenting." During his 36 years of practice he has appeared as lead counsel in a huge number of highly significant cases across the USA. Of late he has been representing Microsoft in a multidefendant patent infringement action. 

Roderick McKelvie's clients include AK Steel, which he has acted for in significant patent litigation. He also serves as a court-appointed special master and frequently appears as an expert witness.

THE FIRM This flourishing practice is highly regarded for its work in patents, trademarks and trade secrets litigation, particularly in the electrical, computer and telecom industries. Of late it has secured a $3 million award for Arlington Industries in a patent infringement case, successfully defended Fiesta Fashions in a copyright infringement action and handled a high-profile Initial Interest Confusion matter on behalf of Weight Watchers International.

Sources say: "They always give candid and honest advice; they are an extremely thorough group of lawyers with strong analytical skills." "They are very practical about offering the best business solution and they always put the client first."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Supko chairs the team and his considerable breadth of experience includes representing numerous hi-tech clients in patent infringement litigation, reexaminations and licensing matters. He acted as lead counsel for Bendix in a six-day jury trial that resulted in a successful verdict, damages and a permanent injunction. One impressed source describes him as "an outstanding lawyer and a great strategist."

Jeffrey Sanok's highlights include defending Kodak in a patent infringement case, which involved successfully having the case stayed while filing a reexamination request. Clients laud him as "extremely professional with great integrity."

Stephen Palan focuses on strategic worldwide patent procurement and counseling, as well as handling reexaminations and interferences. One appreciative source describes him as "combining a turbo-smart intellect with a lot of savvy about the system." Verify Brands, Hewlett-Packard and Canon are a few of his major clients, and of late he has handled a patent interference on behalf of Daimler relating to vehicle emission control technologies.

THE FIRM This firm maintains a deservedly high reputation for its IP-related work. The sizable group houses over 100 IP lawyers and patent attorneys and offers a comprehensive service covering patent and trademark litigation, counseling, ITC expertise and patent prosecution matters. Work highlights include acting for Chrysler in both an ITC and a patent infringement matter as well as representing Elan Pharmaceuticals in a patent infringement suit involving Alzheimer's research tools. Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb are among the major industry names that it regularly advises on worldwide patent prosecution matters.

Sources say: "They are large enough to handle any matter irrespective of complexity, and flexible enough in their business model to meet an ever-changing and challenging business environment. In addition, they attract and retain top-level talent and effectively staff litigation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly experienced Gary Hoffman leads the team. In addition to IP, his wide-ranging practice covers unfair competition, computer law and the creation of asset management programs. He represented SSL Services in a patent case involving virtual private network technology and he continues to act for Lectrolarm in numerous patent infringement matters. Interviewees particularly admire his "professional approach and logical thinking."

THE FIRM Sources universally agree that this team offers comprehensive and high-quality expertise across all aspects of IP. The firm's DC headquarters houses around 255 lawyers who focus exclusively on IP law, handling a range of litigation, ITC, Court of Appeals and soft IP matters. Of late it has handled patent litigation for Eli Lilly and FedEx as well as representing HTC and its US subsidiary in an ITC investigation relating to excluding hi-tech products from importation into the USA on the basis of patent infringement. Significant clients that regularly instruct the group in patent and trademark prosecutions include Boston Scientific, Research In Motion, Sony, Starbucks, Yahoo! and Disney.

Sources say: "They are excellent, a real destination firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Star practitioner Donald Dunner is widely recognized as "an icon in IP," and is one of the country's most experienced IP litigators. His career has covered every aspect of patent law from prosecution and licensing to litigation and counseling, and his technical experience ranges from chemical engineering to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. He is also well regarded for his appellate practice. He recently successfully upheld a decision in favor of i4i before the Supreme Court.

"Talented lawyer" David Hill's diverse practice covers patent and trademark litigation, prosecution, licensing negotiations and portfolio management. His client roster includes major names such as Caterpillar.

Michael Jakes is a seasoned patent litigator and counselor, and interviewees describe him as "a go-to practitioner for bet-the-company litigation." He also offers formidable appellate experience, having appeared for the petitioners in the landmark Supreme Court case of Bilski v Kappos.

Senior statesman Ford Farabow has vast experience in federal, district and state court litigation and alternative dispute resolution processes. He has also handled numerous cases at the appellate level and in addition to patent litigation his work encompasses trade secrets and licensing disputes. He has a particular emphasis on the chemistry, pharmaceutical and chemical engineering industries, and sources appreciatively refer to the "gravitas he brings to a case."

THE FIRM This firm continues to excel in high-stakes patent infringement actions. Clients include Amazon.com, AOL, LG Electronics, Smith & Nephew and TomTom. It represented Microsoft in litigation concerning methods for personal computer power management. It is also involved in a number of infringement cases on behalf of Samsung.

Sources say: "A high-quality firm with very good people."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The hugely well-respected Ruffin Cordell has kept busy over the last year with work such as representing Hewlett-Packard in a patent infringement case involving thermal inkjet printers. He also defended a number of big-ticket names including Amazon.com, Google, Target and eBay in patent actions relating to applet technology.

Michael McKeon is "an excellent attorney" who continues to build a strong reputation in patent litigation. He acted for LG in a case relating to interactive TV systems and has also represented Amazon.com, Google and eBay in the applet technology litigation. 

THE FIRM This team excels in patent prosecution and counseling in addition to offering an impressive depth of experience in complex patent reexaminations. On the patent prosecution front it is widely lauded for the breadth and success rate of its prosecutions, both within the USA and globally. Highlights include advising EnGeneIC on patent claims in the USA, Europe and Japan for technology to deliver therapeutic molecules.

Sources say: "They are very experienced with great expertise and knowledge, and a client-oriented approach." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Group chair Steve Maebius's diverse practice covers global portfolio management, due diligence reviews and contentious USPTO matters. Interviewees appreciate his "strong understanding of the Patent Office and excellent grasp of the key technical concepts," adding that "he is in tune with a variety of business issues." His client roster includes MIT, Shiseido and Takeda.

THE FIRM This well-established practice has an excellent reputation for its trademarks work. It counts a variety of nationally and internationally high-profile brand owners among its enviable client roster, including adidas, American Eagle Outfitters, Renfro and Marriott International. On the patent litigation side it has acted for Delta Air Lines and Wells Fargo.

Sources say: "A responsive team that understands the technical aspects of cases as well as the big picture of any economic impact on our business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly experienced David Mayberry cochairs the trademark and copyright team and handles a variety of litigation, enforcement and protection work. Notable highlights include advising PepsiCo on potential litigation concerning new packaging and designs.

THE FIRM This sizable practice is particularly highlighted for its IP litigation and ITC expertise. Clients include Abbott Laboratories, Braun Medical, Honeywell, IBM and Verizon. It is currently acting for GlaxoSmithKline in an ongoing dispute with a generic pharmaceutical company and has to date been successful in the district court and Third Circuit. 

Sources say: "An excellent litigation-focused law firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Great attorney" Edward Donovan has extensive experience of patent infringement litigation in district courts across the USA. He frequently represents clients before the ITC and his sector experience ranges from semiconductors and e-commerce to pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Notably, he is representing Samsung Electronics in a number of high-profile ITC cases, one of which involves flash memory technology.

Of late, Gregg LoCascio has successfully secured a considerable jury verdict and judgment in favor of Siemens Medical Solutions. One impressed source regards him as "a star of the future in IP litigation."

Daniel Attridge's diverse practice covers IP law as well as antitrust and unfair competition cases. He has appeared before the federal and state courts as well as numerous administrative agencies and arbitration panels.

THE FIRM This team continues to expand with a number of new hires, and is attracting increasingly high-profile patent infringement and ITC cases. It is currently serving as lead counsel in five multipatent ITC matters for clients such as AU Optronics and InterDigital. It is also representing Prometheus Laboratories in the Supreme Court in a case that involves the patentability of medical treatment methods. Other notable clients include Time Warner Cable, Comcast and Freddie Mac.

Sources say: "They are extremely professional and responsive as well as being incredibly efficient, and it was really good to see our team so well prepared." "Our favorite thing about Latham's IP practice is the quality of its attorneys."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The well-recognized Lawrence Gotts is greatly appreciated for "his excellent ability to supervise and manage cases" as well as his "candid advice on the legal and business issues." In addition, his "decades of experience with patent litigation means that he is able to think outside the box and give us truly creative suggestions for resolving issues." He is acting for Honeywell in a patent infringement action concerning a night vision goggle and full-color cockpit display system.

Maximillian Grant is currently working on a patent infringement-based investigation and a parallel court action involving seven patents relating to cell phone and wireless technology. One client observes that "he really impressed us and understood the bottom line, which is that the law is a tool for business."

Matthew Moore is identified as "a fantastic strategist who is very good on discovery and a fine lawyer." His litigation highlights include representing GM and other manufacturers in a patent dispute, ultimately prevailing on appeal.

THE FIRM This team has seen a considerable boost with the recent addition of 12 lawyers from Howrey. Its client base ranges from global to national and local companies, and its multidisciplinary approach means it is able to provide IP protection in conjunction with advice on other areas of law such as antitrust and competition. Work highlights include defending Zhuhai Seine Technology in a patent infringement concerning toner cartridges and advising Gus Power on an investigation involving a design patent. Other clients of note include Philips, DuPont Air Product Nanomaterials and Acushnet.

Sources say: "They treat us like partners; communication is fantastic and they make sure that we always understand what is going on."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Grimaldi is the key contact.

THE FIRM This full-service IP group splits its time evenly between litigation and transactional work. It works closely with colleagues in the East and West Coast offices as well as regularly coordinating with Europe and China. Clients include ADVA Optical Networking, Ciena, CIBA Vision, Hitachi, Medtronic and MotionPoint. Of late it has handled a number of patent suits on behalf of Fairchild Semiconductor as well as acting for Spansion in a long-running patent infringement case. It also maintains a busy trademarks practice, advising clients such as Hudson Clothing and Guggenheim Capital on counterfeiting and trademark infringement matters.

Sources say: "A sharp group of lawyers that get the work done efficiently."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joel Freed is a well-regarded and highly experienced IP litigator who has served as lead counsel in a wide range of high-technology cases, trade secret matters and trademark litigation. He is advising MotionPoint on a dispute concerning software and source code.

Senior counsel Raphael Lupo focuses on patent, trademark, copyright and trade secrets litigation. He has extensive trial and appellate experience in the federal courts and before the ITC, having represented numerous major US and international corporations.

Stephen Becker leads the patent prosecution team. He has a particular emphasis on semiconductor electronics, telecom, business methods and computer-related inventions. He is widely published, having contributed to the Patent Applications Handbook since 1992. 

THE FIRM This practice has a strong reputation for high-stakes ITC and patent infringement matters, as recently demonstrated in its work for OSRAM on patent infringement actions against two Korean companies before the ITC and the federal district court. Other highlights include representing Novartis in a patent interference case.  

Sources say: "I like them because they are knowledgeable and responsive, with a great reputation."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alexander Hadjis cochairs the IP group. He acts for clients such as Sharp, OSRAM and Novartis, and clients agree that "he is very responsive and honest - he will tell me what I need to hear as opposed to what he thinks I want to hear, and he has great knowledge of both the ITC and IP law in general."

THE FIRM This group attracts numerous major technology companies to its client roster, regularly working in close conjunction with the firm's other US offices to offer a tailored combination of technical and litigation expertise. Clients include Apple, IBM, NEC and more recently Research In Motion. Over the last year it has acted for Barclays and UBS in a patent infringement action valued at $500 million in connection with automated securities trading software. 

Sources say: "They work efficiently and strategically."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Patents litigator Allan Soobert is vice chair of the DC office. His big-ticket clients include Apple and Research In Motion, and he represented the latter in a significant dispute over voicemail in mobile communication products.

THE FIRM This full-service IP team is particularly highlighted for its patent litigation expertise and expanding ITC workload. In addition to a well-established life sciences practice it is increasingly recognized for its hi-tech capability. Notable work includes acting for Microsoft in an ITC case concerning patent infringement arising from the import of unlicensed video game controllers, as well as representing The Medicines Company in a complex matter involving the patent for Angiomax. Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Pfizer and Research In Motion are a few of the group's key clients.

Sources say: "This is a patent litigation firm with a lot of depth."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources describe Jeffrey Kushan as "a very sophisticated attorney," adding: "If it's a really important matter, he is a go-to guy." He represented Genentech in high-profile patent interference proceedings relating to techniques for producing genetically engineered monoclonal antibodies.

Joseph Micallef joined the team in April 2011. He brings with him considerable ITC and patent litigation experience, particularly in the computer technology, software and electronics fields. His notable clients include Qantas, which he acted for in an infringement action over a luggage tracking system. Clients appreciate that he is "very knowledgeable, with great courtroom presence." 

THE FIRM This highly regarded firm focuses exclusively on IP law, from protection and transfers to enforcement of rights. The group represents a comprehensive array of clients ranging from international corporations to emerging companies and universities. It is particularly well known for its highly sophisticated reexamination practice, with work of late including handling a reexamination on behalf of Uniloc during concurrent litigation. It has also advised OSRAM on patent litigation and acted for i4i in a number of patent reexaminations.

Sources say: "It is a very well-respected firm." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jorge Goldstein is universally lauded for his expertise in biotechnology IP law, and recently he has been especially active in the area of genetic diagnostics.

Robert Sterne specializes in patent litigation and licensing although he also has an outstanding reputation for his work in reexaminations. Interviewees are quick to commend his excellent judgment, commenting that "he is appreciated for his honesty on what can be achieved." Sterne is widely published and is a much sought-after expert witness and speaker.

David Cornwell focuses on patent litigation in the consumer product protection, clean energy, technology, biotechnology and computer industries. Over the last year he has led on a number of inter partes reexaminations.

THE FIRM This group has a well-established reputation for brand protection and enforcement as well as gaining increasing prominence for its patent prosecution and litigation capabilities. It also houses a sizable anticounterfeiting group and regularly works closely with the firm's advertising and regulatory team to offer domain name advice. Of late it has acted for the Huffington Post on all IP aspects of its sale to AOL, and it continues to manage Sony Ericsson's global trademark work. On the patents front, clients range from Silicon Valley technology companies to US universities and Asian multinationals.

Sources say: "They provide practical business solutions." "They are sensible and cost-effective." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Harrison chairs the trademarks and copyright group. Interviewees recognize him as "a responsive lawyer who is very practical in his advice," as well as appreciating that "he understands business; he has been wonderful."

Patents team leader Michael Sartori is highlighted for combining his "straightforward, clear advice" with being "particularly friendly and approachable." He is a registered patent attorney with a practice that covers patent prosecution, litigation and portfolio counseling, and he is particularly well versed in the electrical, computer, communications, electromechanical and mechanical invention industries.

THE FIRM This firm has built a fine reputation in contentious IP, and it is currently engaged in a range of patent actions throughout the country, as well as handling numerous appeals, arbitration matters, interferences and USPTO and ITC cases. Of late it has represented GE in patent litigation against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and its impressive client roster includes Apple, AIG, Linear Technology, Renesas Electronics and Samsung.

Sources say: "They are very efficient and they really understand the law so that cuts down a lot of cost."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Davis attracts widespread respect, with one source describing him as being "phenomenal at trial." Most recently Davis acted as lead counsel for Microsoft in an ITC case against TiVo, and represented Hitachi in two cases against Summit.

THE FIRM This team's considerable litigation experience is coupled with technical excellence in the communication, computer, internet applications, semiconductor, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. In addition to patent evaluation and licensing expertise it is particularly highly regarded for its copyright and trademarks capabilities; the copyright team was involved in negotiating aspects of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and has subsequently handled a number of cases interpreting those provisions. Clients include T-Mobile, Eden Foods and the National Association of Broadcasters. 

Sources say: "They were very well prepared and focused; it was a pleasure working with them." "Their work has been top-quality and the associates were all very high-caliber."

KEY INDIVIDUALS According to clients, Bruce Joseph "is one of the USA's foremost experts in copyright protection." Recent work includes representing Verizon Wireless and Ericsson in litigation before ASCAP concerning music license fees for various ring tones.

James Wallace chairs the patent practice. His clients include Mylan Pharmaceuticals, for which he is handling a number of patent infringement actions. An appreciative client commented: "He managed the case like an orchestra; he was always on top of the situation."

THE FIRM This versatile and business-oriented IP team provides a comprehensive service covering the full gamut of issues, from strategic advice on building and managing IP portfolios to licensing and litigation matters. Its industry expertise is also wide-ranging and encompasses aerospace, biochemistry, biotechnology, computer science, material science and pharmaceuticals. It has represented Abbott Laboratories in several patent infringement actions across the country. Pfizer, Baxter, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Nycomed and Smith & Nephew are a handful of the group's big-name clients.

Sources say: "They are major players."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Cavanaugh represents Baxter in a number of post-grant patent reexaminations, one of which is currently up before the Federal Court of Appeals. He is also handling Casella's sale of its technology patent portfolio.