Intellectual Property: Pennsylvania

THE FIRM This highly regarded boutique has a strong IP litigation practice containing a number of experienced experts across its three offices. The firm also has a dedicated patent prosecution practice, enabling the team to provide clients with the full spectrum of IP advice. The group recently represented Microsoft in patent infringement suits relating to Android mobile operating system use. Other key clients include major organizations such as AT&T, Johnson & Johnson and the University of Pennsylvania. 

Sources say: "These folks are incredibly good, they are knowledgeable and responsive. It is a joy to deal with them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dale Heist is lauded in the market for his leading litigation practice. "He is a great strategist," say commentators. He was the lead partner in Crown Packaging Technology's favorable decision before the US Court of Appeals.

David Wolfsohn is acknowledged for his strength in copyright matters, trade secrets and trademark law. His copyright expertise was displayed by representation of The Graham Company in various disputes. "He is incredibly capable, a strategic thinker and understands the ramifications of his actions on the case, which is so valuable," say clients.

John Donohue focuses on IP litigation and is recommended for his "ethical and smart practice." 

Clients praise Steven Rocci as "precise, and able to explain complicated patent law concepts in a way we can understand." He recently represented SAP America in a computer integrated telephony system dispute.

Nancy Frandsen is a talented litigator who peers describe as "a worthy adversary."

Joseph Lucci's combination of business sense and patent law expertise earns him plaudits from the market. Sources say: "He is diligent, responsive and good at complex and analytical thinking. He is good at looking at business circumstances and how they fit with the legal issues."

Litigation chair Aleksander Goranin garners high praise from clients: "He is a beautiful writer - it is compelling and that is what you want from someone drafting a brief." He recently represented Microsoft in patent infringement disputes.

THE FIRM This highly regarded firm has assisted IP clients on both a national and international basis. The team recently acted for Pentech Pharmaceuticals in civil disputes against pharmaceutical giant Genzyme, as part of an active practice representing healthcare industry entities. The group has also been involved in the representation of clients from Brazil, Germany, Japan and China in protecting their IP. Other key clients include Colgate-Palmolive and Alliance Bank.

Sources say: "A very good boutique firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers highly regard Manny Pokotilow's IP practice, which is dedicated to litigation and registering patents. He successfully represented Alliance Bank in its permanent injunction against New Century Bank in a trademark infringement matter. He is known as a "terrific lawyer and great gentleman." 

Barry Stein's diverse IP practice includes internet and IT law. Clients include Kensey Nash and Fres-co System USA.

Robert Silver has deep experience of handling complex litigation. He has an active Abbreviated New Drug Application litigation focus and recently represented Edict Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, he assists with national and international patent prosecutions.

Stanley Cohen is well renowned for his IP litigation practice. In the past year, he has successfully represented Broadcast Music in various disputes.   

Martin Faigus has recently assisted with preparing and prosecuting numerous applications for companies in the medical industry and has represented global companies in IP matters.

THE FIRM This firm is highly regarded for its specialization in the biotechnology and life sciences industries. The Pennsylvania team houses expertise in both IP litigation and related transactional work. It also has experience with international matters, having recently handled SafeNet's IP patent and trademark portfolio in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, as well as domestically. Other highlights include assisting Middle Atlantic Products with its acquisition by Legrand North America.

Sources say: "Their knowledge allows them to do things faster."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gregory Lavorgna manages SafeNet's IP portfolio, which spans over 200 trademarks and patents across the globe. He is held in healthy regard by his peers.

John Marshall is heralded as a "wonderful example of a good patent attorney." His practice encompasses arguing appeals and advising IP underwriters on patent litigation awards.

Sources praise Daniel Monaco as "really bright and intelligent" and admire that he "takes complex questions, breaks them down and provides easy to understand information to clients." His practice includes representing clients before the USPTO and filing biotechnology and chemistry patent applications. 

Partner Robert Cannuscio is recognized for his foreign prosecution experience. He also manages several portfolios for clients and advises them on protecting their technology. Clients include Middle Atlantic Products and Hillard Corporation.

Robert Koons impresses clients by being "able to discuss very technical issues in a way to be understood by non-tech people." He recently represented GE in a patent reexamination matter.

THE FIRM This impressive boutique handles a broad variety of IP matters and has a team with strong copyright, trademark and patent backgrounds. Its broad practice is exemplified by recent work highlights which include managing an IP portfolio for a nuclear weapons detection entity, building a patent portfolio for a data replication software company and prosecuting patent applications.

Sources say: "The lawyers understand our business and consider it during their activities. That leads to cost-effective actions and recommendations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Martin Belisario is "approachable and easy to work with" and "has a business-oriented approach," according to clients. His practice focuses on managing patent portfolios and prosecuting national and international patent applications. Clients include DentalEz, West Pharmaceutical Services and Hamilton Beach Brands.

Alan Nadel is highly praised as "very approachable and personable." He has recently filed and prosecuted several patent applications for clients such as Biosafe, Evapco and Archimedes Development.

Clients praise Ronald Panitch's "always valuable and extensive experience." Recent work highlights include assisting Idea Nuova in a Chinese and US patent matter and representing KGM Manufacturing in a patent dispute.

Clients hail William Schwarze for being "available nearly 24/7 - even during vacation." His practice focuses on preparing US patent applications for foreign companies. 

Founding partner Clark Jablon is deeply experienced in various IP issues. Clients note: "We have been extremely pleased with his work." He has assisted Traffic.com, Gravic and Promontory Interfinancial Group with their patent portfolios.

THE FIRM This national firm's Philadelphia team is known for its ability to litigate patent matters for clients in the mechanical, chemical and biological industries. It also represents clients in several arbitration proceedings. The firm's lawyers have extensive experience with counseling clients on chemical inventions, strategic patenting and Abbreviated New Drug Application-related issues.

Sources say: "They provide good value for us in our matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dianne Elderkin is widely recognized for litigating patent infringement matters. She is hailed as an "outstanding trial lawyer" with a "nice manner in presenting cases." She has recently represented 3M, Ethicon Endo-Surgery and Centocor Ortho Biotech in complex IP disputes.

THE FIRM This firm has been active in international patent litigation spanning Japan, Holland and Germany, as well as domestically. The team has been involved in a series of innovative matters, including its representation of MetLife in establishing business method patents for the financial services area. The group is also recognized for assisting clients in trade secret, technology licensing and IP litigation efforts. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Glenn Gundersen's highly regarded practice focuses on trademark law and complex IP transactions. His clients include major organizations Ebel and L'Oréal.

"Very effective litigator" Martin Black cochairs the firm's IP group. He was lead lawyer in an international patent infringement litigation for Hitachi alongside the firm's lawyers in Hong Kong and London.

Kevin Flannery is recognized for assisting clients in complex technology-related litigation. Recently he represented digital signage software company Scala in a patent infringement matter.

THE FIRM This firm's dedicated team handles the spectrum of IP matters including national litigation, clearance and registration. The Pennsylvania team has been involved in a series of complex technological issues, particularly involving biometric technology and pharmaceutical IP in patent and noncompetition matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers praise Peter Cronk's "tremendous client loyalty." His practice is devoted to trade secret protection, technology transfer and litigating patents. Recently, he assisted Multimodal Technologies in its $130 million acquisition by MedQuist and represented Next Biometrics in various IP matters.

THE FIRM This firm's 22-strong team spread over its Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offices is experienced in litigating before administrative agencies and federal court. The team also handles e-commerce and complex patent matters. The team recently represented Sheetz in a dispute with Subway involving use of the term 'footlong' as part of a sandwich name. Other key clients include Gerson Lehrman Group, Sega and Auntie Annes.

Sources say: "The lawyers know how to deliver high-quality services very efficiently."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roberta Jacobs-Meadway cochairs the firm's IP team and regularly litigates before the Trademark Trial & Appeal Board and federal court. Recent clients include Spencer Gifts, Aetna and Alanric. "She works to achieve a balance between our legal issues and business objectives. I have a lot of confidence in her," say clients. 

Richard Peirce's experience lies in cybersquatting, trademark and domain name dispute resolution matters.

THE FIRM This international firm's Pittsburgh office has over 35 lawyers dedicated to its IP practice. The team handles complex IP matters including drafting acquisition agreements, handling portfolio development and prosecuting patents. The firm also has a trademark group that assists international brands.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources praise partner James Kyper as an "outstanding litigator." He has represented national clients in false advertising, copyright and trade secret disputes.

In addition to an active IP litigation practice, Patrick McElhinny also handles insurance coverage for IP matters.

THE FIRM This firm's 50-strong IP team is spread over four offices in Pennsylvania. Its dedicated practice handles complex anticounterfeiting actions, trade secret litigation and patent prosecution for chemical, life sciences and IT clients. Recently it obtained a $2 million settlement for Business Software Alliance in a copyright dispute, and assists Pfizer, Colgate-Palmolive and DuPont with various patent prosecution matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources praise Kelly Tillery as "extremely passionate about his clients and work." He recently represented Tyco International, Holt's Company, ADT Services and Streamlight in trademark disputes. His IP practice also covers seizure orders and injunctions.

Mark DeLuca is regarded among peers for his patent prosecution practice. He represents clients in international patent filings and various licensing matters.

Paul Kennedy represents clients from various industries before the Trademark Trial & Appeal Board. He is also recognized for his anticounterfeiting practice.

THE FIRM This firm has offices in Valley Forge and Allentown and is dedicated to IP procurement and assisting clients in risk and strategy management and litigation. The team has represented a series of major organizations including Johnson & Johnson and Crayola and also acted for Porsche regarding its patent portfolio across its entire automotive line.

Sources say: "The customer service is very good. The lawyers are responsive, very professional and have a good handle on the technology aspect."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Benjamin Leace chairs the firm's IP litigation team and is experienced with patent procurement and licensing agreements. Peers state he is "good at minimizing technical issues and able to understand what is important to a case."

Clients praise Kenneth Nigon as "a great leader, who is always on top of what is going on and able to react quickly." He is experienced in complex IP matters and recently assisted Sirf Technology Holdings in a patent dispute.

Paul Prestia is highly renowned for his diverse IP practice that also includes serving as a mediator for copyright, patent and trademark issues. He was instrumental in Johnson & Johnson obtaining a favorable decision in a reexamination litigation matter. A client remarks Paul is a "tremendous resource and we really benefit from his experience. We feel good about the advice we get from him."

THE FIRM This boutique firm is dedicated to assisting clients with trade secrets and technology acquisitions among various other IP issues. It is known and respected for keeping abreast of technological and legal developments. The team also earns acclaim for its developing international practice.

Sources say: "The firm consistently turns out a good work product."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peer praise Anthony Volpe's "terrific background in digital computer technology." His expertise lies in litigating at federal and state courts and assisting clients with trademark infringement and patent interference disputes.

THE FIRM This firm's Philadelphia office handles complex IP matters for local, national and international clients. Its active litigation practice has recently represented Auxilium Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline. The firm also assists with IP enforcement in privacy law and social media.

Sources say: "We are getting the highest level of attention from the firm." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lynn Rzonca has a broad IP practice and is experienced in representing clients in state and federal courts. She most recently served as trial counsel for NASDAQ and handled various IP issues for Exelon. Clients say she is "extremely practical-minded, thoughtful and has a good sense of managing our portfolio."

Hara Jacobs recently served as trial counsel for the American Board of Internal Medicine and Cash4Gold. "We really are pleased with her performance, attentiveness to clients and pursuit of work with a deep understanding," say clients.

Robert Baron serves as vice chair of the firm's IP department and assists clients from the aerospace, publishing and software development industries. Clients praise him as a "brilliant strategist, who anticipates future issues and navigates around them."

THE FIRM This firm has a broad IP practice and a unique specialization in patent interferences. It also has a well-connected network of foreign associates handling international patent prosecution. In the past year, the firm successfully represented FLSmidth in a trade secret dispute and assisted Chevron Intellectual Property in a trademark infringement matter. 

Sources say: "The firm is very reliable and there is good communication between attorneys and clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources consider Lynn Alstadt an "excellent lawyer." In the past year he has been active with trademark infringement litigation representing Scranton Products.

THE FIRM This firm has a diverse IP practice including policing e-commerce domain names, prosecuting complex applications before the USPTO and advising on various IP issues. The team has recently represented Members 1st Federal Credit Union and the University of Pennsylvania in litigation matters. A key highlight was the group's representation of The New York Times in counseling on its trademark portfolio. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jordan LaVine heads the trademark and copyright section of the firm's IP practice. He handles complex trademark matters for North Face Apparel, Vanguard Company and The New York Times. Peers highlight his "outstanding reputation for trademark work."

Lynda Calderone chairs the firm's IP group and has expertise in semiconductor technology and elastomeric chemistry. Recent clients include Henry Company and American Standard Brands.

IP litigation group head Abbe Fletman has served government entities, public and private companies and nonprofit organizations. Most recently, she acted as lead counsel on various trademark infringement matters.

THE FIRM This firm has a widespread international network of lawyers assisting clients from the healthcare, software, telecommunications and e-commerce industries. The firm's Pittsburgh and Philadelphia offices are active with patent litigation matters and manage IP portfolios of major international companies. 

Sources say: "You get very good value from this firm." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frederick Colen's practice encompasses litigating on behalf of leading banks and handling trademark issues for international corporations.

William McNichol's expertise is in the medical technology, biotech and drug industries. He has also represented numerous clients before the ITC.

THE FIRM This IP boutique is particularly adept in providing a full IP service to both startups and major Fortune 100 entities. Industries the firm serves include glass, life sciences and steel. It is noted for its litigation expertise in trade secret misappropriation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers recognize Richard Byrne as "very effective in counseling" and having "a strong knowledge base." He is experienced across the range of IP issues.

Kent Baldauf is experienced in assisting clients with metallurgy issues, trademarks and complex IP litigation. Sources note him to be a "very effective and good trial lawyer."

John McIlvaine represents national and international clients in a wide variety of IP work. Sources state he has a "good level of knowledge of IP issues at the district court level."