THE FIRM This firm is widely regarded as a premier, full-service national IP practice. It is fêted not only for its litigation but also for its patent and trademarks prosecution and transactional work. It is headquartered in DC and also has a strong presence in California. The team handles high stakes litigation, such as a patent infringement matter on behalf of Eli Lilly concerning its Cymbalta drug which has global sales in the billions of dollars. Other notable clients include Philips Electronics, Toshiba and Abbott Laboratories.

Commercial Awareness "They have a good understanding of our industries and function well as a team." 

Client Service "We chose Finnegan for its depth of expertise and responsiveness." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Based in the DC office, Donald Dunner is noted for his vast IP litigation and counseling skills. 

THE FIRM This firm offers a great depth of expertise in all aspects of both contentious and non-contentious IP. It is handling litigation across a number of states and can staff cases with a tailored team from its many offices. Notable work includes acting for Mayo Medical Ventures on the Prometheus v Mayo case, where the firm earned a recent Supreme Court victory for Mayo concerning the scope of patentable work. On the trademarks front, it acts for many global brand names such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft.

Commercial Awareness "They have high-quality lawyers who understand business needs."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ruffin Cordell is based in the DC office and plays a central role in much of the group's IP litigation. 

THE FIRM Considered a powerhouse firm, Kirkland & Ellis offers a coast-to-coast network of IP expertise coupled with an impressive global reach. Its clients range from international, blue chip companies to small organizations. It is particularly renowned for its litigation work, including high-stakes matters at the International Trade Commission (ITC). The copyright, trademarks, internet and advertising groups handle some high-profile matters for clients such as Colgate-Palmolive, Fox Entertainment, and IBM.

Client Service "They not only managed the case exceptionally well, but they were also outstanding in managing us as a client and making sure that we understood the situation and could deal effectively with the potential risks."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Streff operates out of Chicago and is one of the IP practice leaders. Los Angeles-based Robert Krupka is a key IP litigator. 

THE FIRM With IP resources across the USA and globally, the firm offers a sophisticated service in respect of all aspects of intellectual property. It handles patent, trademarks and copyright litigation in combination with wide-ranging transactional matters. It is also well regarded in the music licensing arena, representing a range of major television networks, radio and other recorded content users. Highlight work includes successfully representing Linear Technology before the ITC in a patent-based dispute and acting for the Broadcast Radio Industry in connection with setting music performance license fees which are payable in respect of copyrighted music. 

Sources say: "They have a lot of depth in patent cases in particular and a lot of good people who are very experienced and have technical backgrounds."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jared Bobrow chairs the firm's patent litigation practice and is based in Silicon Valley.

THE FIRM This outstanding firm provides a comprehensive and versatile IP service. As well as IP litigation and ITC cases, it has a flourishing patent prosecution and counseling practice. It counsels a broad range of clients from global entities to small startups in all aspects of non-contentious IP, including risk assessment, portfolio development and financing. It also manages a substantial number of US and foreign patents. It operates out of offices in California, New York, DC and Massachusetts.

Client Service "They worked tirelessly, professionally and creatively. Most importantly, they delivered the results we needed. Value for money. Simply outstanding!"

KEY INDIVIDUALS  William Lee is based in Boston and co-manages the firm. He is highly regarded for his extensive IP trial and appellate experience.

THE FIRM With offices in New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Silicon Valley and DC, this group offers a diverse range of IP specialists within a nationally integrated group. The practice handles high-value patent litigation and, increasingly, patent-based ITC actions. Among its growing client base, it includes AK Steel, Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft. It is handling a number of contentious matters for Samsung, including litigation and an ITC matter. 

Client Service "In my opinion, the firm does an outstanding job of servicing its clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Sipes, based in DC, and Robert Fram in the San Francisco office, cochair the IP group.

THE FIRM This dedicated IP practice has a distinguished roster of national and international clients who are served from offices in New York, DC and California. It has an excellent patents practice handling a considerable workload of patent applications. It also offers a full range of trademarks expertise, from litigation and counseling to prosecution. The group is well known for its pharmaceutical and life sciences practice and also excels in the electronics and computer fields. 

Sources say: "The people at the firm with whom I have worked have excellent substantive knowledge, excellent work ethics and have the client's best interest in mind during the course of their services."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Baechtold commands widespread respect for his litigation skills. He is a key contact and works out of the firm's New York office.

THE FIRM Based in California, this firm is particularly well regarded for its patent litigation prowess, although the group also offers non-contentious patent, trademark and copyright expertise. The group's national reach is demonstrated by its work on behalf of TiVo for which it is handling a web of patent actions in courts in Northern California, Texas, an action at the ITC and a re-examination at the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). Other notable clients include Nuance Communications and The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania.

Sources say: "I believe that the lawyers in the firm are exceptionally talented. They are smart, exceedingly diligent, and excellent in their field."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The eminent Morgan Chu is a key contact at the firm and attracts much praise for his litigation skills.

THE FIRM Jones Day operates a robust, full-service IP practice with a network of offices throughout the USA, including a Boston office which opened in early 2011. Its clients also appreciate that they can tap into the expertise this international firm offers in a variety of locations across the globe. It handles IP litigation, counseling, licensing and prosecution for a broad sector of industries and works in conjunction with its technology transactions and M&A lawyers. Its impressive client base includes Abbott Laboratories, IBM and Procter & Gamble.

Sources say: "They have a practical orientation and a willingness to work efficiently, so billing is reduced." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brian Poissant in New York and Anthony Insogna in San Diego co-lead the practice. 

THE FIRM This renowned practice fields specialist IP lawyers from offices across the USA and has an outstanding reputation in the high-tech and life sciences spheres. The group offers a holistic service with a full range of counseling, licensing and prosecution services. On the litigation front, it acted for Oracle America in a significant patent and copyright infringement action against Google. Other notable clients include ICU Medical and the Fox and Time Warner entertainment studios.

Commercial Awareness "They have been able to advise when to defend vigorously and when to cut our losses and save money. They are good at advising us when they think we should appeal."

Client Service "It is the way that they interact with their clients that is so striking. They take the time to work out what makes us tick and tailor the way that they interact with us accordingly." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alex Hadjis is based in DC and is one of the group's practice heads.

THE FIRM This outstanding litigation firm handles a range of IP disputes including patents, trademarks, copyright and internet-related matters. Recent highlights include acting for Google in a copyright infringement action which was successfully upheld on appeal. It also acts for clients such as American Express, Soverain Software, General Electric and Johnson & Johnson.

Sources say: "The Quinn team has a lot of depth down to associates and paralegals, they all work together as a team." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Verhoeven in San Francisco and Claude Stern in Silicon Valley are two key contacts in the IP group.

THE FIRM  This large, coast-to-coast firm has a recognized litigation capability coupled with an excellent reputation for transactional matters. Recent work includes successfully representing Google in a patent infringement case concerned with internet browser technology. It is also continuing to act for Motorola Mobility in complex, multijurisdictional disputes with Microsoft. The group also counts AstraZeneca, Bayer and Apple among its distinguished client base.

Sources say: "They are very up to speed on the law, have high caliber associates, good staffing practices and are very amenable to client demands."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gene Lee in New York and Chicago-based Richard McCaulley are co-leaders of the IP litigation practice.

THE FIRM This international firm continues to build on its fine reputation in the US in both IP and life sciences. It draws its impressive clientele from a broad range of fields ranging from biotechnology and pharmaceuticals to entertainment, telecoms and financial services. It acted for Microsoft on a number of significant matters concerned with smartphone, Xbox and other software technologies in both patent litigation and ITC cases. Other clients include Aircell, AT&T, Conceptus, Johnson & Johnson and Research In Motion. 

Commercial Awareness "They are talented, creative trial lawyers." "The team clearly understands the business they are representing."

Client Service "They are very attentive to clients' needs and spend a lot of personal time with us."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Pritikin is based in Chicago and chairs the firm’s national IP practice.

THE FIRM Baker Botts is particularly well known for patent litigation combined with patent procurement, licensing and due diligence expertise. The team boasts considerable technical know-how in a variety of industries such as telecoms, software, life sciences and energy. Work highlights include successfully representing Lexion Medical against three larger competitors in a complex patent infringement case. 

Commercial Awareness "They understand my company and can provide excellent advice that helps me resolve issues for my business."

Client Service "They provide excellent service: very responsive and timely - a very strong team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dallas-based Bart Showalter is the firm's IP chair. 

THE FIRM This heavyweight national firm is praised for combining full service IP expertise with commercial nous. It handles IP litigation across the United States together with an extensive patent counseling and prosecution practice. It attracts clients such as Nintendo, Qualcomm, NVIDIA, Onyx Pharmaceuticals and Facebook. The firm also has a well-resourced trademarks, copyright and advertising practice which boasts clients such as LinkedIn, Bluetooth SIG, Mozilla Firefox and Natural Selection Foods. 

Sources say: "I really enjoy working with them in different capacities; the work that Cooley does for us is superior." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frank Pietrantonio in Reston, Virginia chairs the IP group. Peter Willsey operates out of DC and is the chair of the trademarks, copyright and advertising practice. 

THE FIRM This internationally established group continues its expansion in the USA. It has a diverse IP offering and provides counseling, prosecution and global portfolio management. It also handles high-stakes litigation for clients such as Motorola Mobility. A thriving global trademarks and copyright practice offers a full range of contentious and non-contentious expertise to clients including America Online, Christie’s, ESPN and Verizon Wireless.

Commercial Awareness  "Advice is to the point, business-focused and cost-effective."

Client Service "Great client service: strong expertise, exceptional turnaround times and accessibility."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  John Allcock chairs the IP and technology group and splits his time between San Diego and East Palo Alto. Ann Ford operates from both the New York and DC offices and is highly regarded as chair of the trademarks, copyright and media practice.

THE FIRM This group's fine reputation is principally in the realm of IP litigation. Recent highlights include a trial victory for Pier 1 Imports in a substantial patent infringement action concerning its gift card system. A further example of its high-profile work involves advising DuPont and its affiliate, Pioneer Hi-Bred in a patent and antitrust dispute over genetically modified soybean and corn seeds.

Sources say: "We will continue to go to Kaye Scholer for high-end patent and trademark litigation." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Fisch in DC heads the practice.

THE FIRM This San Francisco-based litigation boutique has a deserved reputation for handling high-stakes and novel IP matters. Clients range from multinationals to startups in areas including telecoms, biotech, semiconductors and  pharmaceuticals. Significant work includes acting for Google in a high-stakes patent and copyright infringement action. Other clients include Palantir Technologies, HTC, Broadcom Corporation and Electronic Arts. 

Sources say: "They provide great customer service and are among the best trial attorneys in the US."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Van Nest handles IP and other litigation areas.

THE FIRM This distinguished practice has a network of offices across the USA and offers a comprehensive IP service with an emphasis on litigation. It is skilled in a wide range of industries including pharmaceuticals, software, semiconductors and automotive. Its global client base includes Sony, Adobe, Honeywell and AU Optronics. It is lead counsel for an international group of car manufacturers including Ford and Suzuki in patent actions relating to tire pressure monitor systems.

Sources say: "They delivered exactly what I was looking for - a very formidable, aggressive defense of our claims."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Based in the Orange County office, Perry Viscounty chairs the firm's global IP litigation group.

THE FIRM This well-resourced national firm offers extensive expertise across contentious, transactional and prosecution matters including cross-border issues. It handles high-profile litigation and its substantial patent prosecution capabilities are an integral part of the practice. On the trademarks front, the team handles the protection and enforcement of global brands such as ABSOLUT vodka, Hitachi, Tyco and Motorola.

Sources say: "The firm seems to have a good breadth and depth of people, we have received excellent service from them." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sarah Columbia operates out of Boston and chairs the national IP litigation practice group.

THE FIRM McKool Smith has an established reputation for receiving mandates on some of the most high-value litigation cases of recent years. These include the i4i case: the $290 million judgment which the team secured for its client was affirmed by the Supreme Court. It also represents WiLAN in patent infringement actions against a number of global technology providers. The firm's geographical reach and trial strength has been further enhanced by its merger with the Los Angeles firm, Hennigan Dorman.

Sources say: "McKool Smith is particularly good at recognizing a client's objectives and then implementing a strategy to achieve those objectives. No matter how novel or complex the problem we face may be, there is invariably somebody at McKool Smith who has dealt with the problem before."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  A principal and a founder of McKool Smith, Mike McKool is based in the Dallas office.

THE FIRM This established international firm is highly regarded for its full-service IP offering. The group takes a collaborative approach to managing and enforcing all aspects of IP rights in combination with areas such as internet liability, unfair competition, antitrust and ITC-based disputes. Its impressive roster of clients includes Acer, Fujifilm companies, AOL, Apple, Dow Corning and Facebook. Notable contentious work includes acting for Nintendo in a long-running patent infringement, a dispute which has involved court litigation, a PTO re-examination and, most recently, an ITC action.

Sources say: "This firm always provides professional services in the IP field in a timely and cost-efficient manner, and the legal advice is always sophisticated and helpful."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gary Weiss is a practice group leader based in the Silicon Valley office.

THE FIRM Relative to its size, this smaller team packs a considerable punch in IP litigation. Based in New York, the 12-partner IP group handles a range of litigation and counseling matters. Current work includes acting for Qualcomm in a number of patent litigation cases across numerous jurisdictions involving a range of technologies. Other clients include Time Warner, Xerox and Barnes & Noble.

Sources say: "Cravath handled a patent litigation matter, which closed well before trial, exceptionally well. They provided excellent client service in all respects."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Evan Chesler is key contact at the firm.

THE FIRM This substantial practice operates from offices in California, New York, DC and its headquarters in Boston. The group covers litigation and transactional matters and works with other corporate departments in order to offer its clients a business-oriented service. Representing businesses from startups to international organizations, it has expertise in many industry sectors. Notable clients include Hewlett-Packard, IBM and JPMorgan Chase. 

Sources say: "I feel fortunate to have counsel of that caliber working for us."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Boston-based Anthony Downs chairs the IP litigation practice.

THE FIRM This growing practice has five offices in Texas together with a California and Washington, DC presence. The group combines litigation, including patent re-examinations and interference proceedings, with prosecution and transactional expertise. It operates in a range of sectors for clients such as Taiwan Semiconductor, AT&T and Google. On the trademarks front, the group acts for a variety of clients in respect of various trademark and domain name issues.

Sources say: "They are my go-to firm when I have an IP issue that requires mastery of the technology. I know I don't have to invest the time training them on our technologies. They are great value for money."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Randall Brown, based in Dallas, is the chair of the IP and technology transactions group. 

THE FIRM  This firm has an exclusive and full-service focus on intellectual property. From its offices in New York, DC and Silicon Valley, it serves clients across a huge range of sectors from pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to telecommunications, financial services and entertainment. An impressive roster of clients includes Airbus, Mattel, Chartis and Fortune Brands. The experienced trademarks team handles all aspects of trademarks, copyright and trade secrets, including extensive rebranding projects for the likes of AIG Insurance and Citigroup.

Sources say: "They are all highly knowledgeable in all areas of intellectual property law. They are all very talented writers and advocates and extremely nice people. "

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Michael Loughnane works from the firm's New York office and is a key contact.

THE FIRM This specialist IP and life sciences firm is highly regarded across all aspects of intellectual property, but particularly in the field of strategic procurement, enforcement and licensing of patent rights. From several offices in California and offices in Seattle and Washington, DC it represents a diverse range of clients in fields such as mechanical, engineering, biomedical, chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology.

Sources say: "They are a very strong firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Orange County-based Joseph Re handles all aspects of IP with an emphasis on litigation. Don Martens works from Irvine and serves as an arbitrator and special master in IP cases.

THE FIRM With offices across the USA and overseas, this practice provides a comprehensive service encompassing litigation, a robust patent prosecution team, counseling and transactional matters. It has a strong presence in Texas which has been further enhanced by its July 2011 merger with Houston firm, Slusser Wilson & Partridge. Recent notable work includes acting for Drive Medical in an ITC case and Papa John’s USA in a patent infringement matter. It has also had a busy year handling a range of substantial anti-counterfeiting matters.

Sources say: "There is nothing about these lawyers that we haven't liked."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Parker and James Repass, co-head the department. Parker is based in Austin, while Repass operates from Houston.

THE FIRM This firm can service clients from offices across the USA as well as in Europe and Asia. The group enjoys an especially good reputation for its litigation prowess and has significant experience at both the trial and appellate level as well as before the ITC and PTO. It is also strong on international transactional work, acting for clients such as the Blackstone Group and DuPont. Notable work includes acting for SanDisk in a patent infringement case, and Virgin Mobile USA in a number of cases including a false advertising lawsuit. 

Client Service "Very professional in every way - responsiveness, quality of the work, sensitivity to our time constraints." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Edward Filardi is based in New York and is head of the patent litigation practice.

THE FIRM While covering a broad range of IP matters, the firm has a particularly strong reputation in patent litigation. The group combines litigation expertise with strong technical skills in areas such as aerospace engineering, computer technology,and electrical engineering. Notable work includes acting for the pharmaceutical company, Pozen, in litigation under the Hatch-Waxman Act. In other litigation, the team represents Northeastern University and Jarg Corporation, Thomson Reuters and Dell.

Sources say: "I am very impressed with the entire firm, just a great group of lawyers." "They do a terrific job explaining complex patent cases to those of us without patent expertise and working with us to develop a strategy for obtaining a successful outcome."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Based in Austin, Willem Schuurman is a highly-respected patent litigator.

THE FIRM This practice covers a comprehensive range of IP work and is geared to handle matters with a global aspect through its overseas practices. The group has been enhanced by its January 2012 merger with San Francisco midsized firm, Howard Rice. Recent work includes successfully representing Hologic in a patent infringement action. It has an excellent reputation for brand and copyright protection and enforcement, including anti-counterfeiting with clients such as Gucci America, NBC Universal and MGM Studios. 

Commercial Awareness "Their counseling style often gave a simple explanation or comfort level that obviated a bigger unnecessary spend."

Client Service "They are a very client-centric firm." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly-respected Louis Ederer is based in New York.

THE FIRM Headquartered in New York, this group has an outstanding reputation for handling novel and complex trademarks, copyright, unfair competition and related IP issues. Established clients include Sony companies and the National Football League and it has also recently acted for the clothing company Gap, American Express, Yves Saint Laurent and Pernod Ricard. In the latter case, it successfully concluded long-running litigation concerning trademark infringement and other claims brought against the client's Stolichnaya vodka brand. 

Sources say: "They are well versed in the subject area. They are quick to respond, concise and practical."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bruce Keller and David Bernstein lead the IP litigation group.

THE FIRM This New York-based firm has a deserved position as a premier IP boutique. It specializes in all facets of trademark, copyright, design and unfair competition law as well as protecting character and publicity rights. It has experience in a vast range of industry sectors and is also known for managing and protecting global portfolios. 

Sources say:  "They did an excellent job for us." "They have a very practical firm model with a wide array of experience."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roger Zissu is highly respected for his breadth of experience in all aspects of copyright, unfair competition and trademarks.

THE FIRM This excellent national firm offers full-service, coast-to-coast IP expertise. Coupled with a substantial patent litigation offering, the group is well known for work across trademarks, copyright and advertising law. It is active in a range of sectors from media and entertainment to life sciences, electronics and consumer products. Mars, Discovery Communications and Warner Bros. are all established clients. 

Commercial Awareness  "They understand our business needs and provide well-thought-out advice."

Client Service "They're incredibly responsive and have given us invaluable support." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS DC-based Anthony Lupo cochairs the IP practice.

THE FIRM This thoroughly national practice has numerous offices across the USA and is also expanding its Asia presence. The group has the capacity to offer high levels of expertise in every facet of intellectual property to an array of international clients. Some of its recent notable work includes successfully representing Sony Pictures Entertainment before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in a copyright matter.

Sources say: "They are a great firm." "They deliver a good product and a good service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Based in the firm's Atlanta office, John Pratt chairs the intellectual property practice.