Firms To Watch: Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters)

White & Case LLP‘s trade secret group was bolstered significantly in 2023 with the arrivals from Paul Hastings LLP of newly appointed global IP chair Yar Chaikovsky and Philip Ou to Palo Alto and of David Okano to Silicon Valley in March, and of Bruce Yen also to Palo Alto in February. Further, Washington DC-based Jordan Coyle joined from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in September 2023.
Dentons‘ team has been bolstered in 2023 with the arrivals of Daniel Schnapp from Nixon Peabody LLP in March, and of Timothy Bickham in August to the Washington DC office. The New York team grew in July 2023 with the joining of Michael Franzinger from Sidley Austin LLP and of Stephen Yang; both Yang and Bickham joined from Steptoe LLP.

Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) in United States

Jones Day

The trade secret practice at Jones Day is headed up by San Diego-based Randall Kay, who has over 30 years’ experience handling complex litigation in often international contexts, spanning France, Belgium, Taiwan, China, South Korea and Japan. Associates Alyssa Orellana and Nicholas Hodges are also key names in San Diego. Also in California are IP expert Andrea Jeffries in Los Angeles; litigation-focused ‘experienced trial attorney with a deep technical skillset’ Jennifer Bennett in San Francisco; Steven Zadravecz who is particularly experienced acting on behalf of the employer, and Cary Sullivan whose client portfolio spans the array of industry sectors, in Irvine. On the East Coast, Michael Oblon who works from the Washington DC office stands out in particular for his expertise handling litigation and counseling in relation to electronics and software tech-related work. The team is noted for its treating clients as if they are part of ‘one unified team’ and it represents such well-known names as MedImpact Healthcare Systems Inc. Its caseload includes complex matters of misappropriation brought against high-ranking executives; Zadravecz succeeded in such a matter brought by Applied Medical Resources after a seven week jury trial in Orange County.

Practice head(s):

Randall Kay


Other key lawyers:

Andrea Jeffries; Steven Zadravecz; Cary Sullivan; Nathaniel Garrett; James Kitchen; Michael Oblon; Jennifer Bennett; Koree Wooley; Alyssa Orellana; Nicholas Hodges; Rick Bergstrom; Koree Wooley


Testimonials

‘Jones Day staffed my matter with a strong cross-functional team, including a trade secrets expert, an employment expert, and a strong litigator. I felt supported on all aspects of the case.’

‘They all worked together seamlessly to give us excellent advice that took into account the nuances of the matter from all aspects.’

‘This team was always incredibly responsive, always answered my questions thoughtfully and completely and in a really timely manner. I knew they were on top of things, and they really engaged me, as the client, in every step of a complicated case with a lot of strategic decisions.’

‘I always felt like they truly saw us as one unified team, which I do not take for granted, especially on a case where we pushed back a decent amount on various strategy positions.’

‘The Jones Day IP team is stellar. The mix of skills between Randy Kay, who literally ‘wrote the book’ on theft of IP in California, and Jennifer Bennett, who is an experienced trial attorney with a deep technical skillset and ability to work through complex technical projects proved unbeatable. I highly recommend this team.’

‘Jennifer Bennett entered into the middle of ongoing multinational case. We needed to get more more involved in the technology discussions and have a litigator who understood the technical issues and could mentor the internal teams as well as foreign counsel. She did both beautifully.’

‘Rick Bergstrom is simply the best there is. His ability to get to the heart of a matter and distil complex facts is unparalleled in my experience. Lesson learned – use only the very best and I will have no regrets. He works with an extremely able colleague, Koree Wooley. I trust what both Rick and Koree have to say on California employment law – and I can give no higher praise than that for external legal counsel.’

Key clients

MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.


Modoral Brands, Inc.


Applied Medical Resources Corporation


Qualcomm Incorporated


The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company


Work highlights


  • Represented MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. successfully in an international trade secret dispute against IQVIA.
  • Vacated a $64m jury verdict against The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and won the judgment on inventorship claims.
  • Advising Applied Medical Resources Corporation, and winning a permanent injunction and an award of attorney fees.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

The ‘very impressive’ trade secret group at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is well-equipped to advise its portfolio of renowned clients on the range of non-contentious and litigious matters. There are no formal practice heads but the group is well-regarded for its ‘very deep bench’ of specialist attorneys. Key practitioners on the West Coast include San Francisco-based IP litigation expert Adam Alper, who is renowned for his abilities representing clients namely in the semiconductor, telecoms, computer hardware and pharma industries in particular, in complex disputes; in LA, Michael De Vries has noteworthy expertise handling high-stakes IP disputes – the pair are noted for their ‘great technical backgrounds’. Also on the West Coast, Akshay Deoras in San Francisco and Los Angeles-based Sharre Lotfollahi are names to note. Dale Cendali has notable experience representing clients in high-profile IP matters, Joshua Simmons is focused on media and tech-related IP disputes, while Leslie Schmidt also has significant trial experience; the three are based in New York. An example of the group’s high-stakes workload is its representation of Cognizant TriZetto Software Group, Inc. in a multifaceted matter of alleged misappropriation, unfair competition and breach of contract against Syntel in a healthcare tech context wherein hundreds of millions of dollars were at stake – Alper, De Vries and Simmons successfully co-headed the matter.

Testimonials

‘One of the best IP and trade secret teams I’ve worked with. They are extremely smart and focused with a very deep bench of talent. Able to tackle and support all issues across a far-flung global trade secret litigation effort.’

‘Adam Alper and Mike De Vries lead a team of extremely talented individuals – too many to name.’

‘Adam and Mike are engaged and responsive to client needs. They stay actively involved in our cases over the long haul.’

‘Their bench is very deep, from IP lawyers with great technical backgrounds, to an appellate team that can vigorously defend your victories. A very impressive group all round.’

Key clients

Comet Technologies


Inventus Power, Inc.


LivePerson, Inc.


Medidata Solutions


MicroPort Scientific Corporation


Motorola, Inc.


TriZetto and Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.


Unisys Corp.


Latham & Watkins LLP

Global chair of Latham & Watkins LLP‘s IP litigation practice, San Diego-based Jennifer Barry, leads the firm’s trade secret group alongside global vice chairs, being the ‘razor-sharp’ New York-based Tony Sammi and Austin-based Jeff Homrig. Sammi, who is regarded by clients as ‘the best’ led a standout matter for the team, being a trial victory in defense of Universal Alloy Corporation in an alleged misappropriation litigation case where $260m was at stake. The ‘very dedicated team that leaves nothing to chance’ has a strong reputation for its abilities handling such big-ticket matters for its industry spanning roster of clients. Another noteworthy example of its complex caseload is its trial victory for Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc and Scilex Pharmaceuticals Inc. in a suit filed against the former President of the company. Restrictive covenant breaches, trade secret misappropriation, data theft and breaches of fiduciary duties are areas of expertise across the practice. Douglas Lumish, who works from the firm’s San Francisco office is vastly experienced representing clients at trial, Illinois’ Matthew Walch is also a name to note, with familiarity handling interlocutory injunctive relief proceedings, in particular, as is New York-based counsel Rachel Blitzer who is highlighted as being an excellent and dedicated lawyer’.

Practice head(s):

Jennifer Barry; Tony Sammi; Jeff Homrig


Testimonials

‘A great, very dedicated team that leaves nothing to chance and is really invested in a case.’

‘Tony Sammi and his team provide excellent quality from the very beginning until the end of a case, taking care of all aspects and details. ’

‘Tony Sammi is the best! He has a razor-sharp mind and I would not like to face him as the counsel of an opponent.’

‘Besides his legal expertise, Tony Sammi has a great technical understanding, enabling him to quickly get the crucial points of a case. Tony can explain complex matters in simple words. He knows how to lead a big team efficiently. On top, he is good at connecting with people.’

‘Rachel Blitzer is an excellent and dedicated lawyer.’

Key clients

Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.


Scilex Pharmaceuticals Inc.


Universal Alloy Corp.


Skyryse


CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. (“CCC”)


ArcLight Capital Partners LLC


Shenzhen Senior Technology Material


XP Power LLC


Balt USA, LLC


Vertex, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Achieved a trial victory for Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. and Scilex Pharmaceuticals Inc. in a lawsuit filed against Scilex’s former President and Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for trade secrets misappropriation, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of a Restrictive Covenants Agreement.
  • Advised Universal Alloy Corporation successfully at trial in a trade secret misappropriation litigation regarding aluminium alloy composition and manufacturing processes for the aerospace industry; the client was facing potential damages of $260m.
  • Representing Skyryse, an APAS in the US District Court for the Western District of New York regarding allegations that Skyryse and two former top Moog employees committed the theft of a large amounts of sensitive technical data belonging to the US federal government.

O'Melveny & Myers LLP

O'Melveny & Myers LLP‘s trade secrets cohort, which is formed of ‘world-class litigators and strategic legal thinkers’ and led from Los Angeles by Ryan Yagura, has a strong reputation for its abilities handling the gamut of complex work. Incorporating expertise spanning IP, labor and employment, white-collar crime and antitrust, the team’s workload namely includes representing its clients in alleged trade secret misappropriation matters in cases of value in the multi-millions, often in international contexts. It is also adept in handling alleged breaches of NDAs. David Almeling has impressive experience handling the range of trade secrets cases at both domestic and cross-jurisdictional level; Darin Snyder has significant trial experience; David Eberhart has a particular focus advising tech companies on the range of IP matters – the three are based in San Francisco. Silicon Valley-based labor and employment litigator Eric Amdursky is also a name to note. An example of the high-stakes matters is its representation of Broadcom Inc. in its referral to law enforcement of former employee in a matter of alleged misappropriation of information shared with his new employee in China; Eberhart and Amdursky co-led in this case. Team changes include the addition of IP specialist Robert Shaffer from Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP in February 2023.

Practice head(s):

Ryan Yagura


Other key lawyers:

David Almeling; Darin Snyder; Eric Amdursky; Megan Smith; Luann Simmons; David Eberhart; Hana Oh


Testimonials

‘World-class litigators and strategic legal thinkers with a strong engagement model; they quickly learn your business, industry and ecosystem to begin delivering actionable and effective guidance and support. A bet-the-company team, for sure.’

‘Standouts in the team include Darin Snyder, David Almeling, and Hana Oh. They are very commercial and practical, but also appropriately aggressive in their representation and advocacy. Darin and David shine in both the boardroom and courtroom.’

‘The team is extremely responsive and engaged. They are passionate about our business and genuinely care about the outcome.’

Key clients

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.


AT&T Corp.


Auris Health Inc.


Broadcom Inc.


Cilag GMBH Int’l


Franklin Resources, Inc.


HCT Group Holdings Limited, LLC


Quotient Technology Inc.


Verb Surgical Inc.


Work highlights


  • Represented Broadcom Inc. in connection with the company’s investigation and referral to law enforcement of trade secret misappropriation by its former engineer employee.
  • Achieved a multi-million settlement for our client, HCT against a former employee who received millions of dollars in kickbacks and other unlawful business dealings that he attempted to hide through overseas bank accounts and other laundering tactics.
  • Advised Quotient Technology’s defense through two years of litigation against trade secrets and related claims arising out of an alleged breach of an NDA and alleged misappropriation of trade secrets to develop a “Retail Media Hub”.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

The trade secrets offering at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is led by media and tech, AI and IP expert Ilissa Samplin from its Los Angeles office. Among the attorneys there are a range of specialisms, from labor and employment to criminal, and there is considerable experience litigating big-ticket cases on behalf of both defendants and prosecutors. The team’s caseload includes handling matters of alleged misappropriation by high-level executives and employees, advising clients in relation to investigations of criminal breaches of IP laws at federal and state level, and conducting internal investigations where a breach of contract is suspected. Its client roster features such names as TikTok and HSBC. Orin Snyder is a litigator to note, as is Brian Rosenthal who has a particular focus on computer software, electronics and medical devices-related cases; both are based in New York. Working from the firm’s Los Angeles office, Blaine Evanson stands out for his litigation capabilities.

Practice head(s):

Ilissa Samplin


Other key lawyers:

Brian Rosenthal; Orin Snyder; Blaine Evanson


Goodwin

The national trade secrets practice at Goodwin, noted for its ‘ability to take the lead’ when assisting clients, has a strong reputation for its capabilities handling the gamut of matters. In San Francisco, Koray Bulut is equipped to handle multi-jurisdictional matters, while co-chair of the firm’s IP litigation practice Brett Schuman has experience defending well-known companies and individual clients in complex disputes; counsel Jeremy Lateiner is also noteworthy. Silicon Valley-based Andrew Ong has expertise in related litigious cases. Also in Silicon Valley is standout name Neel Chatterjee who has impressive experience representing clients in high-stakes tech matters, namely protecting companies and products in complex disputes. Bulut and Ong co-lead the practice alongside New York-based Albert Solecki and Boston’s Mark Tully. The team has been bolstered with the arrivals of Sharon Smith to the San Francisco office in January 2023 from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, and of John Padro, Stefan Mentzer and Scott Weingaertner to the New York office in March 2023 – all were formerly at White & Case LLP.

Practice head(s):

Koray Bulut; Andrew Ong; Albert Solecki; Mark Tully


Other key lawyers:

Neel Chatterjee; Brett Schuman; Jennifer Fisher; Jeremy Lateiner; Elizabeth Low; Alexandra Valenti; Naomi Birbach; Aaron Thompson; Jenevieve Nutovits; Sharon Smith; John Padro; Stefan Mentzer; Scott Weingaertner


Testimonials

‘Goodwin’s team can definitely manage complex cases for foreign clients. The thing I valued the most was their ability to take the lead.’

‘We worked with partners Alexandra Valenti and Naomi Birbach, in addition to senior associate Aaron Thompson and junior associate Jenevieve Nutovits and they truly work as a team.’

‘Aaron Thompson is a standout lawyer, no different from a partner.’

Key clients

Rivian Automotive, Inc


Anthony Levandowski


Valentino S.p.A. & Valentino U.S.A., Inc.


Alphonso


Keysight Technologies


Smartcar, Inc.


PCI Holdings LLC (and its subsidiary Pal)


HotSpot Therapeutics, Inc.


Halo Technology Limited


EpicentRx


HackerX


Farther Finance


EmergeTech


HOPCo Intermediate Holdings, Inc.


NielsenIQ


Work highlights


  • Representing Rivian Automotive, and several former employees of a competitor that were hired by Rivian, in a matter brought by the competitor alleging the former employees misappropriated trade secrets and breached the confidentiality provisions in their former employment agreements.
  • Representing Valentino S.p.A. and Valentino U.S.A., Inc. in defense of claims brought by one of its former textile suppliers for copyright infringement, trade secret misappropriation, breach of contract, and other related claims.
  • Representing Alphonso Inc., a global technology company focused on the intersection of television media, machine learning, and big-data analytics, in a trade secrets misappropriation action.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

The trade secrets team at Greenberg Traurig LLP is well-equipped to represent its portfolio of clients which includes well-known companies on the range of matters including in the drafting and enforcing of covenants, non-competes and non-solicitation agreements; acting in transactions and due diligence matters; and defending and prosecuting in misappropriation disputes. At its helm are San Francisco-based Kurt Kappes who is experienced handling complex matters in both domestic and international contexts, Denver-based Naomi Beer, and James Boudreau who works from the firm’s Philadelphia hub. The team has particular experience defending in matters of alleged misappropriation of IP, breaches of contract and fraud, frequently involving damages of significant value. It is also equipped to act on behalf of the prosecutor in claims where companies bring suits against former employees, for example. Gregory Bombard, based in Boston, is a noteworthy commercial disputes-focused attorney in the team, while Philadelphia’s Shira Yoshor has a notable specialism in the range of labor and employment cases.

Practice head(s):

Kurt Kappes; Naomi Beer; James Boudreau


Other key lawyers:

David Bloch; Gregory Bombard; Shira Yoshor; Galit Kierkut; Katie Molloy


Key clients

Revance Therapeutics


Yahoo!


Kretek International and Dryft Sciences


Symphony Risk Solutions


FACC Operations GmbH


America II Electronics LLC


Fanli Inc.


Autel Intelligent Corp., Ltd


Everdriven


Brightview Landscapes


Work highlights


  • Obtained a dismissal of all claims against its Chinese corporate clients accused of breach of contract, fraud, misappropriation of IP, trade secrets, and related claims.
  • Representing Autel US, Inc. and its Chinese affiliate, Autel Intelligent Technology Corp., Ltd., in an arbitration involving two of Autel’s competitors.
  • Represented Symphony Risk Solutions in several restrictive covenant matters, both to enforce and to defend against claims that employees breached their restrictive covenants, including NSAs and NDAs.

Morrison Foerster

The trade secrets practice at Morrison Foerster is headed up by ‘true star’ Kenneth Kuwayti and Bryan Wilson who is experienced handling IP disputes for a range of well-known clients from the team’s impressive portfolio, which includes such notable names as Lime and Walmart. Wilson and Kuwayti, both based in Palo Alto, are supported by the firm’s global IP litigation co-chairs, being Los Angeles-based Bita Rahebi, Washington DC-based Mark Whitaker, Austin’s Brian Nash and Tim Saulsbury who works from San Francisco. The team’s caseload includes representing both defendant employees and plaintiff corporations in complex and high-stakes matters of alleged misappropriation, patent infringement and breaches of NDAs. Its cases often reach state Supreme Court level. Tech, life sciences, aviation and retail are key areas of industry focus across the team. Ragesh Tangri is particularly adept at advising major tech companies in significant disputes while Benjamin Fox is well-equipped to assist in relation to software and gaming. Eugene Novikov departed to private practice in January 2024.


Practice head(s):

Bita Rahebi; Mark Whitaker; Brian Nash; Tim Saulsbury; Kenneth Kuwayti; Bryan Wilson


Other key lawyers:

Arturo González; Daralyn Durie; Ragesh Tangri; Benjamin Fox; Eric Tate


Testimonials

‘Extremely knowledgeable and creative lawyers that deliver very convincing argumentation in briefs and in court.’

‘Kenneth Kuwayti is a very intelligent and knowledgeable lawyer that comes up with creative solutions to even the trickiest cases. He is a true star.’

Key clients

Archer Aviation


AROA Biosurgery Limited


Cedar AI


Lime


National Institute of Aviation Research at Wichita State University (NIAR)


RoadSync Inc.


Snap-on, Inc.


Teradata Corp.


Walmart Inc.


Work highlights


  • Represented the National Institute of Aviation Research at Wichita State University (NIAR) in a trade secrets lawsuit filed against the National Institute of Aviation Research at Wichita State University (NIAR) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.
  • Defending 17 former Wisk Aero employees in a high-profile trade secret misappropriation case brought by Wisk.
  • Representing Walmart in a case filed by Fintiv alleging the misappropriation of trade secrets relating to Walmart’s mobile payment tech, including Walmart Pay.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP‘s trade secrets team has a strong reputation for its capabilities handling the gamut of high-stakes cases for its roster of clients, which includes such renowned names as Microsoft. Sheryl Garko in Boston is focused on high-stakes disputes in this space. Amy Van Zant in Silicon Valley has expertise spanning employment, data privacy and litigation, which she brings to bear. New York’s James McQuade has experience assisting clients from the broad array of industry sectors. Catherine Lui in San Francisco has expertise particularly both obtaining and defending against TRO’s and the handling of preliminary injunctions. The four head up the practice, the workload of which is composed in large part of complex cases of alleged misappropriation and theft of data, and breaches of contract involving such elements as temporary restraining orders against employees; the industry sectors its matters span range from maritime to medical tech and frequently involve high-value damages. Jordan Coyle departed to White & Case LLP in August 2023.

Practice head(s):

Sheryl Garko; Amy Van Zant; James McQuade; Catherine Lui


Key clients

ADATA Technology Co.


CelLink Corporation


Headlands Technologies


Easygo Gaming Solutions


HCW Biologics


Fisker Inc.


Microsoft


ExamWorks


PCF Insurance Services


Duetto Research


Paul Hastings LLP

Paul Hastings LLP‘s trade secrets group is highly regarded for its ‘creativity, intellect and efforts’ in handling complex IP litigation matters. The team has at its helm Naveen Modi who works from the firm’s Washington DC office and is remarked as being an ‘amazing, client-friendly lawyer, with tremendous experience working on complex disputes’. Alongside Modi at the head are New York’s Bruce Wexler and Eric Dittmann. Experienced IP litigator Jeff Pade, also based in DC, is considered ‘a pleasure to work with and a super strategic thinker’ and has strong capabilities handling complex matters in often international contexts. High-stakes, cross-border work is a specialism of the team, with its workload including matters spanning Japan, Switzerland, Brazil, China, Pakistan and the UK. A key example is its successful representation of Mitsubishi in a multi-year international arbitration regarding an MS treatment drug. Victoria Cundiff retired from the team in February 2023, while Paul Genender, formerly of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, bolstered the Houston practice in September 2023.

Practice head(s):

Naveen Modi; Bruce Wexler; Eric Dittmann


Other key lawyers:

Jeff Pade


Testimonials

‘We instructed Paul Hastings on a complex litigation piece involving trade secrets theft and misappropriation of intellectual property. The creativity, intellect and efforts of the team were unparalleled.’

‘Jeff Pade and Naveen Modi worked together tirelessly. Jeff Pade is a pleasure to work with and a super strategic thinker. Naveen Modi is amazing, such a client-friendly lawyer, with tremendous experience working on complex disputes.’

Key clients

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd


Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation


Viking Therapeutics, Inc.


AbbVie Inc. and Allergan, Inc.


Afiniti Ltd.


SuperCooler Technologies, Inc.


bluebird bio, Inc.


Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

Rachel Epstein and Todd Anten are at the helm of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP‘s trade secrets team from its New York office. The team is well-equipped to represent its clients in matters regarding the alleged misappropriation of trade secrets. Across the team is a noteworthy specialism in litigation, which is used to represent clients with the array of IP issues. The industry sectors covered include gaming, media, tech and therapeutics and its workload frequently involves matters of multi-millions of dollars in value. Attorney Carey Ramos is a team member to note; he splits his time between Hong Kong and New York and has particularly notable capabilities in media and entertainment-related work and has experience representing clients in trade secret disputes regarding music and motion pictures. James Judah and associate Jocelyn Ma in San Francisco both harness expertise in tech-related cases. Team changes include the departure of litigator Steven Swedlow in November 2023, formerly based in Chicago; the resignation of Nina Tallon in November 2023 from the Washington DC office; and the departure of New York’s Thomas Pease to Greenberg Traurig LLP in July 2023.

Practice head(s):

Rachel Epstein; Todd Anten


Other key lawyers:

Carey Ramos; Rachel Herrick Kassabian; Jocelyn Ma; James Judah


Key clients

Proofpoint, Inc.


Primer Technologies


Wisk Aero


Snail Games USA Inc. and Wildcard Properties LLC


Regor Therapeutics Inc.


International Business Machines Corporation


IBM World Trade Corporation


IBM China Company Limited


Rivos Inc. and Wen Shih-Chieh


Life Spine, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Secured a jury trial victory for Proofpoint, Inc., where the jury rendered a verdict that its competitor, Vade, wilfully and maliciously misappropriated Proofpoint’s trade secrets.
  • Represented Wisk Aero and reached a favorable settlement in a trade secret misappropriation and patent infringement case against competitor Archer Aviation, involving allegations of illicit use of engineering files obtained from former employees.
  • Representing pharmaceutical company Regor Therapeutics and two of its founders in a lawsuit brought by Pfizer, alleging that the companies made unauthorized use of Pfizer trade secrets and confidential information relating to the development of a treatment for diabetes.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Complex IP litigation, alleged misappropriations and breaches of contract are mainstays of the trade secrets offering at Seyfarth Shaw LLP which is well-equipped to assist its sector-spanning client portfolio, which includes significant names from the pharma, medical devices, tech and healthcare spheres in particular. Team leads are Michael Wexler who is based in Chicago, Robert Milligan who works from the Los Angeles hub and Katherine Perrelli in the Boston office. Wexler has expertise handling tech-related work including electric vehicles, medical devices and remote storage-related cases; Milligan assists multinational corporations with trade secret, non-compete and data protection work; while Perrelli has a specialism in the enforcement of restrictive covenants and NDAs. Jesse Coleman in Houston has a particular focus on related healthcare disputes, while Dawn Mertineit in Boston is an authority in litigation. Joshua Salinas is a standout associate in LA. Commercial litigation specialists Jesse Miller and Jennifer Fearnow, formerly of Reed Smith LLP, have bolstered the team in San Francisco. Notably, trade secrets specialist Gary Friedman joined the New York team from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in February 2024.

Practice head(s):

Michael Wexler; Robert Milligan; Katherine Perrelli


Other key lawyers:

Dawn Mertineit; Jesse Coleman; Daniel Hart; Joshua Salinas; James Yu; Jesse Miller; Jennifer Fearnow; Kevin Mahoney; Daniel Hart; Gary Friedman


Key clients

Stryker Corporation


Karma Automotive


Capstone Logistics, Inc.


SeneGence International, Inc.


Whittier Trust Company


Panda Restaurant Group


JWE, Inc.


LG


Lonza Houston, Inc.


Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC


US Foods


Korn Ferry


OnPrem Solutions


Work highlights


  • Represented Karma Automotive, LLC, which was the plaintiff in an action in the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas against several former Karma employees; DeLorean Motors Reimagined; and Reimagined Automotive.
  • Advising a well-known US restaurant chain on enforcement, counseling, and trade secret/non-compete transactions and litigation.
  • Protecting Stryker Corporation in trade secret and non-compete matters to protect its intellectual capital and workforce throughout the US in matters valued in the millions of dollars.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP‘s trade secrets cohort is well-placed to assist its clients in the array of matters; its workload is formed in large part of assisting in the enforcement of and defense against employee non-solicits, no-hires and NDAs, as well as in assisting in disputes pertaining to alleged misappropriation. Team head John Barry is based in New York and is a renowned name in the employment field and an experienced litigator in trade secret cases. Further, counsel Celine ChanRebecca Sivitz and associate Lauren Kelly are names to note for their employment capabilities; all work between the New York and Boston hubs. On the West Coast, San Francisco’s Bambo Obaro is the standout attorney, with experience defending against and obtaining emergency remedies in trade secret cases. Team changes include the departure of Paul Genender, formerly at the Dallas office, who left for Paul Hastings LLP in September 2023, the departure of Gary Friedman who left the New York office to join Seyfarth Shaw LLP in February 2024, and the departure of Patrick O’Toole, formerly at the Boston office, who left to Kirkland & Ellis LLP, the same firm from which Peter Mee joined the New York office in November 2023.


Practice head(s):

John Barry


Other key lawyers:

Gary Friedman; Bambo Obaro; Rebecca Sivitz; Celine Chan; Lauren Kelly; Peter Mee


Key clients

Russell Reynolds Associates


Schindler Elevator


Ceridian HCM Holding


Apollo Management


Nexa Equity


Visa


Leap


Kroll, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advising successfully in favor of Russell Reynolds Associates, enforcing employee non-solicit and no-hire, and confidentiality/non-disclosure provisions in RRA’s Stock Agreement against a former partner who left RRA with three other RRA employees to start a competing firm.
  • Representing the client in a number of high-stakes and high-profile restrictive covenant and trade secret matters on both the plaintiff and defense side that were critical to its business.
  • Successfully representing Schindler Elevator Corporation and its affiliate Slade Industries Inc. in a significant restrictive covenant, common law, and misappropriation dispute involving several former senior leaders who resigned to join an industry competitor.

BakerHostetler

The co-leads of BakerHostetler‘s trade secrets practice who also harness expertise in non-competes are New York’s private business disputes-focused John Siegal and Florida-based Joyce Ackerbaum Cox; the pair are supported by the firm’s national labor and employment group chair Amy Traub, who also works from the New York hub. The team is well-equipped to assist its clients on the range of related work, from bet-the-company contract and tort cases to establishing the origin of alleged misappropriation. It is also experienced advising on the parameters of restrictive covenants and on contentions that arise therein. In Ohio, Cincinatti-based Scott McIntyre who has experience defending the array of related actions, and Columbus’ patent litigation specialist Kevin Kirsch are names to note in the team.

Practice head(s):

Amy Traub; Joyce Ackerbaum Cox; John Siegal


Other key lawyers:

Scott McIntyre; Kevin Kirsch


Key clients

Marathon Oil Company


Drips Holdings


Huron Consulting


FTI Consulting


Nuestro Sagrado Corazon Primary Home Care, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Defended Marathon Oil Company and others against an appeal brought re the opposition’s declaratory judgment of ownership of IP and licensing, and for alleged violation of IP license over hundreds of claimed trade secrets.
  • Represented plaintiff Drips Holdings in a trade secret and Lanham Act lawsuit brought against a competitor who obtained trade secrets regarding the client’s AI-assisted customer texting platform and used the information to launch a copycat platform.
  • Represented FTI Consulting, a global consulting firm, in a long-running, bet-the-company contract and tort case in the Business Litigation Section of the Superior Court of Massachusetts in Boston in which a competitor unlawfully destroyed FTI’s Boston-based corporate finance practice.

Beck Reed Riden LLP

Beck Reed Riden LLP is a Boston-based boutique with a nationwide trade secrets practice which is headed up by Russell Beck, noted as ‘preeminent in this area’. The team also has a specialist focus advising its clients on the parameters of restrictive covenants. Stephen Riden is a key member of the group with a noteworthy specialism in commercial litigation wherein he has experience representing both corporate and individual clients on the array of issues at both state and court level. Nicole Daly is another name to note in the team with expertise spanning employment, business disputes, trade secrets, restrictive covenants, and employee mobility, while senior counsel Sarah Tishler has strong capabilities handling big ticket matters for significant clients. The industry sectors the group’s workload spans ranges from transportation to life sciences.

Practice head(s):

Russell Beck


Other key lawyers:

Nicole Daly; Stephen Riden; Sarah Tishler


Testimonials

‘I have worked with this group for nearly 15 years and watched them to grow to one of the preeminent trade secret and restrictive covenant boutiques in the country.’

‘They track developments around the country as well as anyone and Russell is truly one of the thought leaders in this area. No one, and I mean no one, knows the area of noncompete and restrictive covenant law better than Russell.’

‘Russell Beck is preeminent in this area.’

‘This firm has a unique set of qualifications relative to the enforcement of non-compete provisions.’

‘Great teamwork among the attorneys. Russell Beck and Nicole Daly are a pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

Staples, Inc.


Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation


Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.


Entegris, Inc.


Harvard Bioscience, Inc.


Blue-Grace Logistics LLC


Ideal Image, Inc.


Appian Way Energy Partners LLC


Commvault Systems, Inc.


UG2 LLC


Alegeus Technologies, LLC


Work highlights


  • Providing day-to-day counseling for Staples on questions concerning the protection of company trade secrets and related issues in connection with, among other things, employee hires and departures.
  • Providing day-to-day counseling for Novartis on questions concerning the protection of company trade secrets and related issues in connection with, among other things, employee hires and departures.
  • Providing day-to-day counseling for Commvault on questions concerning the protection of company trade secrets and related issues in connection with, among other things, employee hires and departures.

Cooley LLP

The ‘excellent’ trade secrets practice at Cooley LLP is led by Michael Attanasio in San Diego who has impressive expertise in high-stakes litigation cases. Tech and life sciences trade secret matters form a large part of the team’s workload, namely developing, protecting and defending tech for its range of clients, the list of which includes significant start-ups and emerging companies. The range of industry sectors are covered by the group which is experienced handling matters at both State and Federal court levels. Key names include Adam Gershenson and Michael Sheetz who has international capabilities in trade secret cases; both work from the firm’s Boston hub. In New York, Ian Shapiro assists such well-known names as Cartier in alleged misappropriation matters. The team also has a considerable presence in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Michael Attanasio


Other key lawyers:

Adam Gershenson; Michael Rhodes; Michael Sheetz; Ian Shapiro; Phil Bowman; Sanya Sukduang; Steve Smith


Testimonials

‘The team has been an excellent business partner. They listened to our concerns and frustration and found litigation solutions that helped to achieve the business goals.’

‘They are quick to respond and answer questions with enough time for review.’

‘Both Adam Gershenson and Michael Rhodes have been excellent. Their knowledge of the law and the trademark litigation made this an easier process. I was able to trust what they were recommending and their research because they have practical experience and knowledge.’

Key clients

Richemont North America, Inc. (Cartier)


Liquidia Technologies, Inc.


Group14


EOFlow


Thrasio Holdings, Inc.


Vector Flow


Pie Insurance


Lunan Pharmaceuticals


Mitchell Finer


Zipline International Inc.


Enrique Romo


Work highlights


  • Representing the client in its prosecution of a claim against a competitor for trade secret misappropriation and several other matters.
  • Representing the client in the secured dismissal of all claims in a $70m-$300m trade secret dispute against it.
  • Representing the client in a high-stakes trade secrets case against a competitor in a multijurisdictional matter.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP‘s trade secrets team, noted for its ‘creative thinking’, is well-equipped to assist its clients with the plethora of matters, from defending companies and individuals in cases of breaches of employment contracts, as well as in matters of misappropriation, namely in tech and life sciences-related work. Seth Gerber is based at the firm’s Century City hub and has a focus on trade secrets, restrictive covenant and employee mobility cases, a specialism shared particularly in litigious contexts by Debra Fischer who is based at the same office. In Boston, Joshua Dalton is noteworthy in the team and described as being ‘proactive and thoughtful’. Team changes include the departure of Sharon Smith to Goodwin in January 2023. Louis Beardell who works from the Philadelphia office and Silicon Valley-based Dion Bregman are at the helm of the group.


Practice head(s):

Louis Beardell; Dion Bregman


Other key lawyers:

Debra Fischer; Seth Gerber; Joshua Dalton; Molly Terwilliger


Testimonials

‘Creative thinking, and a good balance in the team.’

‘Joshua Dalton did a great job and was proactive and thoughtful.’

Key clients

Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.


ABD


Newfront


Jobot, LLC


Kopin Corporation


Work highlights


  • Obtained a complete defense verdict for Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. and an employee who was alleged to have breached his employment agreement by improperly taking, using, and disclosing confidential information to solicit, divert, and service clients and prospective clients, and by failing to give 60-days’ notice.
  • Obtained a complete defense victory after a six-day jury trial for clients Newfront and employees; it was focused on issues related to customer choice and their desire to follow their long-time brokers to their new company.
  • Representing Kopin Corporation as the defendant in a breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets case in which the plaintiff BlueRadios is also seeking correction of inventorship for certain patents at issue.

Winston & Strawn LLP

Chicago-based Steven Grimes, David Enzminger in Los Angeles and Dallas’ Natalie Arbaugh oversee Winston & Strawn LLP‘s trade secrets group. The team’s specialisms span white-collar crime, litigation and labor and employment and its workload includes leading trade secrets and information security audits; advising on alleged misappropriations; and assisting in broader disputes and litigious cases relating to trade secret issues, such as the carrying out of unlawful raids and the enforcement of temporary restraining orders brought against former employees. Tech and financial services are key industries the group focuses on. Team changes include the departures of former co-head of the practice Sheryl Falk who left the Houston office to in August 2023, of Seth Spitzer who left the New York office in April 2023, both to in-house roles, and of Michael Tomasulo who departed the Los Angeles team to join Reed Smith LLP in February 2023.

Practice head(s):

Steven Grimes; David Enzminger; Natalie Arbaugh


Key clients

Versata


SSI (US), Inc


Corning


Work highlights


  • Advising Corning on every claim and defense across the board in a decade-long patent, trade secret, and breach of contract dispute over cell-culturing technology.
  • Leading a trade secret and information security audit for multiple business units, to evaluate current practices and advise on best practices to bolster protections around key assets.

ArentFox Schiff

ArentFox Schiff‘s ‘honest, experienced, and very strategic’ trade secrets group has strong abilities to advise on the plethora of matters from those of alleged misappropriation to those involving the range of issues surrounding non-competes, NDAs and employee mobility. It handles litigious matters on behalf of both individual ex-employees and corporations. Washington DC-based Linda Jackson whose 30 years’ experience includes assisting clients across industry sectors including tech, government contracting and professional services, is at the helm of the practice alongside Chicago’s Matthew Prewitt, Alexander Spiegler who is based in New York, Nicholas Nesgos who works at the Boston hub, and Allan Anderson in Los Angeles. Nicholas Nesgos in Boston is focused on business disputes and associate Lauren Schaefer at the same office is also noteworthy.

Practice head(s):

Linda Jackson; Matthew Prewitt; Alexander Spiegler; Nicholas Nesgos; Allan Anderson


Other key lawyers:

Adam Diederich; Nicholas Nesgos; Lauren Schaefer


Testimonials

‘Very thoughtful and strategic. Very experienced. Built a very strong case leveraging a tactical approach. ’

‘Honest, experienced, and very strategic. Thoughtful and mindful.’

Key clients

CACI, Inc.


Speak4


PSSI Food Safety Solutions


CDS Moving Equipment


Action Gypsum Supply, LP


Optimal Facility Management Services, LLC


 


Work highlights


  • Advising in a civil theft of trade secrets dispute involving a $7B government contractor (our client) and the former director of the contractor’s digital forensics lab, subject to non-complete, no poaching, and non-disclosure provisions.
  • Investigated the departure of an executive who had overseen the research and development to introduce a significant new food safety product to protect against harmful pathogens and a business strategy for promoting the product.
  • Secured a complete victory in an appeal before the Third Circuit, which found our client responsible for $0 of actual or intended loss.

Baker Botts L.L.P.

The multidisciplinary practice at Baker Botts L.L.P. is formed of specialists in IP, employment, commercial and tech law, the range of which are channelled into its trade secrets offering.  The team is experienced defending its corporate clients in claims of misappropriation brought by competitors. Tech and energy are the key industry sectors of focus for the practice and it represents such names as Mastercard and Dell Technologies on an ongoing basis. Christa Brown-Sanford based in Dallas is the firm’s IP department chair, Jennifer Tempesta in New York is the IP group’s deputy chair, while David Wille, also in Dallas, co-chairs the trade secrets group alongside Cheryl Cauley in Palo Alto. Houston’s Danny David and Paul Morico are key trial lawyers in the team, and Katharine Burke in Washington DC is also a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Christa Brown-Sanford; Jennifer Tempesta; David Wille; Cheryl Cauley


Other key lawyers:

Paul Morico; Danny David; Katharine Burke


Work highlights


  • Secured a major victory for the client in a lawsuit alleging misappropriation of trade secrets.
  • Representing the client in trade secrets litigation against its competitor, successfully defeating the summary judgment motion in the ongoing case.
  • Represented the client in an ongoing misappropriation of trade secrets case filed against them by a competitor.

Brown Rudnick LLP

The trade secrets practice at Brown Rudnick LLP has a particular presence on the East Coast, with team leads Ian DiBernardo who is also the firm’s IP litigation chair, Peter Willsey who specializes in trademark, copyright and advertising law and Adam Schoen who co-heads the IP practice group being based in the firm’s New York, Washington DC and Boston hubs respectively. The team has been bolstered recently with the arrival of Merri Moken to the New York office from Paul Hastings LLP in May 2023 and the arrival of Daniel Healy to the Washington DC office from Anderson Kill PC in January 2023. Its workload includes representing its clients in misappropriation and breach of contract disputes with international scope, as well as advising on trade secrets protections and strategies.

Practice head(s):

Ian DiBernardo; Peter Willsey; Adam Schoen


Other key lawyers:

Jason Sobel; Merri Moken; Daniel Healy


Key clients

Pixis Drones


Axogen Corporation


Nomura Holding America and Nomura Securities International


Secada Medical d/b/a Ventris Medical


Work highlights


  • Representing Nomura Holding America and Nomura Securities International in connection with negotiation of various licenses and other agreements relating to trading platforms, market/trading data and related financial services.
  • Representing Pixis Drones in a multi-jurisdictional trade secret misappropriation and breach of contract dispute with drone manufacturer Lumenier.
  • Advising Axogen on its trademark and brand strategy, as well as trade secret protection and strategies.

DLA Piper LLP (US)

Based at the team’s Silicon Valley hub, ‘incredible collaborator’ Rajiv Dharnidharka oversees DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s trade secrets collective alongside Chicago-based ‘standout partner’ Paul Steadman and experienced litigator Leon Medzhibovsky who works at the New York office. The team is well-regarded for its ‘great litigation’ capabilities and for its ‘excellent practice dedicated to tech’. The team has impressive abilities handling trade secrets, software and tech-related commercial disputes in particular, frequently in relation to misappropriation allegations and surrounding issues such as fraud, as well as breaches of employment contracts. San Francisco attorney Jeanette Barzelay is standout for her strong experience in the range of commercial litigation cases.

Practice head(s):

Rajiv Dharnidharka; Paul Steadman; Leonid Medzhibovsky


Other key lawyers:

Jeanette Barzelay; Cameron Fine


Testimonials

‘DLA has a great litigation team with sufficient resources to extend the team at any time if and where needed.’

‘Rajiv Dharnidharka has a great ability to help non-US clients through the jungle of Californian litigation. He explains details where needed while keeping those details away from the client that client does not need to deal with.’

‘Paul Steadman is a standout partner who is able to quickly get up-to-speed on complex issues and give very practical and commercially-focused advice.’

‘My DLA Piper team is very responsive and able to identify the right talent to address my issues and concerns. They are also very timely in responding to my requests.’

‘They have the business acumen and appreciation for the unique issues and concerns that relate to my business. Their partnering with me has helped me to be successful.’

‘DLA Piper has an excellent practice dedicated to tech. I was able to quickly identify the best lawyer for my matter. There was none of the territoriality that is sometimes seen at large firms.’

‘I worked directly with Rajiv Dharnidharka. He was an incredible collaborator in the matter we worked on together, which involved a pre-litigation negotiation and very successful settlement. Rajiv is one of the most practical and business-minded litigators I have ever worked with – and I have worked with many litigators over my long career.’

‘What I loved about working with Rajiv was that he put himself in my shoes, listened to my goals and took a pragmatic approach that was in the best interest of my company. Many other litigators would have taken a more aggressive approach which may not have yielded as favorable a result as that which we were able to achieve together.’

Key clients

Nike, Inc.


Grant Industries, Inc.


Walkme


Myia Labs, Inc.


Sycomp, A Technology Company, Inc.


Ripple Labs


Augmentir


Work highlights


  • Represented Ripple Labs when it was sued in the US District Court for the Northern District of California for alleged trade secret misappropriation and related torts; DLA Piper defeated the entire action and obtained an attorneys’ fee award of $635,000.
  • Advising WalkMe, a leading software solutions innovator and developer of the industry’s first Digital Adoption Platform (“DAP”).
  • Represented Grant Industries in their lawsuit against Nanometrics, PHD Biosciences, and several individuals for trade secret misappropriation, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference, unfair competition, conspiracy, fraud, conversion, and New Jersey civil RICO.

Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.

Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.‘s ‘truly amazing’ trade secrets practice has Chicago-based employee mobility specialist Peter Steinmeyer and Boston-based Erik Weibust at its head. Handling the array of restrictive covenant, trade secret and related tortious cases is routine work for the practice, which is equipped to defend companies from the array of industry sectors against claims made by former employees. Katherine Rigby based in Boston and New York-based senior counsel Millie Warner are names to note. The group has been consolidated by the 2023 arrivals of Alexander Barnard to the New York office in October; Heath Edwards from Ford & Harrison LLP in May and of Jeb Gerth from former firm Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis in January, both to the Nashville hub; and of Andrew Lichtenstein from O'Melveny & Myers LLP to the Los Angeles office in August.

Practice head(s):

Peter Steinmeyer; Erik Weibust


Other key lawyers:

Katherine Rigby; James Petrie; Jeremy Oliver; Millie Warner; James Flynn; Daniel Levy; Phillip Antablin


Testimonials

‘Epstein Becker is a national practice focused on employment law and healthcare. They have worked hard to get top lawyers in each office for their core competencies. They have deep restrictive covenant expertise in several of their offices.’

‘Erik Weibust in Boston, Peter Steinmeyer in Chicago and James Flynn and Daniel Levy, both in New Jersey are all extremely talented restrictive covenant lawyers. Together, they have a network of knowledge that is very effective.’

‘I can tell you first-hand that Epstein adopt a very creative suit and countersuit strategy that really tips the balance in favor of clients.’

Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP harnesses capabilities across its trade secrets practice which enable it to handle the gamut of matters, with a specific focus on those relating to complex tech. Misappropriation and breaches of contract are the make-up of the team’s workload. The team also offers trade secrets advice and counseling. On the West Coast is Palo Alto-based Robert McCauley, while on the East Coast is litigator John Williamson, Anand Sharma and managing partner Erika Arner at its Washington DC office, though Arner also works from the Reston office.


Practice head(s):

Robert McCauley; John Williamson; Erika Arner; Anand Sharma


Other key lawyers:

Karthik Kumar


Key clients

Archer Aviation Inc.


Bharat Forge Limited


Emergy, Inc. d/b/a Meati Foods


Included Health Inc. f/k/a Grand Rounds


Work highlights


  • Advising Archer Aviation on which innovations to patent or maintain as trade secrets, in which jurisdictions to patent the innovations, and strategies to maximize the value of their global IP portfolio.
  • Counseling Included Health on strategies for protecting its trade secrets, including proprietary and sophisticated algorithms and software for providing advanced healthcare.

Foley Hoag LLP

Foley Hoag LLP‘s trade secrets group is headed up by a number of specialists; expert litigator Barbara Fiacco, Jeremy Younkin and Allison Anderson in Boston, and Robert Haney who works from the firm’s New York hub. The team’s experience spans complex IP litigation in trade secrets matters including those of alleged misappropriation, as well as handling restrictive covenant and non-compete issues. Life sciences and tech companies are key to the make-up of its portfolio of clients but the team is also equipped to advise individual claimants and defendants; it is notably able to handle matters where the client is based outside of the US.

Practice head(s):

Barbara Fiacco; Jeremy Younkin; Robert Haney; Allison Anderson


Other key lawyers:

Nathanial McPherson


Key clients

Sig Sauer, Inc.


Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


BioPoint, Inc.


CVS


Holcim US


Work highlights


  • Defending Alexion in a trade secret misappropriation case filed by Amyndas Pharmaceuticals, S.A. in the District of Massachusetts.
  • Representing Sig Sauer, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of weapons for the US military, federal and state law enforcement agencies, and other customers in its defense against trade secret claims brought by FCIP, LLC in the Eastern District of Virginia.
  • Secured an over $5m judgment for BioPoint after a jury and bench trial. In this case, the jury found the defendants had misappropriated BioPoint’s trade secrets and interfered with its business efforts.

McGuireWoods LLP

McGuireWoods LLP‘s trade secrets collective is headed up by Richmond-based David Finkelson and the ‘outstanding’ Yasser Madriz who works from the firm’s Houston hub. Also based in Houston are standout attorneys Meghaan Madriz who has a particular focus on assisting employers with employment-related matters at the range of court levels, Wolfgang McGavran and associate Miles Indest who has experience representing clients in high-stakes litigation. Representing clients in the range of business disputes including those regarding alleged breaches of fiduciary duties and misappropriation is the routine workload of the practice; the litigation the team handles long-standing and complex cases.

Practice head(s):

David Finkelson; Yasser Madriz


Other key lawyers:

Meghaan Madriz; Dana Rust; Heidi Siegmund; Sabrina Beldner; David Greenspan; Wolfgang McGavran; Miles Indest


Testimonials

‘Strong litigation team.’

‘Yasser Madriz is outstanding.’

‘Very client service focused and practical.’

‘Dana Rust and Heidi Siegmund thoroughly understand our business, our drivers and our risk tolerance.’

Key clients

Choice Energy Services


Vans, Inc.


Surfshark Ltd.


Nixon Peabody LLP

Nixon Peabody LLP‘s trade secrets collective is headed up by Boston and New York-based attorney Matthew McLaughlin who is experienced assisting clients with matters of alleged misappropriation and those regarding breaches of restrictive covenants. The team is experienced representing companies in allegations made by former employees at both state Superior and Federal court level. Former co-lead of the practice Laura Bacon departed the team to an in-house role and Richard Tilghman left to Vedder Price in May and September 2023 respectively; both were previously based at the firm’s Chicago office.

Practice head(s):

Matthew McLaughlin


Other key lawyers:

Jason Kravitz; Andrew Winetroub


Key clients

JetNet LLC


Shutterfly Lifetouch LLC


Strata Solar


Nu Pagamentos S.A., d.b.a Nubank


Aon Corporation


Work highlights


  • Representing Shutterfly Lifetouch LLC with various litigation matters against former employees and competitor in New York State Court and Connecticut and Minnesota federal courts involving claims of violations of restrictive covenants and trade secret misappropriation.
  • Defending JETNET in a trade secret dispute in Los Angeles Superior Court, asserting our own claims of hosting agreement and confidentiality.
  • Representing Nu Pagamentos S.A., known as Nubank, in a case in federal court against a former employee involving allegations of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and cybersquatting.

Ropes & Gray LLP

Ropes & Gray LLP‘s trade secrets practice has considerable experience handling the array of investigations and disputes at both state and Federal court level for its portfolio of clients. Team co-leads Steven Pepe and Peter Brody are based in New York and Washington DC respectively. Employment litigation specialist Douglas Brayley who is based at the firm’s Boston hub is a name to note, as is David Chun who splits his time between Silicon Valley and Seoul and has notable experience dealing with misappropriation disputes and the array of IP matters. Scott McKeown departed to Wolf Greenfield & Sacks in July 2023 from the DC office.

Practice head(s):

Steven Pepe; Peter Brody


Other key lawyers:

David Chun; Douglas Brayley


Key clients

Exactech, Inc.


XpandOrtho Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised and achieved a positive settlement for TPG portfolio company Exactech in multifaceted litigation against its direct competitor, Zimmer Biomet.

Steptoe & Johnson LLP

Steptoe LLP‘s trade secrets team stands-out for its ‘commercial nous’. Washington DC’s John Caracappa and Illinois-based Jay Nuttall co-head the practice, which is equipped to handle matters pertaining to the protection and recovery of trade secrets, as well as the avoidance of and defense against misappropriation, and the related obtaining of compensation. Boyd Cloern in Washington DC is noted as ‘the partner who always has your back when you need him’. Changes to the group include the departures of Timothy Bickham from the DC office in January 2023 and of Stephen Yang from the New York office in June 2023, both joined Dentons. Further Matthew Bathon left the DC office to an in-house role in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

John Caracappa; Jay Nuttall


Other key lawyers:

Boyd Cloern; Scott Richey; Kate Cappaert; Jordan Markham


Testimonials

‘An interdisciplinary team with strong technical backgrounds and commercial nous.’

‘Boyd Cloern is the standout partner who manages the IP team in Washington. For contentious matters, he has Stakhanovite capacity to digest technical detail, enabling him to think on his feet, and to anticipate the development of a dispute. He combines this with keen commercial awareness.’

‘Scott Richey is a notable team member – a trained physicist with extensive patent office experience.’

Key clients

Coda Development


Hytera Communications Corp. Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advised Chinese consumer electronics company in multi-year litigation in multiple courts and countries on $600m trade secret case.
  • Secured a $64m jury verdict for a self-inflating tire designer and manufacturer.
  • Representing solar panel manufacturers in a trade secret case related to the manufacturing processes.

Williams & Connolly LLP

The Washington DC hub of Williams & Connolly LLP houses its trade secrets group co-heads, Bryan Wilson who is focused on commercial litigation for both claimants and defendants and civil and criminal disputes expert Daniel Shanahan. Tech and software are the industry sectors of focus for the team which is well-placed to advise its clients on the range of matters, including alleged misappropriation, breaches of restrictive covenants including breaches of non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure. It represents its clients at both State and Federal court level.

Practice head(s):

C. Bryan Wilson; Daniel P. Shanahan


Key clients

ChemTreat, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Representing a water treatment subsidiary of a global conglomerate in ongoing federal and state court litigation brought by a competitor alleging violations of the Defend Trade Secrets Act and various state law claims.
  • Defended a client against allegations of trade secret theft, breach of contract, and patent infringement brought by a competitor, which alleged that our client’s principal tech and manufacturing process is based on or derived from that of the competitor.
  • Represented confidential client in trade secrets dispute arising out of the departure of a very senior executive from the client’s Asia-Pacific region.