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’.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘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.