North America - United States • Intellectual property
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Patents: litigation (full coverage)

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

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Praised by clients for fielding a team of ‘exceptionally talented and experienced’ trial lawyers, Kirkland & Ellis LLP has extensive experience handling patent infringement matters in the full range of litigation forums, with particular expertise in competitor disputes. Intellectual property litigator Gregory Arovas in New York is a ‘top notch lead counsel’ in patent disputes, trial lawyer Gregg LoCascio in Washington DC handles a varied caseload of IP and commercial litigation matters, and San Francisco-based lawyer Adam Alper specializes in patent and trade secret litigation. Also in New York, Robert Appleby focuses on intellectual property litigation and Todd Friedman handles disputes in the tech and medical devices sectors. The group also includes experienced trial lawyer James Hurst in Chicago, Austin-based Jeannie Heffernan, and Edward Donovan in Washington DC, who specializes in tech-related IP litigation. The Los Angeles team includes IP trial lawyer Michael De Vries and the ‘impressive’ Sharre Lotfollahi, who focuses on tech licensing disputes. Trial lawyer Brandon Brown in San Francisco, who specializes in high-tech patent disputes, is another name to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Kirkland & Ellis patent litigation practice is a team of exceptionally talented and experienced operators. They are sharp strategists, impressive advocates, trusted advisors and a safe pair of hands for complex 'bet-the-farm' proceedings.’

  • ‘Kirkland's patent litigation team is first rate. They carefully size up the case to devise and execute a winning strategy and work tirelessly to get the details right and be responsive to client concerns. Kirkland is the firm you want in your corner.’

  • ‘Greg Arovas is a top notch lead counsel; he has a knack for sizing up, simplifying, and summarizing strategy and is an excellent speaker and advocate.'

  • 'Todd Friedman, Robert Appleby, Luke Dauchot, and Brandon Brown are excellent strategists, writers, and oral advocates.’

  • 'Chris Lawless is a standout, up-and-coming young partner with talents in strategy and oral advocacy.’

  • ‘Garret Leach and Sharre Lotfollahi are truly impressive. Their ability to distil technical and complex concepts in simple terms is a testament to their considerable experience and deep understanding of patent litigation practice. They are always thinking leaps ahead, setting out clear strategies for a proceeding and executing those strategies with focus and tenacity.’

Key clients

  • AbbVie Inc.
  • Abbott Laboratories
  • Advanced Bionics
  • Biedermann Technologies
  • Boehringer Ingelheim USA
  • Eagle Pharmaceuticals
  • TCL Electronics Holdings Limited
  • Alcon Vision
  • Deere & Company
  • Intel Corporation
  • iRobot
  • Red Hat
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals
  • Sony Corporation of America
  • Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
  • Charter Communications
  • Comet Technologies
  • American Honda Motor Company
  • Motorola Solutions, Inc.
  • Omnitracs, LLC
  • Verizon Communications

Lawyers

Leading lawyers
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Adam Alper
Hall of fameKirkland & Ellis LLP
Adam Alper is in Kirkland’s intellectual property litigation group and handles significant disputes with respect to both asserting and defending intellectual property rights in cases involving patent, trade secret, copyright and antitrust claims, with a focus on large competitor v. competitor cases. Since 2018, Adam has secured over $2.1 billion in damages awards and settlements on behalf of his clients in IP litigations involving multi-national entities in the semiconductor, telecommunications, computer hardware and high-tech industries. Last year, Adam was named a Trials MVP of the Year by Law360, and has been recognized as a “Top Trade Secrets Lawyer” and a “Top IP Lawyer” by the Daily Journal.
Michael De Vries
Hall of fameKirkland & Ellis LLP
Michael De Vries is a nationally recognized IP trial lawyer with notable success handling complex, high-stakes trials both asserting and defending intellectual property rights involving especially technology-related patent, trade secret, and copyright claims, with a particular focus on large competitor v. competitor cases. Since 2019, Mike has secured over $2 billion in plaintiff jury verdicts for his clients in IP litigations, which include numerous multi-national entities in the semiconductor, telecommunications, computer hardware and software, and high-tech industries. Last year, Mike was named a “Trial MVP of the Year” by Law 360, and has been recognized as a “Top Trade Secrets Lawyer” and “Top IP Lawyer” by the Daily Journal.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Brandon Brown
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Brandon Brown is a trial lawyer, specializing in high-tech patent, trade secret, and copyright intellectual property litigation in U.S. Federal Courts and at the International Trade Commission. Brandon has successfully led and managed trial teams to jury and bench trial victories and is routinely recognized for his work in high-profile intellectual property matters. American Lawyer has twice named Brandon and his team “Litigators of the Week” for securing multi-hundred-million trial verdicts, highlighting Brandon’s ability to “adeptly present complex technical information” to a jury. The Legal 500 praised Brandon as a “rising star in IP litigation,” highlighting his “very smooth demeanor” and “excellent ability to question witnesses in the courtroom.” Super Lawyers also lists Brandon as a “Rising Star” and Benchmark Litigation lists Brandon as a “Future Star.”
Sharre Lotfollahi
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Sharre Lotfollahi is a partner in Kirkland & Ellis’ Intellectual Property Litigation Group and focuses on disputes involving patent, trade secret, trademark, and copyright, including licensing disputes regarding intellectual property. She has represented clients in disputes involving various areas of technology, including semiconductor manufacturing, microprocessor design, athlete tracking, online ad creation and customer service software, and medical devices and implants. Sharre has been a member of nine trial teams, including serving as a first-chair on two trials. At trial, Sharre has conducted direct and cross-examinations of fact and expert witnesses, including preparing witnesses on jury-related performance. She has argued numerous motions, including at trial, and managed numerous other trial activities. She successfully led a trial team on behalf of low-income tenants against slumlords in South Los Angeles. Sharre also advises clients on matters before the Patent and Trademark Office, contractual and licensing issues, and commercial legal strategy.

Other key lawyers

Gregory Arovas, Gregg LoCascio, Adam Alper, Robert Appleby, Todd Friedman, James Hurst, Jeannie Heffernan, Michael De Vries, Sharre Lotfollahi, Brandon Brown, Garret Leach, Luke Dauchot, Chris Lawless

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