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

Dentons‘ Washington DC-based practice is noteworthy for its trade secrets misappropriation work for a range of clients, with the firm’s global IP and technology chair Song Jung  a key name to note.
The team at Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. was bolstered by numerous significant arrivals in 2022, most notably that of trade secrets specialist partner Erik Weibust to the Boston office from Seyfarth Shaw LLP in March of that year.

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

Jones Day

Jones Day‘s practice is co-led by a multitude of specialists: San Diego-based head of the firm’s global trade secrets practice Randall Kay; LA-based Andrea Jeffries; Irvine-based Steven Zadravecz; Cary Sullivan and Nathaniel Garrett, both of whom are based in San Francisco; Pittsburgh-based James Kitchen; and Michael Oblon, who works from the Washington DC office. The team has a strong ability to handle high-stakes contentious matters both domestically and internationally, in addition to its non-contentious work in this area. The team’s client base covers multiple industry sectors, with a particular focus on technology and medical devices cases, notably currently representing MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. on a high-stakes cross-border matter involving complex protectability and misappropriation claims, with millions at stake.

Practice head(s):

Randall Kay; Andrea Jeffries; Steven Zadravecz; Cary Sullivan; Nathaniel Garrett; James Kitchen; Michael Oblon


Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Bennett; Koree Wooley


Key clients

MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.


Applied Medical Distribution Corporation


Micron Technology, Inc.


Experian Information Solutions, Inc.


Aegis Spine, Inc.


International Business Machines


Velodyne Lidar USA, Inc.


Be Green Packaging, LLC


Work highlights


  • Secured a winning jury verdict of misappropriation of trade secrets against a former high-ranking executive of Applied as well as his new employer.
  • Represented Micron Technology in its global trade secret dispute against Chinese and Taiwanese entities in the Northern District of California.
  • Acted for MedImpact as plaintiff in high-stakes international trade secret litigation pending in the Southern District of California.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

The ‘A-team’ at Kirkland & Ellis LLP offers a number of expert practitioners spanning the US, with significant experience across the offering in representing both plaintiff and defendant clients across a range of industry sectors, including automotive, pharmaceutical, chemical, real estate, aviation, energy and electronics, in complex trade secret disputes. A significant example of such work is the $40m victory the firm achieved in favor of Comet Technologies USA Inc, finding that its competitor, XP, wilfully misappropriated technologies owned and developed by the plaintiff. San Francisco’s Adam Alper, who is adept at litigating high-stakes, and the experienced Michael De Vries in Los Angeles were key representatives in the case. Other key names to note are the ‘creative-thinking’ LA-based Diana Torres, who is noted as going above and beyond’ for her clients, experienced litigator Joshua Simmons, and Dale Cendali, who frequently co-leads renowned clients on complex and high-value matters; both are New York-based.

Practice head(s):

Adam Alper; Michael De Vries; Gregg LoCascio; Dale Cendali; Claudia Ray; Diana Torres


Other key lawyers:

Gianni Cutri; Joshua Simmons


Testimonials

‘The A-Team that brings its A-game. All the lawyers, from senior partner to the most junior associate, are well-prepared, creative and strategic.’

‘With other firms, I find I often need to revisit a deliverable, refocus the team on the overlying business context or remind them of the agreed upon budgets, but not with K&E – they are professional from top to bottom; responsive, timely and the first to let me know if I am coming close to exceeding a budget. They also honor their flat fees.’

‘The differentiators of the team truly are: their competence, their creativity and their strategic approach.’

‘Diana Torres of K&E goes above and beyond to help her clients. In particular, she invests time in really learning the business of the company and its objectives, not just the business context of the immediate matter at hand. Not surprisingly, this translates to more effective strategies and better results for the company. Every matter she touches ends up with results that exceed expectations every time. In addition, she is fun to work with, brings the best lawyers to the team and is one of the most creative-thinking in the field.’

Key clients

Byrna Technologies


Comet Technologies


LivePerson, Inc.


Medidata Solutions


Motorola, Inc.


TriZetto and Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.


Latham & Watkins LLP

Chicago-based global chair of Latham & Watkins LLP‘s intellectual property litigation practice David Callahan co-leads its ‘top-notch’ trade secret offering alongside its vice-chairs, the San Diego-based Jennifer Barry , New York’s ‘very experienced’ Tony Sammi, and Jeff Homrig, who works from the Austin office. Sammi is experienced in leading on big-ticket cases for well-known corporations, with one key example the $1bn defense of Universal Alloy Corp. in a highly technical trade secret dispute. The team is adept in advising its varied client portfolio on the full scope of related matters, from the development of programs to protect trade secrets at their inception, to enforcing and defending complex claims. There is experience across the offering in providing advice to clients in the cybersecurity, travel, automotive, and financial services sectors, in particular. Douglas Lumish , based in San Francisco’s Bay Area, leads on some of the team’s most noteworthy matters, such as its work for Skyryse, Inc in defense of the allegation that they stole aviation-related sensitive data belonging to the US Federal Government. Illinois’ Matthew Walch is described as ‘one of the best trial lawyers anywhere’. 

Practice head(s):

David Callahan; Jennifer Barry; Tony Sammi; Jeff Homrig


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Walch; Douglas Lumish; Sean Berkowitz; Patricia Young


Testimonials

‘Top-notch responsiveness and great talent.’

‘Matthew Walch is one of the best trial lawyers anywhere.’

‘A high level of legal knowledge and practical experience in IP litigation.’

‘Tony Sammi is very experienced and is great in explaining complex matters and its legal implications in a clear manner to a client. He keeps focused on the key issues of a case and does not get lost in the details of a case. It is a real pleasure working with him and having him on one’s side of an IP litigation. He is also very hands-on and responsive.’

Key clients

XP Power


Universal Alloy Corp.


Peloton


CoStar


Skyryse


ArcLight Capital Partners LLC


Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. and Scilex Pharmaceuticals Inc.


ACE Battery


Shenzhen Senior Technology Material


BBB Industries, LLC


Nemera Buffalo Grove LLC, Nemera Insight Chicago, LLC, Nemera La Verpillière SAS


Vade


O'Melveny & Myers LLP

O'Melveny & Myers LLP’s practice, which has substantial presence across the East and West coast, has experience in representing its high-profile client portfolio on relevant matters in relation to employment, IP, and white-collar crime, and is headed from its Los Angeles office by Ryan Yagura. San Francisco’s David Almeling has a strong reputation for his broad expertise, shared by Darin Snyder, who works at the same office; both partners notably represented CareCentrix in a novel case involving market for home healthcare management solutions, wherein the claimant was asserting misappropriation against a former general manager of the company. The team’s focus spans various industry sectors, given its representation of key companies across the hospitality, transportation, software and financing sectors. Silicon Valley-based partner Eric Amdursky is experienced in leading on big ticket matters, an example being his defense of Zum Services Inc. in a misappropriation case wherein the plaintiff is seeking $300m.

Practice head(s):

Ryan Yagura


Other key lawyers:

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


Key clients

Agilent Technologies


Artifex Software, Inc.


CareCentrix, Inc.


Elasticsearch Inc.


Endo International, plc


JHL Biotech, Inc.


Oasis West Realty LLC


Par Pharmaceutical, Inc.


Semtech Corporation


Zum Services, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Represented CareCentrix, one of the leading providers of management services for home healthcare benefits, in trade secrets litigation involving the fiercely competitive market for home healthcare management solutions.
  • Represented Oasis West Realty, Inc., the developer of the Beverly Hills Waldorf Hotel, and its CEO, Beny Alagem, in a trade secrets case involving players in the Beverly Hills luxury hotel space.
  • Defeated an application for a temporary restraining order and secured other successes for Zum Services, Inc in a trade secret litigation filed by First Student, Inc.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

The New York office at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is the base for its trade secret practice heads Rachel Epstein and Todd Anten, who lead a team well-equipped to represent both plaintiffs and defendants spanning a multitude of industry sectors in high-stakes, and consistently high-value disputes, an example being its successful representation of Proofpoint, Inc wherein they were awarded $14m in compensatory damages. In a further demonstration of its litigation prowess, the firm represented Regor Therapeutics and two of its founders in a cross-jurisdictional lawsuit brought by Pfizer, alleging that the company made unauthorized use of trade secrets relating to the treatment of diabetes. Carey Ramos, based in New York and Hong Kong, focuses on cross-border, disputes, media and technology-related matters, while Silicon Valley’s Rachel Herrick Kassabian represents well-known internet businesses and tech start-ups, in particular.

Practice head(s):

Rachel Epstein; Todd Anten


Other key lawyers:

Carey Ramos; Rachel Herrick Kassabian


Key clients

Proofpoint, Inc.


NantWorks


Primer Technologies


Wisk Aero


Snail Games USA Inc. and Wildcard Properties LLC


Regor Therapeutics Inc.


International Business Machines Corporation, IBM World Trade Corporation, and IBM China Company Limited


IBM


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.
  • Representing Wisk Aero 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 Qilu 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.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

From its Los Angeles hub, Ilissa Samplin leads the practice at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, which has a strong reputation for its capabilities representing high-profile corporate and individual clients, both plaintiffs and defendants, across the media, entertainment, and technology industries in particular. The team has a strong national reach with offices across California, New York, Washington DC and Texas. Particularly standout work includes its upheld its appellate victory for Amrock in a matter worth $706m, wherein appeal was rejected by the Texas Supreme Court. Further, its representation of the founders and early employees of Tinder in the high-profile trade secrets matter which is one of the largest to go to trial in the history of the technology industry,  wherein the defendants agreed to pay $441m of the $2bn claimed to settle the litigation; partner Orin Snyder, who works in the New York office, led on this matter.

Practice head(s):

Ilissa Samplin


Other key lawyers:

Mark Reiter; Brian Rosenthal; Orin Snyder


Greenberg Traurig LLP

Dividing his time between San Francisco and Sacramento, Kurt Kappes co-leads Greenberg Traurig LLP‘s sizeable practice alongside Denver-based Naomi Beer and James Boudreau, who works from the Philadelphia office. The team is well-equipped to represent its diverse portfolio of clients on the full gamut of trade secret-related complex litigious matters. It has particularly standout skills handling cases for both plaintiffs and defendants in employment-related matters wherein a breach of contract, non-solicitation or non-compete has allegedly been breached or misappropriated, a key example being its representation of Symphony Risk Solutions in a high-value case which involved complex restrictive covenant agreements. Shareholder and trade secret litigation specialist Gregory Bombard joined the Boston office from Duane Morris LLP in July 2022. Katie Molloy is a name to note in the team, with a focus on trade secret and restrictive covenant litigation.

Practice head(s):

Kurt Kappes; Naomi Beer; James Boudreau


Other key lawyers:

David Bloch; Gregory Bombard; Galit Kierkut; Katie Molloy


Key clients

Medtronic


NewAge, Inc.


Yahoo!


Kretek International, Dryft Sciences, The Art Factory, and TillCe


Symphony Risk Solutions


FACC Operations GmbH


America II Electronics LLC


TriNet USA


Fanli Inc.


West Coast Medical Resources


D&H Distributing


Work highlights


  • Represented Fanli Inc. in a breach of contract, fraud, misappropriation of trade secrets and intellectual property cases.
  • Represented Symphony Risk Solutions in several restrictive covenant matters, both to enforce and to defend against claims that employees breached their restrictive covenants, including non-solicitation agreements and non-compete agreements.
  • Represented five D & H Distributing executives in Pinellas County, Florida calling for injunctive relief to enforce restrictive covenants,  misappropriation of trade secrets, tortious interference with contractual business relationships and further such claims.

Morrison Foerster

The team at Morrison Foerster, noted for its ‘deep knowledge and real experience’ of trade secrets, has global intellectual litigation co-chairs San Francisco-based Richard Hung, LA-based Bita Rahebi and Washington DC’s Mark Whitaker, alongside trade secrets group co-leads Kenneth Kuwayti and Bryan Wilson ,who both work from the Palo Alto office, at its helm. January 2023 marked the merging of the firm with Durie Tangri LLP, which resulted in the significant additions to the San Francisco office of partner and specialist technology and life sciences litigator Daralyn Durie; experienced trade secrets attorney with a strong client portfolio Ragesh Tangri; experienced high-stakes litigator with a technology focus Tim Saulsbury; Eugene Novikov who has experience in relevant technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies cases; and Eric Wiener who is experienced in representing high-profile clients in high-value cases. The team has particular expertise in technology-related high-stakes work across industry sectors for renowned clients, notably representing Walmart in a matter concerning the alleged misappropriation of technology used for Walmart Pay.


Practice head(s):

Richard Hung; Bita Rahebi; Mark Whitaker; Kenneth Kuwayti; Bryan Wilson


Other key lawyers:

Arturo González; Eric Tate; Daralyn Durie; Ragesh Tangri; Tim Saulsbury; Eugene Novikov; Eric Wiener


Testimonials

‘Deep knowledge and real experience.’

‘Ken Kuwayti and Bryan Wilson are experts on the law, strategic, and expert in execution.’

Key clients

Archer Aviation


AROA Biosurgery Limited


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


RoadSync Inc.


Snap-on, Inc.


Teradata Corp.


Walmart Inc.


Work highlights


  • Defended the National Institute of Aviation Research successfully at Wichita State University (NIAR) in a trade secret case filed in the U.S. District Court for Southern District of California.
  • Defending 17 former Wisk Aero (“Wisk”) employees who now work at Archer in a high-profile, bet-the-company trade secret misappropriation cases brought by Wisk.
  • Representing Walmart in a case filed by Fintiv alleging the misappropriation of trade secrets relating to Walmart’s mobile payment technology, including Walmart Pay, one of the leading mobile payment applications in the United States.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

The ‘highly competent and technical’ interdisciplinary team at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP has a particular specialism in trade secret matters involving employee mobility, with a notable example the team’s representation of ExamWorks Group Inc., wherein multiple employee defendants have been accused of misappropriating confidential data. Expertise in developing technologies is evident across the team. It has a strong reputation for its abilities handling work involving the misappropriation of trade secrets and the enforcement of non-competition and non-solicitation agreements. Its client portfolio consists of such notable names as Microsoft and McDonald’s Corporation, alongside other major businesses in a wide range of industries. Leading the team are Boston-based Sheryl Garko, Silicon Valley’s ‘top class’ Amy Van Zant, New York-based James McQuade, and experienced litigator Catherine Lui, who is based in San Francisco.


Practice head(s):

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


Other key lawyers:

Rob Shwarts


Testimonials

‘Orrick’s people are highly competent and technical. They were all personable and sensitive to our specific case. We had a very diverse team and things were always seamless, regardless of who was involved. They were always on top of all the issues and always prepared. They also prepared us appropriately for what was coming next.’

‘Amy Van Zant is top class. She was always available and present for whatever we needed. She was one of the top lawyers I have ever worked with. She is incredibly technical and experienced, and her style is so contemporary. She felt like an extension of our team, not like have a third party involved.’

Key clients

Microsoft


ExamWorks


PCF Insurance Services


Duetto Research


McDonald’s Corporation


ADATA Technology Co.


Fisker Inc.


Paul Hastings LLP

Washington DC-based Naveen Modil leads the practice at Paul Hastings LLP alongside New York's Bruce Wexler and Eric Dittmann , with the team handling a range of complex work for its clients, which include Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and TikTok, frequently acting on cross-jurisdictional matters of significant complexity. A key example of such is its representation of EVRYTHNG Limited, wherein it is righting the company’s footing in an ongoing dispute worth $100m involving trade secret misappropriation, breach of contract, fraud, patent and trademark infringement, and IPR proceedings. Jeff Pade is a key member of the team, leading on many of its highest profile matters, which includes obtaining a victory for Daiichi Sankyo in the AAA Arbitration in a matter regarding contention around innovative biotech drugs. LA-based partner Jennifer Baldocchi, described as ‘a truly impressive attorney with good instincts’, is a name to note, as is New York’s Victoria Cundiff.


Practice head(s):

Bruce Wexler; Naveen Modi; Eric Dittmann


Other key lawyers:

Victoria Cundiff; Jeff Pade; Jennifer Baldocchi; Elizabeth Minoofar; James Brown


Testimonials

‘Our case has moved quickly but the team was able to come in, learn, and successfully defend multiple motions and a TRO. They incorporated our preferences at a rapid and impressive rate.’

‘Jennifer Baldocchi has the ability to focus on details while still shaping the bigger picture. Truly an impressive attorney with good instincts.’

‘Elizabeth Minoofar is very efficient and has the quickest turnaround of deliverables I have ever seen from any attorney. She is flexible and responsive to any requests we may have.’

Key clients

EVRYTHNG Limited (now Digimarc)


Bloom Energy


Zimmer Biomet


DivX LLC


Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Samsung Electronics America, Inc.


TikTok and ByteDance


Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd


Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation


Aeldra Financial, Inc.; Sukeert Shanker; Venkat Gopalakrishnan


CareDx, Inc.


Coincident Capital GP, LLC and Coincident Management, LLC


Dendreon Pharmaceuticals, LLC


Core Financial Partners, Inc.


Cisco Systems, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Represented Daiichi Sankyo successfully in AAA arbitrations in a matter currently proceeding to a determination of whether Daiichi Sankyo should be awarded its reasonable costs and attorney fees as the prevailing party.
  • Represented EVRYTHNG Limited in a substantial, multi-district dispute involving trade secret misappropriation, breach of contract, fraud, patent infringement, trademark infringement, and IPR proceedings.
  • Represented Samsung in a complex, multi-faceted IP dispute, involving claims under the DTSA and Illinois Trade Secrets Act, as well as breach of contract and patent infringement claims.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

The trade secrets offering at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, noted as providing a ‘high-quality service’,  is experienced in the handling of complex matters domestically and internationally, representing a broad array of high-profile clients on high-stakes trade secrets matters, wherein it advises on identification, qualification and classification of trade secrets as well as litigating complex cases. A noteworthy example is the team’s representation of Karma Automotive LLC in the multi-faceted case involving alleged misappropriation by Lordstown Motors Corp. Chicago-based specialist in cutting-edge tech, electric vehicle and remote storage matters, Michael Wexler co-leads the cohort alongside Los Angeles-based Robert Milligan , who has a particular focus on data theft and protection disputes, and Boston-based Katherine Perrelli , who is a skilled litigator and leader on some of the team’s most notable matters. The ‘absolutely amazing’ Boston-based Dawn Mertineit consistently acts on key matters, particularly involving tech and electronics, whilst Houston’s Jesse Coleman frequently advises on risk management as well as litigation. LA’s Joshua Salinas is a key name to note, while Gary Friedman joined the New York office 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; Gary Friedman


Testimonials

‘High-quality of service, very responsive and very quick turn around. Also very friendly.’

‘Dawn Mertineit is absolutely amazing; super friendly, sharp and clear, she provides a high-quality of work and service.’

‘The Seyfarth team effectively communicated the issues of our case as well as multiple options for resolution in a clear and concise way which allowed our company to make informed and timely decisions. The Seyfarth team was very efficient with their communications and recommendations which allowed us to make decisions and to prioritize appropriately.’

‘Dawn Mertineit and James Yu were easy to work with. They were respectful of time and communicated in an effective and efficient manner. They possessed the necessary business acumen to not only provide meaningful guidance but also to appreciate and value our time.’

Key clients

Stryker Corporation


Karma Automotive


Capstone Logistics, Inc.


SeneGence International, Inc.


Whittier Trust Company


Panda Restaurant Group


LG


Lonza Houston, Inc.


OnPrem/Qvest


US Foods


Work highlights


  • Represented Karma Automotive in a major trade secret matters in the United States involving electric vehicle technology against a competitor and former employees related to various claims including the misappropriation of trade secrets.
  • Represented Capstone Logistics, Inc. in a trade secret and non-compete dispute involving several former executives who misappropriated valuable logistics software.
  • Represented 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

The multi-faceted team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has capabilities across employment, commercial litigation, patent litigation, technology, & IP, allowing it to advise on the full array of related trade secret matters, including litigation in a number of key states. The firm is noted for its strong tech focus, with standout work in the space for key clients such as Apollo Management. John Barry in New York co-heads the team alongside Dallas-based Paul Genender, Silicon Valley’s Bambo Obaro, who has expertise in employee mobility-related trade secret work often international in nature, and Boston-based Patrick O’TooleCeline Chan has significant expertise in employment-oriented work and restricted covenant matters. New York-based litigation partner Nicholas Pappas departed in October 2022. Gary Friedman left the firm in February 2024.


Practice head(s):

John Barry; Paul Genender; Bambo Obaro; Patrick O’Toole


Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Sivitz; Celine Chan


Key clients

Ascential


Schindler Elevator


Marsh McLennan


Apollo Management


Semarchy


Visa


Nexa Equity


Kroll Inc.


Pioneer Metal Finishing


Work highlights


  • Representing Ascential, a B2B information and data analytics company, in high-stakes litigation in Maryland federal court.
  • Representing Schindler Elevator Corporation in a litigation involving a multistate lift-out of Schindler’s senior executives from industry competitor Elevated Technologies and misappropriation of Schindler’s trade secrets and other confidential information.

BakerHostetler

BakerHostetler‘s team is headed by New York-based national labor and employment group chair Amy Traub and founding chair of the Trade Secrets Committee of the New York City Bar Association John Siegal, alongside employment specialist Joyce Ackerbaum Cox from Orlando. Siegal notably led on the firm’s successful representation of FTI Consulting in a $65m trade secrets case. The practice also handles commercial disputes involving copyright infringement, trade secrets and confidential proprietary business information in high-stakes and high-profile matters, particularly those involving employment, with a key example its representation of national law firm Polsinelli PC in a case brought by international law firm Littler PC. San Francisco-based partner Chardaie Charlemagne is one to watch.

Practice head(s):

Amy Traub; John Siegal; Joyce Ackerbaum Cox


Other key lawyers:

Scott McIntyre; Chardaie Charlemagne


Key clients

FTI Consulting


Polsinelli, PC


Sysco Corporation


Huron Consulting


Work highlights


  • Represented FTI Consulting in a long-running, bet-the-company contract and tort case in the Business Litigation Section of the Superior Court of Massachusetts in Boston, alleging that Berkeley Research Group, a competitor, unlawfully destroyed FTI’s Boston-based corporate finance practice by inducing breaches of noncompete and non-solicitation agreements and fiduciary duties and engaging in unfair business practices.
  • Representing Huron Consulting in a noncompete and raiding litigation against Jay Laabs, Spaulding Ridge and others for their breaches of restrictive covenants in a merger agreement and employment agreements plus related tortious conduct.
  • Representing Sysco Corporation in a lawsuit in Harris County District Court to enforce the restrictive covenants agreed to by the former General Manager of Sysco’s worldwide European Imports business.

Beck Reed Riden LLP

The ‘incredibly effective’ Boston-based boutique Beck Reed Riden LLP, known for its ‘well-informed counseling and tenacious litigation’ is headed by Russell Beck, who is described as ‘one of, if not the most prominent thought leader in this area’. The firm focuses its practice on trade secret and non-compete work for its market-spanning client list, including such well-known companies as Staples, Inc.. It has a particular specialism in counseling and litigating on misappropriation cases involving employee hire and departures. Co-founder of the firm and notable litigator Stephen Riden is a name to note, as is the ‘talented’ Nicole Daly. Senior counsel Sarah Tishler, who specialises in trade secrets, restrictive covenants, and employee mobility work joined the team in August 2022 from Williams Simons & Landis PLC.


Practice head(s):

Russell Beck


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Riden; Nicole Daly; Heather Krauss; Sara Tishler; Hannah Joseph


Testimonials

‘Russell Beck is one of the most prominent, if not the most prominent thought leader in this area. No one knows the area of restrictive covenant law and legislation better than him.’

‘Beck Reed Riden’s knowledge, experience and reputation in trade secrets disputes makes them unique.’

‘Russell Beck and his team are incredibly effective, efficient and they get results.’

‘BRR’s team are excellent listeners who help think through practical solutions. They live the matter with you, and lead with common sense approaches.’

‘The firm has particular expertise in providing thoughtful, well-informed counseling and tenacious litigation where needed in connection with the movement of high-value employees to and from competitors. The firm is up-to-the minute on the law and draws on deep courtroom experience, making it ready to assess and strategize on almost every matter that may arise. They’ve likely seen it and solved it before and thought of many potential strategies in advance.’

‘The firm is justifiably well-known for its work in educating businesses on navigating key issues in not only Massachusetts, but far more generally. Its team draw upon a nationwide network of experienced lawyers with whom it can partner when appropriate in an unfamiliar court. It has also built a loyal, talented following of associates as well as the principal partners.’

‘Russell Beck is a standout for his in-depth knowledge, practical experience, and personable demeanor. His commitment to the field enables him to deliver well-reasoned advice extremely efficiently. He and his partners have hired and mentored a talented team, including on general employment issues.’

‘Nicole Daly is talented, on departing employee matters, Heather Krauss and Sara Tishler. They all provide extremely user-friendly advice.’

Key clients

Staples, Inc.


Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation


Vontier Corporation


Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.


Entegris, Inc.


Anaqua, Inc.


Blue-Grace Logistics LLC


Ideal Image, Inc.


UG2 LLC


Commvault Systems, Inc.


Bay Equity LLC


Alegeus Technologies, LLC


Work highlights


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

Cooley LLP

From its San Diego office, litigation head Michael Attanasio leads the trade secrets team at Cooley LLP which has bicoastal presence, and represents noteworthy clients across a broad range of industry sectors, including life sciences, technology and luxury goods. A noteworthy example of the team’s recent work is its representation of Cartier in its high-profile claim against Tiffany & Co. regarding the alleged misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of employment contracts, led by New York-based commercial litigator Ian Shapiro.

Practice head(s):

Michael Attanasio


Other key lawyers:

Michael Sheetz; Adam Gershenson; Ian Shapiro


Key clients

Richemont North America, Inc (Cartier)


Vector Flow


Rappi


Lunan Pharmaceuticals


Pie Insurance


Liquidia Technologies


Saleo


Thrasio Holdings


Medical Technology Associates


Work highlights


  • Represents Cartier in its prosecution of a claim against Tiffany & Co. and two former Cartier employees now employed there, for alleged trade secret misappropriation, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of the employee’s employment contracts.

Goodwin

Goodwin has a presence on both coasts, with San Francisco-based Koray Bulut, Silicon Valley-based Andrew Ong, New York-based Albert Solecki and Boston-based Mark Tully leading the interdisciplinary team, which is able to handle the full spectrum of trade secret matters, including those involving employment, cybersecurity and criminal litigation. It is adept at advising clients ranging from well-known companies and start-ups to individual employees, particularly on mobility cases. Silicon Valley-based partner Neel Chatterjee has particular expertise in high-stakes technology work while San Francisco’s Brett Schuman is noted particularly for his work representing Rivian Automotive, Inc against Tesla. Counsel Jeremy Lateiner, also in San Francisco, is one to watch, developing his specialism in the field of employee mobility and competitor disputes.

Practice head(s):

Koray Bulut; Andrew Ong; Albert Solecki; Mark Tully


Other key lawyers:

Neel Chatterjee; Brett Schuman; Andrew Ong; Jennifer Fisher; Jeremy Lateiner


Key clients

Rivian Automotive, Inc


Alphonso


Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI)


Central Coast Agriculture


EpicentRx


HackerX


HOPCo Intermediate Holdings, Inc. and HOPCo Group Holdings, L.P.


JBF Interlude 2009 Ltd. and Interlude U.S. d/b/a eko


Keysight Technologies


Kiva Brands


PCI Holdings LLC (and its subsidiary Pal)


Purple Innovation, LLC


Step Mobile


Work highlights


  • Representing Rivian Automotive and several former Tesla employees that were hired by Rivian, in a matter brought by Tesla wherein they allege the former employees misappropriated trade secrets and breached employment agreements.
  • Represented Assessment Technologies Institute (“ATI”), a leading provider of review materials to nursing schools in a lawsuit ATI filed against a former student, asserting alleged copyright infringement, trade secret misappropriation, and breach of contract.
  • Representing EpicentRx Inc., a clinical stage drug and device company that focuses on cancer therapies, in a trade secret dispute against Prothex, a clinical stage pharmaceutical company.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

The team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is co-led by Louis Beardell ,who works from the Philadelphia office and Silicon Valley-based Dion Bregman, heading up up an offering featuring specialists in litigation, antitrust and employment that frequently pursues misappropriation claims for both plaintiffs and defendants at both state and federal level, often in cross-border contexts. There is a focus on trade secrets matters in relation to employee mobility, which is Century City, California’s Debra Fischer ‘s area of expertise, with standout work in the space for Allianz Insurance Services. At the same office, Seth Gerber is also a partner to note. Notable additions to the team include partner and experienced trade secrets litigator Molly Terwilliger who joined the Washington DC office from Calfo Eakes in June 2022; partner and patent specialist Manita Rawat to the Silicon Valley office from Duane Morris LLP in September 2022; and IP counselor and litigator Meaghan Kent to the Washington DC team from Venable LLP in October 2022.



Practice head(s):

Louis Beardell; Dion Bregman


Other key lawyers:

Debra Fischer; Seth Gerber; Joshua Dalton; Molly Terwilliger; Manita Rawat; Meaghan Kent


Key clients

Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.


Hong Kong uCloudlink Network Technology Limited


Aon Risk Services Companies, Inc.


SpotOn Transact, LLC


Work highlights


  • Represented uCloudlink in defense of trade secret counterclaims filed, which concluded that the counterclaimants failed to allege a plausible conspiracy theory to misappropriate trade secrets in China from a Chinese company.
  • Led the successful defense of claims for breach of contract and trade secret misappropriation arising from the departure of insurance professionals from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to join Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
  • Represented SpotOn and three former Toast employees in allegations all stemming from the individual defendants’ previous employment with Toast and then-current employment at SpotOn, wherein a confidential settlement agreement was reached.

Nixon Peabody LLP

The practice at Nixon Peabody LLP is noted for its ability to represent its clients as they ‘navigate uncharted waters’, with Boston and New York-based trade secret and restrictive covenant expert Matthew McLaughlin co-leading the team with the Chicago-based Laura Bacon, who specializes in labor, employment and litigation in particular. It has strong capabilities assisting clients from start-ups to nationally recognized companies, in safeguarding against trade secrets as well as litigious matters of this nature. Chicago-based partner Richard Tilghman, who ’embodies the true partner approach’, is a key name to note, while specialist labor and employment litigation partners Richard Frey and David Prager both joined the Los Angeles office from Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. in March 2022.

Practice head(s):

Matthew McLaughlin; Laura Bacon


Other key lawyers:

Richard Tilghman; Robert Weikert; Richard Frey; David Prager


Testimonials

‘As a start-up, we hit unexpected litigation from a former employer. The Nixon Peabody team was so thorough and detailed from the very beginning and built trust as advisors with every conversation. Not knowing what to expect, they walked us through every step in a way that helped us understand all potential outcomes. They were reassuring yet realistic about how it might play out.’

‘The whole team were total professionals; true counselors in every sense of the word. They provided personable guidance, direction and coaching, and we felt like we were their only client. Attention-to-detail and preparedness gave us a sense of security as we navigated uncharted waters and an uncertain outcome.’

‘Richard Tilghman was on-point for us and he embodies the true partner approach, never wavering in his support and his push for the most beneficial outcome.’

Key clients

Gameloft


PeopleFlo Manufacturing, Inc.


Shutterfly Lifetouch LLC


Validity Inc.


250ok, Inc.


Lifetime Brands, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Represented Gameloft, a mobile game developer, in a suit alleging copyright infringement, trade secret misappropriation, and other claims relating to the development of digital cars used in mobile video games.
  • Representing 250ok, Inc. in a lawsuit against a former reseller and competitor alleging misappropriation of trade secrets under the Delaware Uniform Trade Secrets Act, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment, in connection with its development of a competing product.
  • Representing Shutterfly Lifetouch LLC in litigation against former employees and a competitor in school photography industry alleging claims arising from the employees’ misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of restrictive covenant obligations, breach of fiduciary duty, and tortious interference with contractual relationships.

Winston & Strawn LLP

The team at Winston & Strawn LLP is noted for its ability to ‘think outside the box to develop practical and actionable solutions’ for clients’ trade secrets issues, with a combination of intellectual property, labour, and litigation expertise noted across the team. The team handles high-value work, a noteworthy example being the $100m victory for Versata Software Inc. against Ford Motor Company wherein it was ruled trade secrets had been misappropriated. Los Angeles-based David Enzminger , Houston-based Sheryl Falk , and Steven Grimes , who is based in Chicago, are at the head of the practice.

Practice head(s):

David Enzminger; Sheryl Falk; Steven Grimes


Testimonials

‘The team understands the value, protective expectations and requirements, as well as the investigative steps and methodologies around trade secrets and intellectual property.’

‘Partners are well-versed in legal requirements and think outside the box to develop practical and actionable solutions to issues.’

Key clients

Versata Software, Inc.


EasyShip, Inc.


SSI (US), Inc. d/b/a Spencer Stuart


Work highlights


  • Secured a significant trial victory for Versata Software against the Ford Motor Company in a trade secrets case.
  • Secured a favorable settlement for EasyShip, Inc. in a breach of contract action filed by plaintiff IPS Logistix, LLC regarding EasyShip’s use of a certain warehouse management system software.
  • Representing Spencer Stuart in a lawsuit against Korn Ferry and a senior Korn Ferry executive, alleging that Korn Ferry unlawfully raided one of Spencer Stuart’s offices of its trade secrets, clients, and employees.

ArentFox Schiff

ArentFox Schiff‘s practice is led by specialists spanning the US, including Washington DC-based Linda Jackson, New York-based Alexander Spiegler, the ‘invaluable and trusted advisor’ Matthew Prewitt, who works from the team’s Chicago office, Boston’s Nicholas Nesgos and Los Angeles-based Allan Anderson. With experience across departments in intellectual property, labor and employment, white-collar crime and litigation, the trade secrets offering advises clients on the full array of matters, from NDAs and trade secret audits to restrictive covenants and non-compete provisions, with a focus on work involving employee mobility and complex misappropriation litigation therein. Chicago’s Adam Diederich, who focuses on resolving complex commercial disputes concerning confidential information, is a noteworthy attorney in the team.

Practice head(s):

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


Other key lawyers:

Adam Diederich


Testimonials

‘ArentFox has become a trusted advisor to our executive team beyond our litigation matters.’

‘Matthew Prewitt is an invaluable and trusted advisor to my company. He is professional and operates with integrity.’

Key clients

Bunnett & Company, Inc. and Energy Feeds International, LLC


PSSI Food Safety Solutions


Action Gypsum Supply, LP


CDS Moving Equipment


Optimal Facility Management Services, LLC


Prime Marketing


Work highlights


  • Represented Bunnett & Company, Inc. and Energy Feeds International, LLC in a multi-year, multi-forum litigation since 2015 when their general manager resigned without warning, and key suppliers terminated their agreements and entered the market in direct competition.
  • Successfully represented Prime Marketing its founders, who were sued by their former employer after leaving employment and starting their online lead generation business.

Baker Botts L.L.P.

New York-based Robert Scheinfeld and Dallas-based Christa Brown-Sanford lead Baker Botts L.L.P.‘s trade secrets team alongside David Wille, also in Dallas, who is the firm-wide chair of the practice, which has a strong record in representing both plaintiffs and defendants in matters of significant value for such notable clients as MasterCard International Inc., for whom it secured an appellate victory in the New York state court. The team has expertise in high-profile matters of employee mobility, a key example being its victory for Dril-Quip Inc. in its allegations that a former employee misappropriated trade secrets regarding subsea tree systems, a suit with a value of $35m. IP partner Paul Morico, based in Houston, acts on many of the team’s most notable cases, while Washington DC’s Katharine Burke has a strong intellectual property specialism.


Practice head(s):

Robert Scheinfeld; Christa Brown-Sanford; David Wille


Other key lawyers:

Paul Morico; Katharine Burke


Key clients

Dril-Quip, Inc.


Utex Industries


DXC Technology Company


Mastercard International Incorporated


Solar Turbines Incorporated and Solar Turbines Slovakia s.r.o. (collectively, “Solar Turbines”)


Dug Technology Limited


Ernst & Young


KPMG LLP


Hyper Wear Inc.


Dell Inc.


The John Wood Group PLC


Exterran Energy Solutions L.P.


Work highlights


  • Secured a major victory for client Dril-Quip, Inc. in a lawsuit filed by FMC Technologies, Inc. in the 127th District Court of Harris County, alleging misappropriation of trade secrets.
  • Representing Utex Industries in lawsuits between competitors in the oil field products industry.
  • Represented Mastercard in New York state court in a case brought by Linkable Networks, Inc. asserting breach of contract, trade secret misappropriation, misappropriation of ideas, unfair competition, unjust enrichment and tortious interference with prospective business relations.

Baker McKenzie LLP

Bradford Newman, who works from Baker McKenzie LLP‘s Palo Alto office, chairs the team, which works closely the firm’s employment and litigation teams in particular on high-value disputes. A significant example of its workload is its victory in the defense of MM Enterprises USA LLC against its former CFO, a high-profile and cross-border matter led by Chicago-based employment specialist William Dugan.

Practice head(s):

Bradford Newman


Other key lawyers:

Mark Taylor; William Dugan


Key clients

DFINITY


Thermo Fisher Scientific


MM Enterprises USA LLC


Regeneron


Acorns


Work highlights


  • Advising DFINITY Foundation on a wide spectrum of mission critical legal and regulatory matters involving data protection and trade secrets.
  • Represented Acorns Advisors LLC successfully, securing a complete dismissal at summary judgment of a nine-figure dispute regarding the alleged sharing of confidential ideas related to complex algorithmic investing with Acorns that Acorns later used.
  • Defended MM Enterprises USA LLC successfully in LA Superior Court in a suit in which the former Chief Financial Officer of MedMen sought damages in excess of $100m.

Brown Rudnick LLP

Prominent New York-based intellectual property practitioner and head of the firm’s IP litigation group Ian DiBernardo leads Brown Rudnick LLP‘s trade secrets team, which has strong capabilities handling strategic matters for its clients who span such industries as tech, biotech, software and finance, with a view to protecting and maintaining their trade secrets. In addition, the team investigates and litigates in high-value contentious situations. Jason Sobel, also based in the New York office, is a key name to note, frequently acting in collaboration with DiBernado on  the team’s most notable work.


Practice head(s):

Ian DiBernardo


Other key lawyers:

Jason Sobel


Testimonials

Relatable and reliable.

Key clients

UKG, Inc. (fka Ultimate Software Group, Inc.)


Mitsubishi Chemical Company, Inc.


Nomura Holding America, Inc., and Nomura Securities International Inc.


Secada Medical LLC (d/b/a Ventris Medical)


Richards Manufacturing


En Pointe Technologies Sales, LLC


Work highlights


  • Acted for UKG in trade secret and corporate raiding litigation brought by ADP, and a trade secret litigation and software license dispute brought by ADP-owned MasterTax.
  • Representing Richards Manufacturing in the protection of its own technology via trade secret protection, and overseeing the creation of a robust patent portfolio.
  • Represented Nomura Holding America, Inc. and Nomura Securities International Inc. in connection with negotiation of various licenses and other agreements relating to trading platforms, market/trading data, and related financial services.

DLA Piper LLP (US)

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s team is headed by Silicon Valley-based intellectual property and tech specialist Rajiv Dharnidharka , Chicago-based Paul Steadman , who leads on many of the team’s most noteworthy cases, and experienced litigator Leon Medzhibovsky, who works from the New York office. Working for clients ranging from Nike to Trilogy 5G, the practice is well-versed in handling trade secret matters with significant values at stake, frequently involving alleged misappropriation by former employees.

Practice head(s):

Rajiv Dharnidharka; Paul Steadman; Leon Medzhibovsky


Other key lawyers:

Jeanette Barzelay


Key clients

Nike


Grant Industries


Ripple Labs


Trilogy 5G / Trinity Broadcasting Network


Myia Labs


SureClinical


Work highlights


  • Representing Trilogy 5G in claims related to the termination of its former CEO in Texas state court and in arbitration, resulting in Trilogy 5G obtaining a TRO, preliminary injunction, permanent injunction, and related relief to prevent the use of its trade secret materials.
  • Representing Ripple Labs against Creditcare Technology Corporation and two of its former employees, in the San Francisco Superior Court of California, for alleged trade secret misappropriation and related torts, claiming $100m.

McGuireWoods LLP

McGuireWoods LLP‘s offering is co-led by David Finkelson from its Richmond office and experienced high-stakes trial lawyer Yasser Madriz from its Houston base. The team represents well-known clients such as Vans Inc in high-value matters for both claimants and defendants involving alleged trade secret misappropriation, breaches of contract, tortious interference, and breaches of fiduciary duties between employees and employers. Houston-based Meghaan Madriz is a key partner to note in the team, with significant experience defending employers in complex litigation, arbitration and administrative proceedings.

Practice head(s):

David Finkelson; Yasser Madriz


Other key lawyers:

Meghaan Madriz


Testimonials

‘Yasser Madriz and Meghaan Madriz are noteworthy team members.’

Key clients

Vans, Inc.


Lexington Home Brands


Surfshark Ltd.


McGuireWoods Pro Bono Clients


Ropes & Gray LLP

New-York based IP litigation specialist Steven Pepe co-leads the team at Ropes & Gray LLP alongside head of false advertising, copyright, trademarks and trade secrets Peter Brody, who works from the Washington DC office. David Chun , who divides his time between San Francisco and Seoul, has significant experience handling trade secret misappropriation cases in particular, and has represented such notable clients as Samsung Electronics and Emerson Electric. Medical device and pharmaceutical-related work is a focus; with a notable matter for the team is its work representing Exactech, Inc. as a plaintiff against Zimmer, regarding the alleged misappropriation of high-stakes medical device technology.

Practice head(s):

Steven Pepe; Peter Brody


Other key lawyers:

David Chun


Key clients

Exactech, Inc.


Emerson Electric Co.


Work highlights


  • Representing Exactech, Inc. and its subsidiary XpandOrtho Inc., in a dispute against Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. in relation to multiple allegations, including patent infringement, misappropriation of company trade secrets, and unfair competition.

Williams & Connolly LLP

Williams & Connolly LLP‘s practice is led from its Washington DC office by experienced litigator Daniel Shanahan and specialist in unfair competition, trade secrets, and restrictive covenants Bryan Wilson. It has strong capabilities in advising clients, particularly in technology and software-related complex matters of alleged misappropriation. A highlight of the team’s work was its successful representation of Appian Corp. in the first instance, who were awarded $2bn in damages from Pegasystems for breach of the Virginia Computer Crimes Act and wilful appropriation of trade secrets.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Shanahan; Bryan Wilson


Key clients

Precision Castparts Corp.


Appian Corporation


Danaher


Work highlights


  • Represented plaintiff Precision Castparts Corp., an aerospace fastener manufacturer, in seeking to stop the misappropriation of its trade secrets for specialized fasteners called tapered sleeve bolts.
  • Secured a verdict for over $2bn in damages on behalf of Appian Corporation in a suit against a competitor in the field of business process management software, alleging the competitor misappropriated Appian’s trade secrets.
  • Representing a multinational medical technologies firm in a trade secrets dispute arising out of the departure of a very senior executive from the client’s Asia-Pacific region.