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

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Fielding highly versatile teams working collaboratively across multiple cities, Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s formidable practice is especially renowned for its capabilities in business-critical technology disputes before both the state and federal courts. On the West Coast, the Bay Area-based Adam Alper is a seasoned patent and trade secrets litigator with a strong track record representing clients in the semiconductor, telecoms, and pharmaceutical arenas. In Los Angeles, IP trial lawyer Michael De Vries is widely regarded for his work in billion-dollar cases, defending the interests of various blue-chip technology entities, while Diana Torres’ recent highlights include trademark infringement suits and class action litigations in the automotive and cybersecurity sectors. On the East Coast, New York-based Dale Cendali is recommended for her expertise in copyright, internet, and advertising matters, while Washington DC-based Gregg LoCascio is an accomplished litigator in cases related to electrical and mechanical engineering. Also in New York, Claudia Ray is noted for her broad IP capabilities, ranging from pre-litigation strategizing to portfolio management. Chicago-based Gianni Cutri and the New York-based Joshua Simmons are also recommended.

Other key lawyers:

Gianni Cutri; Joshua Simmons

Key clients

AllRounds, Inc.

Biozeal, LLC & Dr. Murray Colin Clarke

Bryna Technologies

EagleView Technologies

General Motors Co.

Hello Products

Inventus Power, Inc.

LivePerson, Inc.

Matrixx Initiatives

Medidata Solutions

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

Pindrop Security

TriZetto and Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP‘s sizeable team is regularly engaged by a number of the world’s biggest companies, who turn to the practice for representation in high-stakes trade secret disputes. Recent highlights for the Bay Area-based Douglas Lumish include big-ticket litigations on behalf of clients in the tech, consumer goods, and automotive sectors. Based in Chicago, global practice chair David Callahan regularly works with high-profile clients who operate across a diverse array of sectors, including semiconductors, consumer goods, and telecoms. The San Diego-based Jennifer Barry is noted for her internet law expertise, while the Bay Area-based first-chair trial lawyer Jeffrey Homrig handles consequential trade secrets disputes for some of the leading tech companies in the market. In Chicago, the Supreme Court-admitted Matthew Walch possesses extensive experience litigating intellectual property and unfair competition cases, both through dispositive motion practice and at trial. Tony Sammi, who joined the New York office from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in August 2021, is noted for his broad sector focus, spanning engineering, healthcare, software, and manufacturing.

Practice head(s):

David Callahan; Jennifer Barry; Tony Sammi; Jeffrey Homrig

Other key lawyers:

Douglas Lumish; Matthew Walch; Jessica Saba

Testimonials

‘Latham & Watkins Intellectual Property group are experts in their area of practice. Throughout our litigation, L&W was clearly better prepared, had better written arguments and a better strategy than opposing counsel. L&W hired the premier outside vendors to support our strategy. I am very thankful L&W was our counsel and not the opposing counsel.’

‘Matt Walch is a true expert in his field. He demonstrated an ability to have a full command of all the facts of the case, bring in outside experts (and local counsel), and develop a compelling strategy.’

‘Jessica Saba is outstanding. She is extremely competent, always meets deadlines and has a tremendous work ethic.’

‘Experienced lawyers with deep knowledge.’

‘Tony Sammi is an excellent lawyer, very smart, very hands-on approach and high responsiveness. An experienced litigator who can explain complex matters straight to the point, and is always focused on the key issues. I would not like to face him on the opposite side of a case.’

‘Extremely knowledgeable, strategic, commercially savvy and responsive.’

Key clients

LG Energy Solution

Peloton

Rivian

Universal Alloy Corp.

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

Vade Secure

International Markets Live

Dalton Education LLC

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama, Inc.

Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. and Scilex Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Team Rubicon Global, Inc.

Veritext, LLC

BBB Industries, LLC

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp

O'Melveny & Myers LLP

Start-ups and world-leading companies alike turn to O'Melveny & Myers LLP for the depth of its expertise in trade secrets law and litigious proceedings. Helmed by Ryan Yagura from Los Angeles, the team enjoys a stellar reputation in the market on account of its cross-departmental approach and deep bench of partner talent, who regularly appear before the state and federal courts in highly technical cases. In San Francisco, Darin Snyder and David Almeling are widely regarded for the depth of their trade secrets knowledge, litigating cases across a number of IP-intensive sectors. The Silicon Valley-based Eric Amdursky routinely both brings and defends against non-compete and misappropriation cases, most recently in the luxury hotel and telecoms arenas. In San Francisco, David Eberhart is praised by technology companies for the creativity and strength of his representation, while counsel James Rothstein is recommended for his wide-ranging experience in the tech, hospitality, and financial services sectors.

Practice head(s):

Ryan Yagura

Other key lawyers:

David Eberhart; David Almeling; Eric Amdursky; David Eberhart; James Rothstein

Testimonials

‘I’ve used the team for some extremely complex and sensitive matters. I find the team to be very very intelligent, effective and problem solving oriented. They work very well together and they’ve navigated complex matters where multiple parties with multiple counsel are on the same side to extremely successful outcomes. They staff teams well and are of course diverse in terms of teams.’

‘The partner that most stands out is David Eberhart, although I’ve worked with a wide variety of others at the firm that I think are excellent. Responsiveness and thoughtfulness, creativity and efficiency and strong advocacy are what stand out.’

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 Par Pharmaceutical in trade secrets litigation involving Vasostrict® — the “crown jewel” of Par’s pharmaceutical portfolio.
  • Representing Semtech in a trade secrets matter for involving three former employees.
  • Representing players in the Beverly Hills luxury hotel space in a trade secrets case.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

Working between both coasts, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is a strong choice for various blue-chip entities from the worlds of tech, consumer and luxury goods, sports, entertainment, and financial services. Key practitioner Robert Raskopf maintains a versatile and varied practice, additionally chairing both the firm’s sports litigation and media and entertainment practices. The highly regarded Luke Nikas is a noted litigator in the art world, while also handling cases for clients in banking, insurance, healthcare, and real estate. Practice co-head Todd Anten and Carey Ramos specialize in media, entertainment, and IP matters, working across the fields of music, film, telecoms, and luxury fashion. Rachel Epstein and Charles Verhoeven are the other co-heads up the team, while Silicon Valley-based Michael LaFond is also recommended. All named lawyers are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Practice head(s):

Charles Verhoeven; Rachel Epstein; Todd Anten

Other key lawyers:

Luke Nikas; Carey Ramos; Michael LaFond; Robert Raskopf

Key clients

International Business Machines Corporation

Horror Inc. and Manny Company

New Century Health Care

Zuru

Nantworks

Primer Technologies

Wiz, Inc.

Wisk Aero

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Working closely with the firm’s IP and corporate departments on a myriad of cases, Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s dedicated trade secrets practice is consistently sought out by an array of entities operating in highly technical sectors, including automotive manufacturing, healthcare, and life sciences.  The team is praised by clients for its ‘exceptional expertise‘ in non-competes and restrictive covenants, an area in which the Boston-based Katherine Perrelli and Dawn Mertineit are key names. On the West Coast, Robert Milligan focuses on trade secrets, non-competes, and data theft cases, working with a diverse roster of multinationals. The Chicago-based Michael Wexler is noted for his expertise in high-tech matters, including electric vehicles and remote storage facilities. Los Angeles-based associate Joshua Salinas is recommended for his experience in trade secret misappropriation, unfair competition, and patent infringement. Scott Humphrey has left the practice.

Practice head(s):

Michael Wexler; Robert Milligan; Katherine Perrelli

Other key lawyers:

Joshua Salinas

Testimonials

‘The team has incredible depth of experience. Many of their people focus on this area of law, and can be a resource for the less-experienced team members. So, they are able to scale up quickly and draw from years of experience.’

‘Kate Perrelli is outstanding. She is creative, practical, and strategic, and able to get excellent results efficiently.’

‘The Seyfarth team gets the results they promise with teams that know our business inside and out.’

‘Exceptional expertise on restrictive covenants. Accessible and thoughtful on matters.’

‘I have great confidence in Kate Perrelli and her years of experience in guiding clients in creating restrictive covenants and enforcing them in litigation.’

Key clients

Stryker Corporation

Capstone Logistics, Inc.

SeneGence International, Inc.

Optimas OE Solutions LLC

Whittier Trust Company

Panda Restaurant Group

JWE Inc.

Pitney Bowes

Illinois Tool Works (ITW)

Reynolds Group Holdings

Millennium Health

OnPrem Solutions

Karma Automotive

Work highlights

  • Representing Stryker Corporation in trade secret and non-compete matters to protect its intellectual capital and work force throughout the United States in matters valued in the millions of dollars.
  • Representing Capstone Logistics in a contentious trade secret and non-compete dispute in federal court involving several former executives who started a competing company, took a longstanding customer, and misappropriated valuable logistics software.
  • Representing Karma Automotive in one of the largest trade secret matters in the United States involving electric vehicle technology against a competitor and former employees related to misappropriation of trade secrets, tortious interference, RICO, various breaches of contract and fiduciary duties, fraud, conspiracy, and related claims.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

Greenberg Traurig LLP‘s sizeable team works collaboratively across multiple national offices on the full gamut of trade secret matters, including litigations, audits, and restrictive covenant enforcement actions. Helmed by joint practice heads Kurt A. Kappes, Naomi Beer, and James N. Boudreau, the group is regularly engaged by a diverse clientele active in tech, energy, internet, manufacturing, life sciences, consumer goods, and financial services. Sacramento-based Kappes is a seasoned trial lawyer with experience in class actions, commercial claims, and non-competes. The Denver-based Beer and the Philadelphia-based Boudreau specialize in employment litigation matters, while Shira Yoshor , who works between the firm’s Houston and Philadelphia offices, also focuses on restrictive covenant claims. In San Francisco, David Bloch litigates patent infringement, trademark, and trade secrets cases, with recent highlights in the software and consumer goods sectors. Jason Burns joined the New York office in July 2021 from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.

Practice head(s):

Kurt Kappes; Naomi Beer; James Boudreau

Other key lawyers:

Shira Yoshor; David Bloch; Jason Burns

Testimonials

‘Greenberg Traurig has a team of creative thinking subject matter experts who have helped advise our company trade secrets, both in litigation and general defensive mode. They have great experience in this area and we have benefited from their guidance in strategy and planning.’

‘Great strategic vision with knowledge of our company, its software and its needs from an IP protection standpoint.’

Key clients

Yahoo!

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

FACC Operations GmbH

Synergetic Oil

RevJet

Brightview Landscapes LLC

Landpoint LLC

America II Electronics LLC

Neurospine

Autel USA

Tri-Merit, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Representing RevJet in a misappropriation of trade secrets case on confidential terms under California and Federal law for a software marketing technology client.
  • Representing TriNet on a tortious interference claim against a competitor who hired former TriNet employees and encouraged them to breach their confidentiality and non-solicit obligations.
  • Representing America II Electronics LLC in a misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract, violation of restrictive covenants and tortious interference matter with a former employee now working for a competitor firm.

Jenner & Block LLP

Jenner & Block LLP represents a number of blue-chip corporates from the worlds of tech, healthcare, consumer goods, and financial services on a spectrum of trade secrets and restrictive covenant work. Recent highlights for the team include high-profile litigations regarding misappropriation, corporate espionage, and breach of contract, appearing before the various district and federal courts. Chicago-based co-chairs Debbie Berman and Andrew Vail are noted for their strong tack record in trade secret litigation, while the Los Angeles-based Nick Saros’ fluency in tech sector matters encompasses lens manufacturing, semiconductors, and medical devices. Also in LA, Brent Caslin’s recent engagements include cases for online real estate agencies and software healthcare developers, while Julie Shepard is noted for her knowledge of internet law and content distribution. Chicago-based Amit Patel is experienced in a broad array of engineering and IT-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Debbie Berman; Nick Saros; Andrew Vail

Other key lawyers:

Brent Caslin; Julie Shepard; Amit Patel

Testimonials

‘Very dedicated with strong technical skills. Able to understand differences in approaches and procedural rules between EU jurisdictions and the U.S. and to adapt strategies accordingly.’

Key clients

Methode Electronics / Hetronic Int’l

Epic Systems

Uber

Medline Industries

RideMetric

Alvotech

Alice Coffee

Spaulding Ridge

Work highlights

  • Represented Hetronic in claims for breach of contract, Lanham Act violations, unfair competition, and other torts.
  • Reprsented Epic Systems Corporation in a substantial trade secret/corporate espionage case against Tata Consultancy Services.
  • Represented Medline Industries in a lawsuit filed by Medline against a former Medline executive who left the company to join a competitor.

Jones Day

Jones Day offers a versatile, cross-departmental trade secrets team that regularly handles high-profile and often multi-jurisdictional disputes for a varied roster of blue-chip corporate clients. San Diego-based Randall Kay is a highly experienced litigator and advisor within the trade secret space, whose recent engagements include proceedings for clients in telecoms, semiconductor manufacturing, healthcare, and solar power generation. Los Angeles-based IP trial lawyer Andrea Jeffries is especially noted for her knowledge and reputation in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and software. Steven Zadravecz focuses on trade secret and employment litigations from the firm’s Irvine office, while Houston-based Joshua Fuchs is also recommended for his broad sector focus, including energy trading and consumer goods manufacturing.

Practice head(s):

Randall Kay; Andrea Jeffries; Steven Zadravecz

Other key lawyers:

Joshua Fuchs

Key clients

Applied Medical Distribution Corporation

SAP SE

Velodyne Lidar USA, Inc.

Merck & Co. Inc.

Experian Information Solutions, Inc.

Micron Technology, Inc.

Global Healthcare Company

UIH Solutions LLC

Aegis Spine, Inc.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

International Business Machines

Be Green Packaging, LLC

Work highlights

  • Representing Applied Medical Resources in winning a jury verdict of misappropriation of trade secrets against a former high ranking executive of Applied as well as his new employer.
  • Represented SAP in trade secret and antitrust claims in a federal court lawsuit in the Northern District of California.
  • Representing Velodyne Lidar, Inc. in the International Trade Commission regarding a trade secrets claim.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP’s interdisciplinary trade secrets litigation team routinely represents leading multinationals and tech companies in cases regarding restrictive covenants, trade secret misappropriations, and contract violations. The Silicon-Valley based Amy Van Zandt is roundly praised by clients for her advisory capabilities and reputation in litigious proceedings, most notably in the courts of northern California. The New York-based James McQuade is well versed in various trade secret and non-compete cases, most recently for clients in the software and insurance sectors. San Francisco-based Catherine Lui frequently handles trade secret cases with parallel criminal proceedings, while the Orange County-based Glenn Dassoff is a prolific advocate in the high-tech arena. Boston-based Sheryl Garko is a seasoned IP litigator whose recent engagements include trade secret misappropriation suits in the software space. Robert Shwarts is also recommended. Michael Weil has left the firm.

Practice head(s):

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

Other key lawyers:

Glenn Dassoff; Robert Schwarts

Testimonials

‘Amazing people. Everyone I interfaced cared about us and our case…they took it personally. I worked with a highly diverse team and always felt taken care of.’

‘Amy Van Zant was our partner and she was simply fabulous. I would work with her again any time.’

‘Awesome results, efficient billing, proactive legal guidance and white glove service/availability.’

‘Amy Van Zant is a business minded advisor. She has taken the time to know our business, brings pro-active topics to our attention and is always available for business guidance.’

Key clients

Microsoft

Netflix

Spotify

Venafi

Desktop Metal

Nreal Technology

Couchbase

Datto

OpenTV

Fisker

ExamWorks

10X Genomics

Robert Briles and Richard Briles

Foxconn Interconnect

R & B Supply Chain

L’Oreal

PCF Insurance Services

Paul Hastings LLP

Roundly praised by clients for their multidisciplinary capabilities in complex IP litigations, the ‘excellent’ Paul Hastings LLP is regularly engaged on plaintiff and defendant-side mandates, representing some of the world’s leading corporations, hedge funds, and private equity firms in a wide variety of contentious proceedings. The team is jointly helmed by the New York-based global trade secrets chair Victoria Cundiff and the Los Angeles-based Jennifer Baldocchi, who runs the international employee mobility and trade secrets practice. In recent months, Baldocchi acted for biotech and pharmaceutical companies in claims before the federal courts, while Yar Chaikovsky – who works in Palo Alto – handled trade secret and IP disputes for clients in digital video technology, social media, and online banking. In Washington DC, the highly experienced Jeff Pade and Allan Soobert focus on civil and criminal litigations for a varied roster of tech players. Chicago-based Mark Pollack is recommended for his proficiency in white-collar disputes.

Practice head(s):

Victoria Cundiff; Jennifer Baldocchi

Other key lawyers:

Yar Chaikovsky; Jeff Pade; Allan Soobert; Mark Pollack

Testimonials

‘The Paul Hastings IP litigation team has been excellent. They have a good understanding of how to navigate complex discovery and valuation issues, and have really impressed us. They are our go-to firm for complex IP litigation matters.’

‘We have worked with Yar Chaikovsky and his team: Phil Ou, Jeff Pade and Bruce Yen. All have been excellent, with the right mix of technical and legal skills, and a good understanding of our business.’

‘The team has a wealth of experience in trade secret litigation and has the playbook on how to handle cases.’

‘Jeffrey Pade is clearly a subject matter expert in this area, very approachable and easy to communicate with.’

Key clients

Samsung

CareDx

Daiichi Sankyo

Robert Bosch LLC

W.R. Berkley Corporation

DW Healthcare Partners

ATI Physical Therapy

BioFire Diagnostics

Trend Micro

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation

L’Oréal

Aeldra Financial

Quintessential Brands S.A.

Zimmer Biomet

Work highlights

  • Defending Samsung in a complex, multi-faceted intellectual property dispute, involving claims under the Defend trade Secrets Act, the Illinois Trade Secrets Act, as well as other breach of contract and patent infringement claims.
  • Representing defendants TikTok and ByteDance in a global dispute adverse Chinese company Beijing Meishe Network Technology Company.
  • Represented L’Oréal in back-to-back victories before the Federal Circuit, including a trade secrets victory defeating Quinn Emanuel.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Praised by clients for their ‘incredibly strong’ performance in high-stakes cases, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP combines expertise from the firm’s employment, technology, IP, and litigation teams to advise on the full range of trade secret matters. In New York, John Barry – a September 2021 from Proskauer Rose LLP – is noted for his capabilities in the private equity and financial services sectors, representing data analytics companies and multinational tech entities in restrictive covenant disputes and misappropriation claims. Also in New York, first-chair trial lawyer Gary Friedman handles trade secrets litigation proceedings across the nation, most recently in the insurance and software sectors, while Nicholas Pappas is recommended for his capabilities in employment disputes at the state and federal level. In Boston, the ‘superb‘  Patrick O’Toole frequently works with various corporate clients and private equity firms on trade secret matters arising from transactions. The Silicon Valley-based Bambo Obaro heads up the firm’s trade secrets taskforce, variously advising clients on non-compete agreements and litigating in state and federal courts.

Practice head(s):

John Barry; Gary Friedman; Nicholas Pappas; Patrick O’Toole; Bambo Obaro

Other key lawyers:

David Lender

Testimonials

‘Patrick O’Toole is a leading trade secrets practitioner in Massachusetts and nationally. He successfully tried a landmark trade secrets case in Massachusetts, resulting in an award of multiple damage, several million dollars in attorney’s fees, and sweeping injunctive relief. The case continues to be the leading trade secrets case in Massachusetts on the scope of equitable relief and other distinct topics. The court specifically noted Mr. Toole’s trade secret expertise and capabilities. He also engineered an extraordinary settlement in federal court in North Carolina in a complex trade secret/breach of fiduciary duty case.’

‘Having tried a 3-month criminal environmental case with Mr. Toole, I can attest to his trial skills, courtroom acumen, and strategic thinking. Mr. O’Toole is a superb litigator with specialized knowledge in trade secrets.’

‘The Weil team is incredibly strong when it comes to trade secret matters. They are able to provide insight that only the most experienced practitioners can provide because they have done so many high stakes cases in this area. They do a great job of helping companies see around the corners and anticipate 3-5 steps ahead in the litigation.’

‘David Lender is the absolute best on trade secret cases or any other complex commercial litigation for that matter. David is absolutely one of the most brilliant, strategic and a masterful communicators I have ever worked with. David is as good as it gets at digesting vast amounts of information in a targeted manner and then translating it into a storyline that judges and juries can understand. It doesn’t get any better than David Lender, especially on the most complex matters!’

Key clients

Marsh & McLennan

Ascential Group LLC

AlixPartners

Giant Eagle, Inc.

Schindler Elevator Company

Varian Medical Systems

Internetwork Expert

ChampionX

Community Brands

Work highlights

  • Representing Ascential, a B2B information and data analytics company, in connection with enforcing restrictive covenants against the owner of an acquired business after he threatened to start a competing company.
  • Representing global restructuring consultancy AlixPartners in two separate cross-border trade secrets disputes with former managing directors in Paris and Italy who are alleged to have stolen proprietary AlixPartners information.

BakerHostetler

Baker & Hostetler LLP’s cross-practice trade secrets team is a regular port of call for a diverse array of major corporates and regional businesses from the worlds of TMT, life sciences, energy, and manufacturing. Orlando-based co-chair Joyce Ackerbaum Cox handles both advisory and litigious matters, assisting clients with employee movement issues, non-compete strategies, and restrictive covenant claims before the federal courts. In New York, co-head John Siegal’s diverse contentious practice sees him handling trade secret injunction cases for various financial services, media, and real estate industry players in courts throughout the nation. Houston-based Mark Temple is reputed for his capabilities in executive disputes, while Scott McIntyre maintains an active trial and appellate practice based out of the firm’s Cincinnati office.

Practice head(s):

Joyce Ackerbaum Cox; John Siegal

Other key lawyers:

Mark Temple; Scott McIntyre

Beck Reed Riden LLP

Beck Reed Riden LLP is widely acclaimed for its litigious and advisory acumen, working with both public sector bodies and blue-chip multinationals from the worlds of consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, tech, logistics, and private equity. Practice head Russell Beck is highly rated for the depth of his trade secrets and non-compete expertise, balancing both legislative and commercial mandates. Stephen Riden routinely litigates trade secrets cases at the state and federal courts, with recent highlights including misappropriation claims in the financial sector. Nicole Daly and senior counsel Hannah Joseph are also recommended. All named lawyers are based in Boston.

Practice head(s):

Russell Beck

Other key lawyers:

Stephen Riden; Nicole Daly; Hannah Joseph

Testimonials

‘Practical and extremely knowledgeable. I am hard pressed to identify anyone who knows restrictive covenant law nationally better than Russell than his team.’

‘I have litigated against and worked closely with Russell Beck, and I have referred matters to him in Massachusetts in the past. He is one of the national leaders in the restrictive covenant and trade secret space.’

‘Beck Reed Riden’s deep expertise in trade secret law is truly unique, especially for a smaller firm. Russell Beck is widely considered one of the foremost experts in the country on noncompete and trade secret law and practice. His incredible knowledge of the subject area combined with his experience litigating trade secrets disputes makes him an easy choice for most clients. Beck Reed Riden has developed a trade secret protection training program that is unique and is of value to any company that has information it wants to protect.’

‘The lawyers at Beck Reed Riden are all incredibly knowledgeable of trade secret law. Their position as thought-leaders in the field is unparalleled. Russell Beck in particular stands out as one of the go-to trade secret lawyers in the entire country.’

‘The Beck Reed Riden team are national leaders in the field of trade secrets.’

‘Russell Beck is a star litigator in this area.’

‘BRR has particular strengths in employment-related restrictive covenants an in trade secret matters. They are ‘go-to’ advisors in these areas.’

‘Russell Beck and Steve Riden are both highly knowledgeable and practical in their respective fields.’

Key clients

Staples, Inc.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.

Blue-Grace Logistics LLC

Ideal Image, Inc.

UG2 LLC

Bottomline Technologies, Inc.

Bay Equity LLC

Alegeus Technologies, LLC

Quanterix Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advising Staples on questions concerning the protection of company trade secrets and related issues in connection with, among other things, employee hires and departures.
  • Advising Novartis on questions concerning the protection of company trade secrets and related issues in connection with, among other things, employee hires and departures.
  • Representing Bay Equity in a trade secret/restrictive covenant matter involving the departure of over a dozen former employees to a competitor.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP works with a number of market-leading corporates across the life sciences, pharmaceutical, tech, and TMT sectors on the full gamut of trade secret allegations and claims. Los Angeles-based practice chair Ilissa Samplin represents various individuals and companies from the worlds of media, entertainment, and technology, with recent highlights including defense-side misappropriation cases. Dallas-based Mark Reiter is recommended for his far-reaching expertise in healthcare and life science technology.

Practice head(s):

Ilissa Samplin

Other key lawyers:

Mark Reiter

Key clients

Oath Holdings Inc., a direct subsidiary of Verizon Communications Inc.

Amrock (TitleSource Inc.)

Kimberly-Clark

Archer Aviation

Gyroscope Therapeutics

Amyris Inc.

Phio Pharmaceuticals

Goodwin

Goodwin’s trade secret, employee mobility, and non-competes group represents a broad cross-section of employers and employees in high-stakes litigious actions. In addition to its wide-ranging tech sector practice, the team is also capable in proceedings related to education, health, financial services, and consumer goods. In San Francisco, Koray Bulut is an experienced litigator at both the state and federal courts representing both startups and established companies, while trial counsel Brett Schuman ’s recent engagements include bet-the-company cases for major software developers. In Silicon Valley, Neel Chatterjee is reputed for his focus on entrepreneurs and disruptive tech companies, handling litigations in a number of court settings, while Andrew Ong’s broad experience in tech matters encompasses network devices and semiconductors.

Practice head(s):

Koray Bulut

Other key lawyers:

Brett Schuman; Neel Chatterjee; Andrew Ong

Key clients

Anthony Levandowski

Ascend Learning LLC

Easypost

EmergeTech LLC

HackerX

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

Hunger Station

Interlude.fm d/b/a eko

Keysight

MarketDial

Moov

PCI Holdings LLC (and its subsidiary PalatiumCare, Inc.)

Purple Innovation

Smartcar

Step Mobile

Synergy One Lending

Work highlights

  • Advised eko in a patent infringement, trade secret, and breach of implied contract dispute. In March 2020, eko sued Quibi Holdings, LLC and a number of its employees for patent infringement and misappropriation of trade secrets, among other claims. Quibi also sued eko, seeking a declaratory judgment of noninfringement and no misappropriation. Goodwin’s team secured a favorable settlement on behalf of eko in September 2021.
  • Advising Step Mobile, Inc. (and its new hire Jordan Nichols) in a multi-jurisdictional dispute with its primary competitor, Greenlight Financial Technology, Inc. Greenlight alleged that Mr. Nichols was exposed to its trade secrets and, therefore, should not work for Step.
  • Advising MarketDial in a bet-the-company patent and trade secrets matter brought by Applied Predictive Technologies (“APT”), and successfully defeating APT’s patent claim.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Highlighted for its interdisciplinary approach, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP draws on its employment, cybercrime, and unfair competition teams to advise on a host of trade secrets matters at the state and federal level. In Century City, the highly experienced employment and trade secret specialist Debra Fisher routinely handles cases arising out of employee mobility issues, with recent highlights including contract breach cases in the insurance sector. Also in Century City, trade secrets working group head Seth Gerber enjoys a stellar reputation in the space for his work as a trial lawyer, prosecuting and defending claims for misappropriation and mass raid cases. The ‘outstanding‘ Boston-based Joshua Dalton works with an array of technology entities on IP development, protection, and licensing issues.

Other key lawyers:

Debra Fisher; Seth Gerber; Joshua Dalton

Testimonials

‘This team offers excellent attorneys across many disciplines and areas of practice to lend their expertise in complex situations. It’s a one stop shop.’

‘Josh Dalton oversees all of our engagements with the firm. He knows and understands our business much like an in-house attorney would and can provide very tailored guidance and representation. He makes himself available at all times to discuss matters, do provide insight and guidance. He has an outstanding understanding of our business and how to achieve our goals.’

Key clients

Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.

Hong Kong uCloudlink Network Technology Limited

SpotOn Transact, LLC

Work highlights

  • Represented SpotOn Transact, LLC in a restrictive covenant litigation case brought by Toast, Inc. The allegations all stemmed from the individual defendants’ previous employment with Toast and then-current employment at SpotOn.
  • Represented uCloudlink in defense of trade secret counterclaims filed in Hong Kong uCloudlink Network Technology Limited et al. v. SIMO Holdings Inc. et al.
  • Representing Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. in a case brought by Arthur J. Gallagher claiming, among other things, breach of contract and trade secret misappropriation.

Morrison Foerster

With offices on both coasts, including the capital, Morrison Foerster‘s trade secrets group is well place to litigate numerous high-profile cases for an impressive roster of blue-chip clients. In Palo Alto, first-chair trial lawyer Bryan Wilson represents a number of clients from the life sciences, healthcare, and semiconductor sectors, while Kenneth Kuwayti is noted for his expertise in a range of tech sector litigations and arbitrations, both at home and abroad. In the San Francisco office, Michael Jacobs is entrusted with major cases for some of the largest media and ride-sharing corporations in the world. Also in Palo Alto senior associate James Hancock is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Richard Hung; Bita Rahebi

Other key lawyers:

Bryan Wilson; Kenneth Kuwayti; Michael Jacobs; James Hancock

Key clients

RoadSync

Teradata Corp.

Walmart

Snap-on Inc.

Quibi Holdings LLC

VMware

Haldor Topsoe AS

Seagen (former name Seattle Genetics)

Alector LLC

Work highlights

  • Representing Walmart in a trade secret misappropriation suit filed by Fintiv relating to Walmart’s mobile payment technology.
  • Representing Teradata in a case against SAP SE, a leading European technology company.
  • Represented Quibi Holdings in hotly contested patent and trade secret litigation adverse to Eko concerning Quibi’s “Turnstyle” feature for changing video content in response to a change in orientation of a user’s mobile phone.

Nixon Peabody LLP

Nixon Peabody LLP’s cross-disciplinary trade secrets practice regularly litigates cases in district courts across the nation, representing both companies and individuals from the worlds of telecoms, computer hardware, digital infrastructure, and consumer technology. Other strengths of the practice include misappropriation and breach of contract matters in the biopharmaceutical sector, and class action suits and parallel government enforcement proceedings for healthcare providers and financial services companies. Boston-based practice co-head Matthew McLaughlin regularly works with clients seeking preliminary injunctions and other interim relief measures, while Daniel Schwartz is a key name in the Chicago office.

Practice head(s):

Matthew McLaughlin

Other key lawyers:

Daniel Schwartz

Key clients

Shutterfly/Lifetouch LLC

Validity, Inc.

250ok, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Represented Shutterfly/Lifetouch LLC and Lifetouch National School Studios in a lawsuit against its former employees and its competitor Walsworth Publishing 8 in Connecticut federal court alleging a conspiracy to misappropriate Lifetouch’s trade secret and confidential information.
  • Represented 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 Validity, Inc. and 250ok, Inc. in a lawsuit filed by a company from whom it licensed an email rendering engine to power a feature in its software product.

Ropes & Gray LLP

Ropes & Gray LLP‘s cross-departmental team regularly litigates cases in state and federal courts across the country, working with an assortment of clients from the fields of med-tech and biotechnology, healthcare, and software. Washington DC-based Peter Brody handles various trade secrets disputes, with recent highlights including arbitral victories for clients in the semiconductor and renewable energy sectors. In Silicon Valley, IP litigation chair Andrew Thomases is additionally reputed for his wide-ranging capabilities in the technology sector, ranging from semiconductors to streaming platforms.  David Chun appears before district and appellate courts on the full spectrum of technology trade secret cases. Boston-based Doug Brayley advises employers on issues arising from non-compete clauses and breach of contract.

Practice head(s):

Peter Brody; Andrew Thomases

Other key lawyers:

David Chun; Doug Brayley

Key clients

IQE plc

Lazer Spot, Inc.

Beam Therapeutics

Exactech, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Representing Exactech, Inc. and its subsidiary XpandOrtho Inc. in a dispute against Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries involving multiple allegations, including patent infringement, misappropriation of company trade secrets and unfair competition.
  • Represented Lazer Spot, a leading provider of yard management services, in an action brought by Hub Group, Inc. Hub Group alleged that Lazer Spot had hired a former employee who brought with him to Lazer Spot a number of proprietary and trade secret files, which Hub Group claimed was part of an ongoing effort by Lazer Spot to poach one of its major customers.
  • Represented IQE plc in a trade secret misappropriation and breach of contract matter against Solar Junction Corporation, when the LCIA Tribunal found that IQE did not misappropriate any trade secrets or breach the supply agreement, and awarding IQE over $4m in attorneys’ fees and arbitration costs.

Winston & Strawn LLP

The ‘knowledgeable, experienced, and detail-oriented’ practice at Winston & Strawn LLP works collaboratively across multiple offices on cases concerning trade secrets,  breach of contracts, non-competes, and other restrictive covenants. In Texas, Houston-based co-head John Keville and Sheryl Falk are noted for their respective expertise in mechanical engineering and computer forensics, while Dallas-based Tom Melsheimer is a seasoned trial lawyer with considerable experience in intellectual property, business torts, and False Claims Act litigation. Practice co-head David Enzminger , who regularly represents clients in the telecommunications, computer hardware and software, and manufacturing sectors, works primarily out of the firm’s Los Angeles office. Chicago-based internal investigation specialist Steven Grimes is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

John Keville; David Enzminger; Steven Grimes

Other key lawyers:

Sheryl Falk; Cori Hochbaum; Tom Melsheimer

Testimonials

‘Very knowledgeable, experienced, and detail-oriented.’

‘Sheryl Falk and Cori Hochbaum are outstanding lawyers, very hard working, detail oriented, and a pleasure to work with all around.’

Key clients

Walmart

Schlumberger

Zebra Technologies

Accresa Health

Natera, Inc.

Lean Focus

Work highlights

  • Representing M-I LLLC in a copyright infringement and misappropriation of trade secrets case against two former employees and their new employer relating to a suite of engineering application tools for the exploration and development of oil and gas wells.
  • Advised a global medical device manufacturing company on a trade secret and information security audit to evaluate current practices and advise on best practices to bolster protections around key assets.
  • Represented Lean Focus LLC in a misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract case filed in the Western District of Wisconsin by Danaher Corporation against its former employee, Damon Baker, and his start up consulting company, Lean Focus LLC.

ArentFox Schiff

Drawing on the firm’s diverse capabilities in cybersecurity, data privacy, and e-discovery, ArentFox Schiff’s trade secrets practice works with an eclectic roster of corporate clients on high-stake litigious mandates. Practice head Matthew Prewitt is well regarded for his prolific activities as a trial lawyer, representing clients in court proceedings across the nation. Adam Diederich handles the full spectrum of restrictive convenants, including non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, while Michael Molzberger is recommended for his wide-ranging experience in financial markets litigation, trade secrets and employee mobility. All named lawyers are based in Chicago. Linda Stevens has left the practice.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Prewitt

Other key lawyers:

Adam Diederich; Michael Molzberger

Testimonials

‘Matthew Prewitt has become a trusted advisor to my family and company. He has a strong understanding of my business challenges and regularly provides creative litigation strategy.’

‘A fantastic understanding of the real needs of the customer!’

‘Matt understands our philosophy and has extensive experience in US commercial contracts. He is our number one point of contact in the US.’

‘A human approach with highly skilled professionals.’

‘Very well prepared and always available to help. He is business-driven lawyer who is able help us being one step ahead of our competitors.’

Key clients

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

HCL Technologies Limited and HCL America Inc.

Bell Flavors and Fragrances, Inc.

Altaris Capital Partners, LLC

Insight Global, LLC

Logoplaste Group

Plibrico Company LLC

National Grid plc

Justrite Manufacturing Company, LLC

Action Gypsum Supply LP

PSSI Holdings LLC

CDS Moving Equipment

Work highlights

  • Representing the plaintiff National Grid in litigation against a consulting firm engaged to provide services for the Gowanus Canal Superfund Site.
  • Represented Accuform in in a trade secret and noncompete case that, after wining a preliminary injunction, proceeded to trial via Zoom on Accuform’s motion for sanctions alleging that defendants had submitted false affidavits to the court.
  • Representing PSSI in an investigation of a departing executive accused of stealing highly sensitive files before joining a competitor.

Baker Botts L.L.P.

Baker Botts L.L.P.’s interdepartmental team is noted for the scope of its technical expertise, advising on trade secrets cases in a range of IP-intensive industries, including software, semiconductors, energy, and defense contracting. The team possesses an especially robust presence in Texas: Dallas-based practice chair David Wille routinely handles IP litigation and appellate work, particularly in the licensing space. In Houston, trial lawyer Danny David is a key contact for clients seeking assistance in securities and shareholder cases, while Paul Morico’s recent IP litigation engagements include multiple oil and gas sector lawsuits. Washington DC-based Katharine Burke is recommended for her broad technology and telecoms focused practice. Theodore Chandler is an experienced litigator in federal court and at the ITC, based out of San Francisco.

Practice head(s):

David Wille

Other key lawyers:

Danny David; Paul Morico; Katharine Burke; Theodore Chandler

Testimonials

‘Baker Botts has an outstanding team of IP litigators and commercial litigators that combined forces when facing a tough trade secrete litigation case for us. Their ability to work together as a team with different perspectives and experiences then come to the best decisions and strategy were instrumental to us in winning the jury trial and preparing the best position for us on the appellate phase.’

Key clients

Dril-Quip, Inc.

Utex Industries

DXC Technology Company

Mastercard International Incorporated

The John Wood Group PLC

Dug Technology Limited

IPSCO Tubulars, Inc.

Ernst & Young

KPMG LLP

Hyper Wear Inc.

HouseCanary, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Represented 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.

Baker McKenzie LLP

Baker McKenzie‘s diverse practice covers trade secrets matters across North America. Led by Palo Alto-based trade secrets litigator Bradford Newman, the team regularly litigates cases for clients in fintech, blockchain, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals. California head Michael Brewer concentrates on employment law disputes, ranging from class actions to single plaintiff cases regarding non-compete clauses ad contract breaches. In Dallas, Mark Taylor balances both government enforcements and commercial litigation, with recent highlights in the consumer goods sector, while Mackenzie Martin – who also works from Dallas – is noted for her experience in litigation actions before both the district courts and the ITC. Palo Alto-based Anne Kelts Assayag is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Bradford Newman

Other key lawyers:

Michael Brewer; Mark Taylor; Mackenzie Martin; Anne Kelts Assayag

Key clients

DFINITY

Acorns Advisors, LLC

Sundae, Inc.

Maxor National Pharmacy Services, LLC

Work highlights

  • Advising DFINITY Foundation, a decentralized, open-source, general-purpose blockchain, on a range of issues.
  • Represented Acorns Advisors in winning a summary judgment in Los Angeles Superior Court for Acorns Advisors.
  • Represented Sundae in a trade secrets case filed by LendingHome in San Francisco Superior Court.

Brown Rudnick LLP

Routinely engaged by corporate clients in software, manufacturing, and financial services, Brown Rudnick LLP’s IP litigation-focused practice is well-versed in the full range of court proceedings and pre-litigation strategy. Newly appointed chair Ian DiBernardo – a March 2021 arrival from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP – also serves as head of the firm’s domestic tech practice, while Jason Sobel’s recent engagements include high-value trade secret cases and licensing disputes in the utilities and professional services sectors. Counsel Kenneth Stein is also recommended. All named lawyers are based in New York unless noted otherwise.

Practice head(s):

Ian DiBernardo

Other key lawyers:

Jason Sobel; Kenneth Stein

Key clients

UKG, Inc. (f/k/a Ultimate Software Group, Inc.)

Volant Trading

Richards Manufacturing

Neo Philanthropy

En Pointe Technologies Sales, LLC

Work highlights

  • Represented Ultimate Software Group in an ongoing trade secret and corporate raiding litigation brought by the largest company in the defendant’s industry as part of a massive litigation campaign initiated by ADP.
  • Represented Ultimate Software Group in a trade secret litigation and software license audit dispute against MasterTax. MasterTax is owned by ADP, LLC, the largest provider of human resources management software and services.
  • Representing Volant Trading in defending claims in Federal Court of trade secret misappropriation in connection with the hiring of software and systems engineers. The case settled favorably, with no liability.

Cooley LLP

Working collaboratively between departments, Cooley LLP litigates trade secrets cases for a diverse roster of technology and life sciences companies across the fields of ecommerce, automotive manufacturing, nutrition, and agri-tech. In New York, seasoned commercial litigator Ian Shapiro is noted for his versatile practice, while Joseph Drayton is a first-chair trial lawyer whose litigious experience encompasses internet, software, and communications sector matters. In Boston, Michael Sheetz and Adam Gershenson are both recommended for their track record representing various tech and life sciences companies. Based in San Diego, litigation chair Michael Attanasio defends businesses in bet-the-company disputes.

Other key lawyers:

Ian Shapiro; Joseph Drayton; Michael Sheetz; Adam Gershenson; Michael Attanasio

Key clients

ChromaDex

Conventus Orthopedics Corporation

Javo beverage Company

Tesla

Thrasio

Upside Foods

Work highlights

  • Representing Tesla in a trade secret competitor dispute against the electric truck maker Rivian.
  • Representing Javo in a litigation with Javo’s former co-founder and executive, Stephen Corey and his new company, California Extraction Ventures, Inc (“CEV”) after a competitive sale process for Javo unraveled when CEV’s patent portfolio was uncovered during due diligence being conducted by strategic buyers looking to purchase Javo.
  • Representing Thrasio against its competitor Boosted, alleging trade secret misappropriation.

McGuireWoods LLP

McGuireWoods LLP’s multidisciplinary trade secrets team is regularly engaged by a strong mix of well-known corporate clients from the worlds of technology, telecoms, healthcare, energy, and financial services. In the Richmond office, practice chair David Finkelson is highly rated for his capabilities in the telecoms and wireless technology space, while Rodney Satterwhite litigates numerous claims in the state, federal and administrative courts, focusing on executive level disputes regarding misappropriation and IP theft. Also in Richmond, Brian Riopelle is a seasoned lead trial lawyer who represents some of the largest industrial manufacturers in the market. Houston-based Yasser Madriz and Meghaan Madriz are recommended for their capabilities in technology and employment-related matters, respectively.

Practice head(s):

David Finkelson

Other key lawyers:

Rodney Satterwhite; Brian Riopelle; Yasser Madriz; Meghaan Madriz

Key clients

Argos USA Corp

Performance Food Group

The Nielsen Company

Williams & Connolly LLP

Based in Washington DC, Williams & Connolly LLP handles the full scope of trade secrets and restrictive covenants related cases, representing a range of financial institutions and multinational corporations from the fields of aerospace, defense, and medical device manufacturing. Daniel Shanahan handles both civil and criminal litigations for clients in trial and appellate courtrooms across the country, while Bryan Wilson‘s wide-ranging sector focus notably includes arbitral hearings and trials for multiple medical device manufacturers. David Riskin’s recent highlights include high-value appeals before the Delaware Supreme Court and cases in the health and life sciences arenas.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Shanahan; Bryan Wilson

Other key lawyers:

David Riskin

Key clients

Precision Castparts Corp.

Appian Corp.

Work highlights

  • Represented plaintiff Precision Castparts Corp. in seeking to stop the misappropriation of its trade secrets for specialized fasteners called tapered sleeve bolts.
  • Represented a global conglomerate in trade secrets and breach of fiduciary duty litigation involving a former executive and his new employer.
  • Representing a medical device company in connection with the departure of two senior sales executives, bringing a lawsuit asserting breaches of restrictive covenants, tortious interference with contract, breach of the duty of loyalty, and aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty in federal court.