Andrew Thomases > Ropes & Gray LLP > East Palo Alto, United States > Lawyer Profile

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.

Ropes & Gray LLP is especially busy on the transactional front. The team advised on several prominent SPAC mergers, often with a strong cross-border element, such as as Altimeter Growth’s $40bn combination with Singapore’s Grab Holdings. The firm’s market-leading private equity practice also generates a steady flow of related investment mandates. The team regularly assists underwriters and issuers on IPOs and bond listings. Additional support is provided on regulatory matters and high-end contractual negotiations including shared services agreements. Key partners include Boston-based Edward Black, who heads the firm’s global fintech practice and has a good track record in cryptocurrency, payments technology and robo-advisors. Black co-heads the TMT practice with Silicon Valley IP litigator Andrew Thomases. New York’s Scott Abramowitz is busy on the private equity side while Samer Musallam in Washington DC is a lead partner for fintech regulatory investigations and disputes.

Ropes & Gray LLP‘s team of skilled IP attorneys is split across the country in key strategic legal centers in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Washington DC. The group frequently acts before all major patent litigation forums, but is particularly distinguished for its remarkable PTAB practice headed by seasoned litigator Scott McKeown. Garnering praise for offering ‘unique ideas’, the department is well known for its strength in the semiconductor, electronics, telecoms and manufacturing sectors.  Kevin Post and Matthew Rizzolo, who are ‘deeply versed in the relevant technologies’; James Batchelder; and practice head Andrew Thomases are the other key contacts.

Ropes & Gray LLP‘s practice garners praise for being ‘highly client-oriented, prompt, efficient and practical’. The group is noted for its extensive ITC experience as well as for its prowess in handling multi-forum cases, and expertise in recognizing the unique issues raised by parallel ITC and PTAB proceedings. Recent work highlights include successfully representing Emerson Electric at the ITC as part of its long-running international dispute against SIPCO concerning Emerson’s Smart Wireless products. Heading the team is Washington DC’s Matthew Rizzolo, who has a focus on technology companies and is well-versed in all facets of litigation, from pre-suit investigation through trial, post-trial proceedings, and appeals. Over in the Silicon Valley office, Andrew Thomases, who leads the wider IP practice, and James Batchelder, are the key contacts.