Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP is renowned for its ‘deep knowledge in contentious matters in many forums’. The practice’s diverse caseload covers the life sciences and technology sectors, with particular expertise in Hatch-Waxman cases and competitor disputes. Recently, the team achieved a significant victory for lululemon in its competitor dispute against Nike. Sheila Swaroop leads the team in Irvine and is praised by clients as an ’excellent litigator’ with extensive experience in the District Court, ITC and PTAB. Other key practitioners in Irvine include Joseph Re, a recognised trial and appellate litigator who specializes in high-stakes tech cases in federal courts, and William Adams, a key contact for leading life sciences companies. In Washington DC, William Zimmerman specializes in pharma litigation and represents pharma giants like Lupin Ltd. and Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals. Carol Pitzel Cruz, in Seattle, is known for her work representing generics in Hatch-Waxman cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Steve Jensen is an experienced global litigation strategist with significant wins under his belt against much larger companies than those he has represented. Sheila Swaroop is an excellent litigator with significant experience in the District Court, ITC and PTAB. Her advocacy style is pleasant and effective. ’
- ‘They take the time to understand the client's culture and business.’
Key clients
- Masimo Corp. and Cercacor Laboratories
- Amazon.com, Inc
Work highlights
Successfully represented Masimo Corporation and Cercacor Laboratories in a patent infringement suit against Apple regarding their Apple Watches, Series 6 and up. The media called Masimo standing up to Apple a “David vs. Goliath” battle that was among “the most momentous patent disputes in years.” Knobbe Martens is the first legal team, ever, to obtain an exclusion order against Apple and maintain it through Presidential review.
Practice head
Sheila Swaroop
Other key lawyers
Steve Jensen; Joseph Re; William Adams; William Zimmerman; Carol Pitzel Cruz