Morrison Foerster 's team demonstrates notable strength in life sciences and high tech patents, with a recent focus on semiconductor and emerging medicine cases. The department has a geographically diverse leadership team. In Washington DC, Mark Whitaker, with experience in all key litigation venues, focuses on semiconductors, optical technologies, chemicals and database analytics. Austin-based Brian Nash is a specialist in complex patent litigation, with a particular focus on disputes in the Eastern and Western Districts of Texas. Rounding out the leadership are Bita Rahebi, based in Los Angeles, and Tim Saulsbury, based in San Francisco; both Rahebi and Saulsbury are key first-chair patent litigators for leading technology companies. Other trusted counsellors include Richard Hung, recognized as a brilliant strategist, and Daralyn Durie, who is highly sought after by both plaintiffs and defendants for her success in IP trials. Both Hung and Durie are located in San Francisco.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Morrison Foerster boasts one of the strongest patent enforcement litigation practices. Having relied on MoFo for various IP litigations over the past 15 years, I would recommend them without reservation.’
‘Richard Hung: A brilliant strategist with strong business acumen. Richard not only advises companies on litigation strategies but also guides them through complex competitive landscapes to position his clients for success.'
- 'Arturo González: One of the best trial attorneys in the U.S., if not the number one trial attorney.'
- 'Daralyn Durie: A brilliant patent litigator with a deep strategic mindset.'
‘Morrison Foerster provides a national patent litigation practice, fielding subject matter experts wherever they are located. They are particularly strong in areas of high technology and life sciences, maintaining a top-notch destination patent prosecution and advisory practice that complements their patent litigation practice. Additionally, the appellate team is very experienced before the Federal Circuit and brings that talent to bear in developing trial strategy.’
‘The team understands the client's strategy and thinking, and suggests how to proceed with the case.’
‘Based on their understanding of the client's technology and market segment, they will propose a litigation strategy that meets the client's needs.’
Key clients
- Aptiv PLC
- Arbutus Biopharma Corp.
- ARM
- Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc
- Celanese International Corporation
- Ferring Pharmaceuticals
- Kind Pharmaceuticals
- Learneo
- Malvern Panalytical, Spectric Plc
- MaxLinear Inc.
Work highlights
Represented Avadel Pharmaceuticals in a patent infringement trial brought by Jazz Pharmaceuticals relating to an effective treatment for narcolepsy.
Retained by Neogenomics in a matter alleging infringement on patents related to cell-free DNA testing technologies, crucial for non-invasive cancer testing and monitoring.
Secured a complete walkaway victory for Trello (an Atlassian subsidiary) in its defense of patent claims brought by Web 2.0 Technologies.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Mark L. Whitaker; Bita Rahebi; Brian Nash; Tim Saulsbury