The full-service patent litigation practice at WilmerHale handles patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret disputes across the most important courts and administrative bodies, including ITC and the US Supreme Court. A go-to firm for pharma and telecom litigation, the group has notably represented a client in one of the first US government lawsuits against a pharmaceutical company for patent infringement. The group is also prominent in software sector, having successfully defended industry leaders like Dropbox and X. Corp in patent infringement suits. The practice is led by five prominent IP litigators: Mark Selwyn, Mindy Sooter, Amy Wigmore, Emily Whelan, and David Cavanaugh. Mark Selwyn, a Palo Alto-based litigator is reputed for successfully handling complex, multi-jurisdictional IP disputes. Mindy Sooter, head of the firm’s Denver office, is a go-to trial attorney for telecom and high-tech patent and trade secret litigation. Emily Whelan, operating out of Boston, spearheads the IP litigation in the life sciences sector. Washington DC- based attorney David Cavanaugh is a recognised expert in administrative proceedings, particularly IPR. William Lee, a leading trial and appellate lawyer, regularly advises on IP disputes. Brittany Amadi is recognised for her trial experience across all litigation stages. Omar Khan is a go-to advisor on trade secrets matters. Sonal Mehta excels in high-stakes technology and life sciences disputes. Joseph Mueller is highly regarded for his trial work. Partners Peter Dichiara, Monica Grewal, Joseph Haag, and Mark Matushak have retired this year. Partner Alice Ahn joined from Covington & Burling LLP and Adrian Percer joined from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.
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Key clients
- Apple Inc.
- Comcast Cable Communications
- Dropbox Inc.
- Exelixis Inc.
- Gilead Sciences
- GSK
- Hanwha Solutions
- Intel Corporation
- Neurent Medical
- PNC Bank
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- X Corp.
Work highlights
Secured a favorable settlement for its client Gilead Sciences, Inc., ending a long-running patent dispute with the U.S. government.
Secured a complete victory for Comcast Cable Communications, LLC in a high-stakes patent dispute with NexStep, Inc., culminating in a precedential Federal Circuit ruling and the Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari.
Secured a victory for PNC Bank in its long-running patent dispute with United States Automobile Association (USAA).
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Mark Selwyn; Mary Sooter; Amy Wigmore; Emily Whelan; David Cavanaugh
Other key lawyers
William Lee; Brittany Amadi; Omar Kahn; Sonal Mehta; Joseph Mueller; Peter Dichiara; Monica Grewal; Joseph Haag; Mark Matushak; Alice Ahn; Adrian Percer