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Venable LLP

Venable LLP

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United States • Intellectual property

3

Patents: litigation (full coverage)

Venable LLP‘s full-service IP litigation practice group, lauded for its ’exceptionally strategic litigation judgment’ and a ‘business-oriented mindset’ has experience handling sophisticated patent matters on both the plaintiff and defense side, litigating the full range of IP disputes. The group is particularly active in pharmaceuticals, automotive, software and tech patent litigation. Megan Woodworth , a Washington DC-based IP attorney experienced in patent litigation and appeals, leads the team together with Frank Gasparo, a Federal Circuit litigator, and Michael Sandonato, a trial attorney with extensive experience before the ITC and in arbitrations. In 2025, partners Eric Krause and Jeannine Yoo Sano joined the group from Axinn Veltrop & Harkrider. Partners Richard Wells  and Steven Lubezny have left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Venable’s patents litigation practice stands out for its combination of deep technical fluency, exceptionally strategic litigation judgment, and a consistently practical, business-oriented mindset. Their work product is meticulous, their advocacy is sophisticated, and they operate with a level of internal coordination and responsiveness that is rare even among top-tier firms.'

  • 'The team’s strengths are amplified by its collaborative culture—partners and associates work seamlessly as a unified group, ensuring that every matter benefits from the full breadth of the firm’s expertise.'

  • ‘Manny Caixeiro is a standout in every respect. He brings a rare combination of steady leadership, incisive strategic thinking, and genuine client partnership. Manny has an exceptional ability to distill complex technical and procedural issues into practical recommendations, and he consistently demonstrates sound judgment under pressure.'

  • ‘Very high quality work product. Extremely dedicated team that is focused on understanding how the technology works and meeting client's needs.’

  • ‘Manny Caixeiro excels at client service and laying out strategic rationale behinds recommendations.’

  • ‘Venable is highly efficient - great value for the money, good judgment, and they meet the client where they're at.’

Key clients

  • Arthrex, Inc.
  • FCA US LLC
  • ecobee Technologies ULC

Work highlights

Serves as lead counsel to medical device manufacturer Arthrex, Inc. in multiple complex patent disputes involving advanced orthopedic and surgical technologies.
Represented FCA US LLC, a subsidiary of Stellantis N.V., in a major patent litigation brought by Neo Wireless, LLC involving 4G/LTE connectivity in vehicles.
Rrepresented ecobee Technologies ULC, a leading smart thermostat manufacturer, in patent litigation brought by Causam Enterprises, Inc. before both the U.S. International Trade Commission and federal district court.
Practice head

Megan Woodworth; Frank Gasparo; Michael Sandonato

Other key lawyers

Eric Krause; Jeannine Yoo Sano; Manny Caixeiro

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