The practice at ArentFox Schiff is noted by clients for its ‘leading deep tech experience’, and has a strong reputation for its capabilities handling complex work spanning patent prosecution, litigation, and transactional matters. The team is co-led from New York by patent, trademark and copyright specialist Richard LaCava, and from Washington DC by Wilburn Chesser who specializes in tech-related patent work spanning various sectors. Further names to note on the East Coast include New York-based Michael Scarpati and Alexander Spiegler, and Washington DC-based Brian Stevens, who has expertise handling design patent matters. Engineering and life sciences expert Joseph Maraia joined the firm’s Boston office alongside others from Burns & Levinson, LLP in July 2024. Key practitioners on the West Coast include Craig Gelfound, 'a legend of the IP scene’ according to clients, who is noted for his experience in patent prosecution, litigation and transaction-related work. Anna Lloyd left the firm in August 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘My company has worked with ArentFox for over 15 years and we've never had any problems. They are very responsible in meeting deadlines and their service quality is really good. ’
- 'I would like to highlight lawyers James Bindseil and Richard LaCava, who made a difference in our strategic discussion for a technology with the US Government.’
- 'Recently I had a strategic case to discuss with the DOE and their professional expertise was essential.'
- ‘ArentFox's lawyers and technical team are very competent; their expertise makes the difference in the intellectual property management and intellectual property strategic discussions.'
- ‘Craig Gelfound remains a legend of the IP scene on the US West Coast. Despite having seen everything many times before, he still manages to stay abreast of cutting-edge issues like 6G and generative AI. Under his exceptional leadership, the team has scaled impressively over recent years and he is always available for more detailed oversight and provision where necessary.’
- 'Highly collaborative - our interface runs seamlessly from matter opening through to final invoices.’
Key clients
- Advance Battery Concepts Alfred Mann Foundation Analog Devices, Inc. Becton Dickinson Cardinal Health, Inc. Cobalt Digital Inc Cole-Parmer (Antylia Scientific) Divergent Technologies, Inc. Gaussian Grass Valley Ionnic Materials, Inc Johnson Controls, Inc. LPMG Inc Microsoft Corporation Munchkin Nicox SA Omnitracs LLC Osram Par Pharmaceutical Power Integrations Qualcomm Scosche Industries Smith & Nephew Vale S.A. Western Digital and SanDisk
Work highlights
Developing Qualcomm's new-generation “5G” communications tech and “internet of things” initiatives.
Drafting and prosecuting patent applications relating to various devices, cloud computing, blockchain technologies, operating systems, laptops, and graphics processing technology for Microsoft, including the commercially successful SURFACE tablet and the HOLOLENS augmented reality system.
Providing IP assistance to Cardinal Health, including extensive patent portfolio management, freedom-to-operate analyzes, and handling transactional matters relating to new medical technologies and privacy matters.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Richard LaCava; Wilburn Chesser
Other key lawyers
Craig Gelfound; Marylee Jenkins; Richard Berman; Johnny Ma, James Bindseil, Michael Fainberg, Michael Scarpati, Brian Stevens, Jasjit Vidwan; Alexander Spiegler