Noted for its ‘deep understanding’ of clients’, DLA Piper LLP (US)’s sector experience ranges from molecular biology and physics, to electrical engineering and AI. Heading the team are San Diego-based Sean Cunningham, San Francisco-based Gina Durham, and Boston-based Larissa Bifano, who has expertise handling the full scope of patent matters, from advising on diligence and strategic aspects, to prosecuting and litigating. Christopher Eide in Palo Alto is experienced in handling patent prosecution in both domestic and global contexts. Patent protection and handling transactional IP are specialist areas for San Diego-based Lisa Haile, and Peter Yim has notable post-grant proceedings expertise. In San Francisco, Brian Ho is also a key attorney, while in Philadelphia, Joseph Wolfe has a specialty in AI-related cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Brian Ho's team has advised us in a specialized biology space and Brian and his team have picked up the nuances quickly. Their deep understanding is essential for effective prosecution.'
- 'The team's communications with others in the prosecution process are very efficient.’
‘Brian Ho has provided consistently excellent and timely advice about the strategic alternatives we have in establishing our patent position. His sound, thoughtful advice has stood the test of time. We are guided towards approaches that provide good value for the funds expended to create a patent estate.’
Key clients
- Netflix, Inc.
- The Walt Disney Company
- Nanotronics Imaging
- Precision NeuroScience, LLC
- Sight Machine
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Dechra Veterinary Products LLC
- Combined Therapeutics, Inc.
- Inozyme Pharma
- American Gene Technologies Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented Disney and Netflix in a major patent dispute over streaming technology, leading to successful petitions in PTAB proceedings; all claims for two patents were found unpatentable, with appeals ongoing.
- Supported Sight Machine in securing patent protection for their big data and analytics technology, vital for the manufacturing sector.
- Securing patent protection for Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ therapies and providing strategic counsel on lifecycle management and exclusivity strategies.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Sean Cunningham; Gina Durham; Larissa Bifano
Other key lawyers
Christopher Eide; Peter Yim; Lisa Haile; Brian Ho; Joseph Wolfe; Pierre Queiroz De Oliveira