Intellectual Property Litigation

We represent many of the country’s leading innovators—from life sciences and software companies to retail brands and major universities—in complex infringement matters in district courts nationwide, as well as in post-grant review proceedings before the PTAB and on appeal to the Federal Circuit. Our litigators have served as lead trial counsel in cases involving technologies ranging from internet technologies and cloud computing systems to DNA sequencing to hemophilia therapies to high-tech lingerie.

In the past five years, our attorneys have litigated more than 100 patent matters in federal courts, as well as before the PTAB and arbitration tribunals. We have an excellent record of adjudicated results at all stages of litigation, from the early pleadings to jury verdicts to appeals. In addition to our trial experience, we frequently obtain successful outcomes for our clients through summary judgment, mediation, and private settlement efforts. We understand the risks and benefits of intellectual property disputes, and have achieved positive outcomes for such clients with minimum expense and, when warranted, minimum publicity.

Our trademark clients include many of the world’s most recognizable brands. We also understand how new technologies affect brand strategies, including social media, contextual advertising, and affiliate network advertising—and how important trademarks can be to a client’s long-term vitality.

And to fight the ever-growing panoply of internet threats—from cyber-squatters and phishers to deceptive marketers—our knowledge of and experience with federal laws like the Anti-cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA), Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) proceedings, and Lanham Act help our clients safeguard their interests.

Clients trust us with their trademark portfolios—which often contain thousands of marks across the globe—because we are known for devising strong, enforceable domestic and international brands. Should those brands become threatened, our litigators have long a track record of success handling infringement, unfair competition, and other disputes in federal and state courts, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and other forums, including international courts and tribunals working together with our extensive network of international counsel.

Whether a client wants to stand out in a crowded market or preserve an established and successful brand, our copyright lawyers have the insight, skill, and courtroom experience to assist. We have extensive experience across fields—from retail and consumer products to major media and entertainment companies to software, energy, and pharmaceuticals.

Our firm was named 2021 national Copyright Law Firm of the Year by Best Law Firms.

We help clients exercise their statutory right of termination with older copyrights, enabling them to recapture their interests and negotiate more favorable licenses. And we work intelligently and strategically to use litigation and its associated mechanisms to the client’s best advantage.

Ballard Spahr helps organizations maintain their competitive advantage by defining and enforcing their trade secrets. We have extensive experience obtaining, and defending against, temporary restraints, permanent injunctions, and claims for monetary damages in connection with all facets of trade secret use. Our attorneys’ record of successful trade secret litigation crosses all industry sectors and includes clients from the Fortune 100, as well as smaller businesses across the country.