Patent Prosecution & Litigation
Patent matters increasingly are among the most important and complex legal issues facing companies today. Patent protection for inventions can be a highly valuable asset for the patent owner and a critical aspect of ensuring return on investments in research and development. On the other hand, defending assertions of patent infringement is expensive and may expose a company to tremendous damages liability and/or permanent injunctive relief.
Compounding the importance and complexity of patent issues, U.S. patent law is undergoing its most fundamental reforms in over fifty years. In September 2011, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) was enacted, bringing with it numerous changes to U.S. patent law affecting how patents are granted, challenged, and enforced. In addition to AIA, the federal courts have reformed U.S. patent law significantly in many other areas in recent years.
With change comes opportunity. Manatt patent prosecution and litigation attorneys have the experience and acumen to help clients successfully navigate the evolving environment of patent law and turn it to their advantage. Our attorneys give clients the benefit of decades of collective experience as well as the agility to adapt to the changing legal landscape.
We are adept at handling patent litigation, prosecution and the full range of business transactions associated with patents. We assist clients with every step of the patent process, from preparation and prosecution of patent applications and post-grant proceedings in the USPTO, to licensing and enforcement activities in the federal courts and before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).
We also know that a good defense can sometimes be the best offense. Our attorneys know how to strike an appropriate balance between respect for others' intellectual property and innovation in a fast-moving commercial environment. We regularly guide clients through the process of assessing third party patent rights and, when necessary, defending patent infringement claims.
Technical Experience
Manatt's patent team includes attorneys and consultants with technical expertise in computer science, communications, networking, electrical components, Internet technology, and mechanics. They hail from senior technical positions at industry leading companies and associations. Our team even includes a Wizard - the designation for Apple's highest level of technical expertise. Our technology team speaks the language of technology and helps the litigators do what they do best: mount a masterful strategy that achieves your business objectives, on offense or defense.
The marriage of smart legal counsel and strong technical skills can make all the difference between success and failure in court. Clients tired of spoon-feeding technical information to their lawyers will find it easy to work with Manatt.