The Intellectual Property Group vigorously prosecutes and defends cases involving the misuse of proprietary information and trade secrets.  We have the experience and depth of resources necessary to act swiftly and decisively to protect our clients’ interests when theft of intellectual property is occurring or alleged, within or without the United States, particularly in pharmaceutical and technology-related industries.  We combine our proven trial skills with our appreciation of the science behind our clients’ products and know-how to produce superior results.

The group’s achievements include obtaining injunctive relief and a favorable settlement for Owens-Illinois in a case involving the overseas transfer of its proprietary equipment and processes, with parallel litigation in Italy; obtaining a favorable settlement for United Microelectronics of Taiwan  from a competitor that misappropriated UMC’s trade secrets to enter the business of chip fabrication in Taiwan; and winning a defense verdict for Samna Corp. (now part of IBM) after a three-week jury trial in San Francisco, in a case involving the alleged use of the plaintiff’s trade secrets in developing computer software.  We have also represented innovative biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies such as Biosynexus, Q-Med, and Adams Laboratories, in trade secret litigation in numerous federal and state courts. 

Members of the group frequently address trade secret issues implicated in patent litigation and contract disputes.  The group also counsels clients in techniques for effectively preventing trade secret litigation, through the use of “clean rooms” and similar strategies, as well as the adoption and implementation of sound product development and personnel policies.