Track record : The volume of cases handled by Fish & Richardson’s team is truly impressive: between 2009 and 2019 it handled almost 1,500 separate patent cases, far more than its competitors. The firm focuses on quality, not just volume, acting for the likes of Microsoft, LG and Samsung as well as lesser-known companies such as Macronix International.

Differentiation : The team has a reputation for winning the most significant patent trials. The Boston-based Kurt Glitzenstein leads a team of over 250 patent litigators; he first-chairs trials and represents clients around the globe. Juanita Brooks is a go-to litigator for high-stakes cases; Michael McKeon has extensive experience in high-tech litigation.

Track record : The superb team of IP litigators at Kirkland & Ellis frequently represents its clients successfully in court and in front of the PTAB as well as in arbitration. The firm continued to be instructed on high-profile, high-value mandates; it successfully spared AT&T Services $200m in damages in a patent infringement case brought by Sycamore IP Holdings.

Differentiation : The patent litigation practice has long been a hallmark of Kirkland & Ellis; with its impressively deep bench of partners it spans all major innovation industries, from pharmaceuticals to telecoms to engineering. New York-based partners Leora Ben-Ami and Gregory Arovas head the practice alongside the Washington D.C.-based Gregg LoCascio.

Track record : Venable’s market-leading practice advises such clients as Astellas Pharma, Sanofi, Novartis, Allergan and Pozen. Renowned for assisting pharmaceutical clients, the firm has also been involved in matters relating to visual voicemail, software systems, vaccines, flashlights, satellite components, targeted cancer therapies, and cryogenic surgical devices.

Differentiation : Baltimore-headquartered IP powerhouse Venable fields one of the largest IP teams in the US. Led by seasoned trial lawyers with significant experience in complex, high-profile patent matters, Venable is widely recognized for the outstanding results it achieves for its clients. Practice heads Scott Reed and Megan Woodworth are widely respected.

Track record : Especially strong in Hatch-Waxman litigation and PTAB cases for patent owners, California-based IP boutique Knobbe Martens has a well-rounded patent disputes practice. Recent clients include Orexigen Therapeutics and SecureAuth; Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Edwards Lifesciences, Masimo, Lupin, and Illumina have also instructed the firm.

Differentiation : With over half its resources devoted to litigation, Knobbe Martens covers areas from consumer brands to computer software, and microchips to medical devices. John Sganga has over three decades’ experience in litigating IP and technology disputes; William Zimmerman is recommended for pharmaceutical litigation. Joseph Cianfrani heads the team.