Reed Smith, one of the first major, full-service law firms to recognize the importance of offering intellectual property experience, continues to offer innovative solutions to clients facing a full array of cutting-edge issues across multiple industries. Today, our Intellectual Property Group comprises nearly 100 lawyers and spans the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France. We provide counsel and litigation services throughout Europe, Asia and other parts of the world.
Firm clients range from those that operate around the globe to entrepreneurs with a single great idea. We represent major pharmaceutical and medical device companies, software and electronics businesses, academic institutions and their commercial spin-offs, health care organizations, telecommunications, optical technology, chemicals, and e-commerce businesses.
We are recognized for our strong technical credentials, IP litigation skills and jury trial experience, as well as extensive experience in the industries in which our clients operate. Our team combines those skilled in every area of intellectual property, including patent lawyers, IP trial attorneys and lawyers knowledgeable in IP transactions and marketing and advertising.
Together, we go beyond answering individual legal questions to create comprehensive solutions that enable clients to accomplish their goals.
Technical Experience & IP Litigation
Firm patent lawyers have diverse technical backgrounds in the electrical, chemical and mechanical sciences; organic and physical chemistry, biotechnology, physics, material and animal sciences; and other areas.
Our IP litigation team is composed exclusively of full-time IP trial attorneys, who are versed in:
- Patent, trademark and copyright (including software) infringement
- Trade dress, trade secrets and unfair competition
- International dispute resolution
- Insurance coverage claims involving IP disputes
We have won large-ticket disputes in court and before tribunals such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the U.S. International Trade Commission, the World Intellectual Property Organization and the International Chamber of Commerce.
Business Counsel
Our IP lawyers also provide business counsel to help clients build and maximize IP value. We conduct IP audits, and structure a wide range of commercial agreements, including those addressing licensing; software development, supply and distribution; e-commerce; and IP investments. Our attorneys serve as IP counsel in mergers, acquisitions and dispositions, as well as in joint ventures, strategic alliances and IP asset acquisitions.
Our attorneys prosecute all types of IP rights. We have filed tens of thousands of patent and trademark applications for clients around the globe. We also help clients develop internal processes to protect IP rights, and draft employment, nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements.
A common thread throughout our IP practice is our dedication to partnering with clients to provide the highest quality service. Through our Rotating Attorney Program, our lawyers work in client offices to better understand client operations and goals. While some law firms talk about understanding their clients’ industries, we devote personnel and resources at the ground level.
