Rob is a litigation and mediation partner at Reed Smith. Clients rely on Rob to handle their complex disputes and important business issues. Whether prosecuting, defending, or mediating lawsuits or providing strategic counsel on client’s valuable assets, Rob brings 40 years of in-depth experience, judgment, and skill to the matter.
Experience
Representative matters
Representative matters
Mondelez Int’l v Aldi, Inc. (N.D.Ill.) representing Mondelez against Aldi stores for trade dress infringement by Aldi’s private label versions of OREO, CHIPS AHOY. NILLA WAFERS, WHEAT THINS, RITZ and PREMIUM cookies and crackers.
Elevance and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association v LifeX et al. (N.D. Ga.) prevailed on motion for preliminary injunction against defendants’ unauthorized use of the ANTHEM, BLUE CROSS, and BLUE SHIELD trademarks.
Vicious Brands dba SAINTS & SINNERS Haircare v. Holly Cutler (aka THE SKIN SAINT) and FACE MedSpa (N.D. Ca.) defending trademark infringement action involving hair care and skin care brands.
Mondelez Int’l v Aldi, Inc. (N.D.Ill.) representing Mondelez against Aldi stores for trade dress infringement by Aldi’s private label versions of OREO, CHIPS AHOY. NILLA WAFERS, WHEAT THINS, RITZ and PREMIUM cookies and crackers.
Elevance and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association v LifeX et al. (N.D. Ga.) prevailed on motion for preliminary injunction against defendants’ unauthorized use of the ANTHEM, BLUE CROSS, and BLUE SHIELD trademarks.
Vicious Brands dba SAINTS & SINNERS Haircare v. Holly Cutler (aka THE SKIN SAINT) and FACE MedSpa (N.D. Ca.) defending trademark infringement action involving hair care and skin care brands.
SCS Global Services v SCS Engineering (N.D. Ca.) representing plaintiffs in action for declaratory judgment of noninfringement under the Lanham Act.
Advising Brown Estates, Clover Sonoma, Dunlop Sports Americas, The Free Spirits Company, Genova Delicatessen, Nature’s Bakery, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Procter & Gamble, and WX Brands on intellectual property matters.
Reflex Media v Successful Match, trademark Infringement dispute between competing internet dating websites.
Kimmel & Silverman, P.C. vs. Mercedes-Benz, USA,LLC, breach of contract, fraud, negligence.
Regents of the University of California v Cogitativo, Inc., breach of commercial lease agreement.
Collins vs. Scianamblo, private nuisance dispute.
Florez and Monterroza v NRT, wrongful termination and wage and hour claims.
Hoffman v Koller automobile bicycle accident.
Marci and Steve Peters v Volkswagen Group of America, breach of warranty.
Zeeman v Frazee, constructive eviction and damages due to mold infestation.
Cox-Hopyard, LLC vs Souza & Sons Inc., truck/commercial property collision and damage.
GoGo Bake Corp v. Garcias Market Inc. action by seller for money due on sale of baking supplies after buyer’s payment was stolen in the mail by an unknown third party.
Arkin v H&R Block, taxpayer versus tax preparer dispute.
Baugh v BATRA Vision Medical, negligence/fraud in connection with vision exam.
Recognitions
- Best Lawyers in America, Trademark Law, 2023 and 2025
- Named a Global Leader by World Trademark Review, 2025
World Trademark Review 1000, 2025 (Gold Band)
“Excelling on the enforcement front, Robert Phillips advocates for leading companies who rely on him to handle high-stakes disputes and their most pressing business issues.”
Credentials
Education
Education
- University of San Francisco School of Law, 1985, J.D., magna cum laude
- University of California, Berkeley, 1982, B.A., with high honors
Professional admissions & qualifications
Professional admissions & qualifications
- California
Court admissions
Court admissions
- U.S. District Court - Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court - Southern District of California
- U.S. District Court - Central District of California
- U.S. District Court - Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court - Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court - Northern District of Georgia
- U.S. District Court - District of Nebraska
- U.S. District Court - District of Nevada
- U.S. District Court - Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court - Middle District of Tennessee
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Federal Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Second Circuit
Professional affiliations
Professional affiliations
- California State Bar Association, Member
- International Trademark Association, Member
- International Trademark Association, Directory of Trademark Mediators
- World Intellectual Property Organization, Mediator
- Settlement Conference Panelist, Marin County Superior Court
- Day of Court Mediator, Alameda County Superior Court
- Alameda County Superior Court Mediation Program, Panelist
News
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