We understand our clients’ innovations and reputations serve as the foundation for building strong companies. In order to generate revenue and compete, companies must protect their inventions and brands while minimizing costly legal disputes and business interruptions.
With first-hand experience in the technology, life sciences, music and fashion sectors, our IP lawyers bring sharp legal skills and insightful industry-specific business judgment to every matter. We monitor trends that impact our clients’ brands, understand the competitive landscape and vigorously defend their IP rights.
Leveraging our diverse team of attorneys, patent agents and technical specialists, including Ph.D.-qualified research scientists and practitioners with technology industry work experience, we help clients stay abreast of the ever-changing U.S. patent system and laws. We recognize and serve each client’s distinct needs, and work to understand how evolving laws may impact those demands in the future.
We represent a broad range of domestic and international entities, including companies in the technology, biotechnology, consumer product and services, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries, manufacturers, universities, research institutes and academic medical centers.
Our IP practice offers a full range of services, including IP litigation, patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and technology transfer and licensing.
We also provide proactive and business-focused legal counsel on IP acquisitions and advise on issues involving advertising and promotions, brand management, rights of publicity, domain names, cross-border enforcement, anti-counterfeiting, licensing, research, and vendor and outsourcing agreements and contracts.
Los Angeles Daily Journal | June 25, 2018
Los Angeles corporate partner Ellie Altshuler was named as one of the top 40 attorneys in California under the age of 40 by the Los Angeles Daily Journal.
Long Island Business News | June 22, 2018
Long Island corporate partner Richa Naujoks is quoted in this article discussing the need for early-stage businesses to have proper partnership agreements and an IP protection strategy in place.
Law360 | May 07, 2018
In this roundup of promotions to partner and firm management positions, 14 attorneys from Nixon Peabody are highlighted. The 11 attorneys promoted to partner are Ellie Altshuler, Mark Beaudoin, Erik Birkeneder, Hannah Bornstein, Chris Browning, Barry Carrigan, Keri McWilliams, Matt Mullen, Steven Richard, Charles Tamuleviz and Alison Torbitt. In addition, Kenneth C. Lind was promoted to leader of the firms’ public finance practice group, Justin Thompson was promoted to office managing partner in LA, and Aaron Yowell was promoted to chief innovation officer.
Law360 | April 19, 2018
Litigation Department Chair Scott O’Connell is mentioned in this article as one of the attorneys for a group of pharmaceutical companies asking the First Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a U.S. District Court ruling that rejected a lawsuit aimed at forcing a redesign of eye drop bottles.
Billboard | April 13, 2018
Los Angeles IP Counseling and Transactions partner Julian Petty is quoted in this article discussing the lack of black executives in an industry that is increasingly driven by urban music and black culture.
The Hollywood Reporter | April 05, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty, whose clients include Childish Gambino and the estate of Notorious B.I.G., has been named a Top Music Attorney in the Power Lawyers issue of The Hollywood Reporter.
Law360 | March 30, 2018
Albany commercial litigation partner Bill Reynolds is mentioned in this article for his representation of AngioDynamics Inc., which has spent years trying to collect a $75 million IP judgment from Biolitec AG. The latter company now faces up to $1 million in fines if it does not comply with discovery requests.
Boston Herald | March 18, 2018
In the following coverage, Boston IP litigation partner Jason Kravitz is mentioned as lead attorney for W.B. Mason in its countersuit against Dairy Queen, about a trademark case over the use of the term “Blizzard.” “We obviously don’t think we’re in the wrong, at all,” Kravitz said. “These are fundamentally different business lines—fundamentally different channels of trade. We don’t think any reasonable person is ever going to confuse a bottle of water with W.B. Mason on the label and a Dairy Queen frozen dessert.”
Courhouse News Service | March 16, 2018
In the following coverage, Boston IP litigation partner Jason Kravitz is mentioned as lead attorney for W.B. Mason in its countersuit against Dairy Queen, about a trademark case over the use of the term “Blizzard.” “We obviously don’t think we’re in the wrong, at all,” Kravitz said. “These are fundamentally different business lines—fundamentally different channels of trade. We don’t think any reasonable person is ever going to confuse a bottle of water with W.B. Mason on the label and a Dairy Queen frozen dessert.”
Bloomberg | March 15, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Ellie Altshuler is quoted in this story about the possibility of widespread adoption for “inclusion riders”— a clause in an entertainer’s contract that mandates a diverse cast and crew for the project.
Law360 | March 15, 2018
In the following coverage, Boston partners Jason Kravitz and Gina McCreadie, senior counsel Deborah Thaxter, and associate Leslie Hartford are mentioned for representing W.B. Mason in a trademark infringement case against Dairy Queen over the use of the word “blizzard.”
Law360 | March 15, 2018
In the following coverage, Boston partners Jason Kravitz and Gina McCreadie, senior counsel Deborah Thaxter, and associate Leslie Hartford are mentioned for representing W.B. Mason in a trademark infringement case against Dairy Queen over the use of the word “blizzard.”
AmLaw Daily | March 12, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty successfully defended the estate of rapper Notorious B.I.G. in a copyright suit. Riordan is quoted in this article, saying the ruling “is sure to become an influential decision on music copyright infringement cases.”
Billboard | March 09, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty are quoted for their representation of the estate of rapper Notorious B.I.G. in the successful defense of a copyright suit filed by a 1960s revolutionary poet.
Law360 | March 09, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty are mentioned in this article on NP’s win representing the estate of rapper Notorious B.I.G. A judge ruled the rapper’s use of a phrase from a 1960s poem was permissible under copyright law because it was “transformative.”
Pigeons and Planes | February 26, 2018
Los Angeles IP transactions and counseling of counsel Carron Mitchell is quoted in this article on how she views the significance of Black History Month in the music industry, and the need for greater representation in leadership roles.
Los Angeles Business Journal | February 16, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Ellie Altshuler is quoted in this article on what metrics are most important in measuring social media impact.
Law360 | February 05, 2018
Washington DC IP counseling and transactions partner Jeffrey Costellia is quoted in this article about the possibility of reforms at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Andrei Iancu was confirmed as the new director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which oversees the board.
Los Angeles Business Journal | February 02, 2018
This feature of Los Angeles IP counseling & transactions partner Ellie Altshuler discusses her promotion to partner and how she fuses her practice in fashion law with her fashion style.
Billboard Magazine | February 02, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty is profiled in Billboard, the top trade publication in the music industry. Petty talks about how a love of hip-hop led him from a small town in New York to Def Jam Records to a career representing artists such as Childish Gambino, A Tribe Called Quest, Vince Staples and the estate of The Notorious B.I.G.
Billboard | January 05, 2018
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty provides commentary in this roundup article about predictions for the music industry in 2018.
Law360 | December 05, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Staci Jennifer Riordan and counsel Aaron Brian are mentioned in this article about a copyright infringement trial in LA for representing clothing retailer H&M.
Forbes | October 24, 2017
Los Angles commercial litigation associate Brianna Howard is featured in this Q&A about the legal implications of incorporating virtual reality and other new technologies into the esports industry, specifically intellectual property rights.
Medium.com | October 23, 2017
Rochester IP counseling and transactions associate Colleen Raimond authored this article about how esports players and teams can create and protect their brands.
Adweek | October 10, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions associate Ellie Altshuler is quoted throughout this article about the recent updates made to the Federal Trade Commission’s endorsement guidelines and their effects on social marketers.
Los Angeles Daily Journal | October 10, 2017
Los Angeles IP litigation partner Shawn Hansen is quoted in this article about drug maker Amgen Inc.’s request for a federal judge to invalidate patents claimed by a rival company so it can create a generic, less expensive version of a popular cancer drug.
FoodNavigator-USA | October 06, 2017
Chicago IP counseling and transactions partner Janet Garetto is featured in this Q&A article about IP protections for food manufacturers.
Pigeons & Planes | October 03, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions of counsel Carron Mitchell is quoted in this roundup article of advice for artists to consider before signing a deal with a music label.
Upscale Magazine | October 01, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty was named one of the “Top 25 in 2017” by Upscale Magazine.
TechCrunch | September 22, 2017
Los Angles IP counseling and transactions associate Erik Birkeneder authored this column about the future and benefits of health care mobile applications.
USF Lawyer | September 22, 2017
In this USF Lawyer “Alumni News” column (page 29) and on the USF Law School website, On Lu is featured for his focus on monetizing intellectual property, as well as his role as a USF alumnus.
American Lawyer, National Law Journal, Law.com | September 14, 2017
San Francisco office managing partner Tom Gaynor and IP counseling and transactions partner On Lu are quoted in this feature article about the StartOut Growth Lab, an LGBT startup accelerator based in Nixon Peabody’s San Francisco office.
Franchise Law Journal | September 01, 2017
Washington DC M&A and corporate transactions partner Kendal Tyre, public company transactions associate Pierce Han and IP litigation associate Nia Newton authored this article about the due-diligence first steps that franchising systems should take when expanding internationally.
VentureBeat | August 23, 2017
Los Angeles commercial litigation associates Brianna Howard and Jessica Walker and Chicago IP litigation associate Jason Kunze contributed this article on how licensing agreements can protect online streaming platforms from copyright infringement in the gaming industry.
Hollywood Reporter | August 14, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner and fashion practice group leader Staci Riordan is quoted in this article about dueling trademark lawsuits between Gucci and Forever 21.
Los Angeles Business Journal | August 14, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty has been named one of the entertainment industry’s most influential IP attorneys. This article highlights his work and his clients.
Billboard | July 17, 2017
Billboard Magazine has named Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty as a top music lawyer in 2017.
Billboard | June 22, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty is quoted in this article on the changing economics of the music industry and the recent surge in new signings. Click here to read the full article.
The Los Angeles Times | June 19, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty is quoted in this article about rapper Jay-Z’s newest album that will be released exclusively through the streaming service Tidal, which he co-owns. Click here to read the full article.
MedCity News | June 15, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions associate Erik Birkeneder and health care associate Daniel Eliav co-authored this article about legal issues digital health companies should consider.
Law360 | May 22, 2017
Los Angeles IP litigation partner Shawn Hansen is quoted in the following articles discussing the Supreme Court’s decision in the patent case TC Heartland LLC v. Kraft Food Brands Group LLC, which limits where plaintiffs can file patent lawsuits.
The New York Times | May 22, 2017
Los Angeles IP litigation partner Shawn Hansen is quoted in the following articles discussing the Supreme Court’s decision in the patent case TC Heartland LLC v. Kraft Food Brands Group LLC, which limits where plaintiffs can file patent lawsuits.
Forbes | May 19, 2017
Associates Irene Scholl-Tatevosyan, Matt Morris, Chris Queenin and Brianna Howard co-authored this article about legal issues the booming eSports industry should consider.
WXXI News | May 01, 2017
Rochester IP counseling and transactions partner Kristen Mollnow Walsh appeared on this radio segment to discuss a case of alleged “corporate bullying” by Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Law360 | April 28, 2017
This article mentions recent leadership promotions at the firm including David Brown, Jared Lusk, Jim Vallee, Graham Beck, Kathleen Ceglarski Burns, Emily Crandall Harlan, Daniel Gibbons, Linda Huber, Ilana Kameros, Haydon Keitner, Darren Miller, Neal Pandozzi, Edward Puerta, Stephen Reil, and Elizabeth Young.
Los Angeles Business Journal | April 24, 2017
The Los Angeles Business Journal named Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner and fashion practice leader Staci Riordan as one of the Most Influential Women Lawyers.
Rochester Business Journal | April 21, 2017
Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk, Washington DC IP counseling and transactions partner Jeff Costellia and Chicago IP counseling and transactions associate Angelo Christopher co-authored this column about a Supreme Court decision regarding the reach of U.S. patent rights for exported products.
ABA Journal | April 01, 2017
This Q&A with Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty highlights his notable clients, his work and how he got a start in entertainment law. Click here to read the full article.
Education Week | March 28, 2017
Chicago IP litigation associate Jason Kunze is quoted in this article about safeguarding student data privacy in online educational apps.
SHRM | March 28, 2017
Providence commercial litigation counsel Steve Richard contributed this article about a company’s efforts to remove a former employee’s anonymous online post which the company believed revealed company trade secrets.
Law360 | March 22, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner and fashion practice leader Staci Riordan is quoted in this article about the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent 6-2 decision regarding copyright law and decorative elements on cheerleading uniforms.
Los Angeles/San Francisco Daily Journal | February 15, 2017
Los Angeles IP litigation partner Shawn Hansen authored this column about an upcoming case in the U.S. Supreme Court that will deal with Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 (BPCIA), which was enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Fashion Consciousness Magazine | February 10, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner and fashion practice leader Staci Riordan is featured in this story that focuses on her work in fashion law.
NBC Boston & New England Cable News | January 27, 2017
This media clip highlights the Wheelchair Man book launch party hosted at the Nixon Peabody Boston office and features pro bono client, Mohammed Sayed (AKA Wheelchair Man). Boston IP counseling & transactions partner David Resnick and public company transactions associate Tevia Pollard helped Mohammed create his new non-profit RimPower.
Billboard | January 09, 2017
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty is quoted in this roundup of music industry predictions for 2017. Click here to read the full article.
Northern California Record | December 06, 2016
San Francisco commercial litigation partner Bruce Copeland and associate Shady Joulani are noted as Breville USA Inc.’s counsel in a patent infringement case before the Northern District of California.
illinoistech.org | December 05, 2016
Russ Genet was featured in a Q&A discussing the firm's IP practice nationally and in the Chicagoland region.
The New York Times | November 17, 2016
Long Island Health Care partner Allan Cohen is quoted in this article about legal challenges entrepreneurs can face when starting a business. Allan’s comments focus on areas start-ups should keep in mind such as patent, ownership and copyright issues, and what companies should consider to avoid being sued.
Billboard | November 14, 2016
Los Angeles IP Counseling & Transactions partner Julian Petty is mentioned as legal representative for A Tribe Called Quest in this article about the group’s signing with Creative Arts Agency for worldwide representation.
Forbes | October 31, 2016
This story discusses a Supreme Court case about whether design elements on a cheerleader uniform can have intellectual property protection. Los Angeles partner and fashion practice leader Staci Riordan talks about the potential impact of this case on the fashion industry.
Los Angeles Business Journal | October 28, 2016
Los Angeles partner and fashion practice leader Staci Riordan is quoted in this article about SCOTUS case Star Athletica v. Varsity Brand, which could have major implications for the Los Angeles region’s fashion industry.
Billboard Magazine | October 06, 2016
Los Angeles IP Counseling & Transactions partner Julian Petty is featured in this article highlighting the team who manages the Estate of Notorious B.I.G. Click here to read the full article.
Los Angeles Business Journal | October 03, 2016
This feature article showcases Los Angeles IP Counseling & Transactions partner Julian Petty, leader of the firm’s entertainment practice, and his work through photos of his office and the mementos he’s collected through the years.
San Francisco Daily Journal | September 08, 2016
The following coverage highlights the arrival of the IP Counseling & Transactions team of San Francisco partner On Lu, Washington DC counsel Ed Quiñones and Silicon Valley associate Zhou Lu.
Law360 | September 08, 2016
The following coverage highlights the arrival of the IP Counseling & Transactions team of San Francisco partner On Lu, Washington DC counsel Ed Quiñones and Silicon Valley associate Zhou Lu.
Law360 | September 07, 2016
This profile features Washington, DC, partner, chair of the Global Strategies Committee and lead of IP Counseling & Transactions, Jeff Costellia. The Q&A showcases his focus on client service and he offers advice to new attorneys building their practices.
Tech Crunch | August 12, 2016
Silicon Valley IP litigation associate Erik Birkeneder authored this article about how deep learning algorithms can have the potential to improve medical diagnostics and care.
KPCC-FM (NPR Los Angeles affiliate) | August 10, 2016
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Staci Riordan is quoted in this article about controversies surrounding corporate sponsorships at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The YBF | July 30, 2016
Los Angeles IP counseling and transactions partner Julian Petty is noted as representing Bystorm Films and Notorious B.I.G., LLC, on a scripted series for TBS that will loosely incorporate Biggie’s life and lyrics.
Bloomberg BNA Privacy Law Watch | June 14, 2016
TCPA team co-leader and Boston IP litigation associate Troy Lieberman is quoted in this piece discussing considerations companies should address when facing multiple Telephone Consumer Protection Act class actions.
IAM | April 08, 2016
The story notes the U.S. law firms delivering the highest quality patents on their clients behalf. Nixon Peabody ranked among the top 10.
American Lawyer | March 23, 2016
This article profiles Los Angeles partner Julian Petty. Click here to read the full article.
Law360 | March 17, 2016
Silicon Valley IP litigation partner Jennifer Hayes provides third-party commentary throughout this article about when to file a continuation patent application.
Law360 | February 25, 2016
Los Angeles partner and Fashion practice group leader Staci Riordan is quoted in this story about the four biggest legal landmines for fashion brands to avoid when celebrities wear their designs on the Oscars red carpet this Sunday.
NPR | February 23, 2016
Los Angeles partner Julian Petty is quoted in this story discussing the #FreeKesha movement supporting the pop singer as she fights her recording contract with Sony. Throughout the piece, he provides third-party commentary on how public support is playing into the legal battle. Click here to read the full article.
Law360 | February 11, 2016
Chicago IP Counseling & Transactions partner Paul Kitch is quoted in this piece that discusses Apple’s strategy behind its America Invents Act review petitions at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and how this gives the company greater leverage in patent infringement fights.
The Recorder | February 05, 2016
This coverage notes Silicon Valley IP litigation partner Jennifer Hayes election to the partnership news.
The Legal Intelligencer | January 22, 2016
New York City partner Craig Tractenberg authored this column discussing whether a potential franchisee can purchase a franchise with a criminal history.
Apparel News | January 21, 2016
Los Angeles partner and Fashion practice group leader Staci Riordan provides third-party commentary in this piece about an increasing number of class-action lawsuits against big-name department stores over markdowns allegedly made on “false” original prices.
Law360 | January 14, 2016
Boston IP Counseling & Transactions counsel David Crosby and Washington, DC, associate Harini Kidambi co-authored this column regarding implications arising from the 2015 Army Data & Data Rights Guide for military service professionals and other contractors.
American Lawyer Litigation Daily | January 13, 2016
This feature story highlights the firm’s efforts securing a dismissal of transgender locker room policy lawsuit for client Planet Fitness. The Boston team of partner Art Pressman and associate Troy Lieberman are noted as counsel.
Law360 | January 08, 2016
San Francisco IP litigation partner Ron Lopez and Silicon Valley IP litigation associate Jennifer Hayes co-authored this column on the new single Unified Patent Court with jurisdiction over European patents.
Journal of Sports Analytics | January 01, 2016
Boston associate Matt Frankel authored this column discussing recent cases of alleged misappropriation, infringement, and/or theft of sports analytics intellectual property.
Reuters | December 23, 2015
Nixon Peabody is mentioned in this feature article for our representation of Warner Music Group, EMI Music Publishing, Big Poppa Music, Bad Boy Records and the estate of The Notorious BIG. Our team—led by partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty—won a dismissal of copyright infringement claims involving BIG’s 1994 debut album. Associates Neal Gauger and Seth Berman were part of the legal team. Click here to read the full article.
Law360 | December 22, 2015
Partners Staci Riordan and Julian Petty and associates Neal Gauger and Seth Berman are mentioned in this article for their representation of Warner Music Group, EMI Music Publishing, Big Poppa Music, Bad Boy Records and the estate of Notorious BIG in a case focused on alleged copyright claims involving BIG’s 1994 debut album. Staci provides commentary. Click here to read the full article.
Fordham Lawyer | December 11, 2015
Partner Julian Petty is featured within this article highlighting Fordham Law alumni prominently involved in the evolution of the way we watch movies and listen to music. Click here for the complete coverage.
Law360 | December 09, 2015
San Francisco IP Litigation partner Ron Lopez is quoted in this profile of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director Michelle Lee.
Boston Magazine | December 01, 2015
Los Angeles partner and leader of our Fashion practice Staci Riordan is included in this feature story on how the footwear industry is dealing with intellectual property lawsuits.
Your Working Life | December 01, 2015
Los Angeles partner and leader of the firm’s Fashion industry team Staci Riordan is profiled in this podcast. Your Working Life is a series that features thought-leaders and influencers in the career and personal growth arena. Staci talks about her passion for fashion and getting into fashion law.
Law360 | November 09, 2015
San Francisco IP Litigation partner Ron Lopez provides commentary in this feature story on how to beat a frivolous patent case in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas which is known for being a difficult challenge.
The Legal Intelligencer | October 23, 2015
New York City IP Litigation partner Craig Tractenberg authored this column discussing a new bill intended to establish “responsible franchise practices” and level the playing field for franchisees.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin | October 15, 2015
Chicago IP Counseling & Transactions partner Janet Garetto and Chicago IP Litigation partner Russ Genet co-authored this column on protecting the valued attorney-client privilege. Click here to read the full article.
PartnerPractice Group Leader, IP Counseling & Transactions
Phone: 202-585-8207
Partner
Practice Group Leader, IP Litigation
Phone: 617-345-1318
