Intellectual Property Litigation

AV&H's experience in complex litigation particularly complements its extensive involvement in patent and other intellectual property matters.  The firm litigates intellectual property cases in federal and state courts across the country, as well as in arbitration proceedings. 

The firm devotes a significant portion of its practice to patent litigation and pre-litigation counseling in numerous industries, including pharmaceuticals, sporting goods and apparel, printing and packaging, hardware and power tools, and many others.  AV&H lawyers have successfully litigated patent cases involving, among other products, hinges and other hardware, industrial equipment and parts, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, chemicals, electrical equipment, fiberglass doors, power tool parts and phone and gift cards.  AV&H also has successfully resolved numerous patent claims before the commencement of litigation on behalf of both patentees and prospective defendants.

AV&H litigates cases involving a variety of other forms of intellectual property.  The firm successfully defended The Stanley Works against charges of trade dress infringement and dilution brought by Black & Decker.  In another case, AV&H vindicated numerous patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation claims by negotiating a license agreement, ensuring that its client would receive millions of dollars of royalties.  The firm also successfully defended against charges of trade secret misappropriation in the aerospace industry, and has been involved in a wide range of Internet-related litigation.  AV&H has also effectively asserted numerous copyright infringement claims, protecting an artist’s unique works.

AV&H’s expertise in the field of antitrust law is particularly useful in addressing issues at the intersection of the antitrust and intellectual property laws.  For example, AV&H successfully defended antitrust and unfair competition claims asserted against Moore Wallace North America, Inc. by a defendant in a patent infringement suit.  The firm also has litigated antitrust counterclaims against brand name pharmaceutical companies in the course of patent infringement litigation.  AV&H also represents pharmaceutical clients during FTC investigations relating to the settlement of patent and Hatch-Waxman exclusivity disputes.