Patterson Belknap is pleased to announce that
Chambers USA - America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2009 has named five of our practice areas and seven of our partners to its lists of law firm leaders. The rankings are based on extensive research and interviews with peers and clients around the country. The qualities assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by the client.
The following firm practices were ranked:
• Intellectual Property: Patent – New York
• Intellectual Property: Trademark & Copyright – New York
• Media & Entertainment: Advertising (Litigation)- New York
• Media & Entertainment: Entertainment Litigation – New York
• Real Estate: Mainly Dirt – New York
In addition, the following partners were ranked as leading lawyers in their fields:
•
Gregory L. Diskant in Intellectual Property: Patent - New York
•
Jeffrey I.D. Lewis in Intellectual Property: Patent – New York
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Robert P. LoBue in Intellectual Property: Trademark & Copyright – New York
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Karl E. Seib, Jr. in Products Liability - National
•
Saul B. Shapiro in Media & Entertainment: Copyright & Contract Disputes - New York
•
Steven A. Zalesin in Media & Entertainment: Advertising (Litigation) - New York
Comments about the firm’s practices included:
Intellectual Property: Patent; Trademark & Copyright
This strong IP litigation firm offers
"great personalized attention," and has an excellent reputation for patent, trademark and copyright work. The patent litigation team is noted for its expertise in the pharmaceutical field, and is well versed in matters related to medical devices. The team's work for Johnson & Johnson is widely known, and it has recently obtained two substantial judgments for the company's cardiac device unit, Cordis, in litigation surrounding a coronary stent device. The firm is also commended for its expertise in false advertising, trademark and copyright litigation; its broad-based caseload includes such highlights as defending Dow Jones' franchise in index-based derivatives trading. The group is also handling an increasing number of cases involving the authenticity of works of art. Patent litigator Gregory Diskant impresses interviewees with his intellectual approach and talent at trial. Jeffrey Lewis is another well-regarded member of the patent team, and Robert LoBue stands out for his efficient and businesslike approach on the trademark and copyright side. The highly respected William Cavanaugh has recently joined the antitrust division of the DOJ.
Media and Entertainment: Advertising (Litigation)
"
A dedicated approach, smart, supportive associates and the quality you'd expect from a larger law firm” make this a popular choice in the market. Having been one of the pioneers of false advertising litigation in the late 1970s, the group has a strong track record in 43(a) litigation and an impressive client base that includes Coca-Cola, Diageo, L’Oréal and Time Warner Cable. The group's most notable lawyer is the
“incredibly knowledgeable and amiable” Steven Zalesin, who is "
superb at defending his clients' best interests." The team recently acted for McNeil Nutritionals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, in a series of false advertising and trade dress cases involving the sweetener SPLENDA®.
Media and Entertainment: Entertainment Litigation This team's prowess in false advertising litigation is well known, but it also enjoys a significant presence in copyright litigation and First Amendment work. Its work spans all areas of the entertainment industry, and its litigation clients include Atari, Harper Collins and Time Warner Cable; Dow Jones & Company has also instructed the team on strategic IP disputes. With more than 20 years' experience, cochair Saul Shapiro is praised for
"his understanding of the pressures facing clients" and
"his amazingly quick turnaround times." He is regularly instructed on commercial and licensing disputes for media companies and has been advising McGraw-Hill on licensing disputes for its subsidiary, Standard & Poor's.
Real Estate: Mainly Dirt
Leasing is undoubtedly the forte of this team, and its considerable expertise in advising landlords and tenants on office leasing has attracted a fine collection of household names to the group. Dow Jones regularly employs the team to handle its leasing and subleasing matters in the USA and abroad, and the lawyers also advise Forest City Ratner on the leasing of The New York Times Building. Owners, developers and a handful of lenders also consult the team. Andrew Herz is the main contact for the group.