Calfee’s intellectual property litigators work with clients to protect their investments in ideas. Serving a broad spectrum of public and privately held companies, our attorneys represent plaintiffs and defendants with respect to patent, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade dress, product configuration, unfair competition, and licensing claims. Our attorneys focus on all major scientific disciplines including mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering; chemistry; biotechnology; computer hardware, software and circuit design; semiconductors; and architecture.
The litigators in our Intellectual Property group have gained extensive and valuable intellectual property litigation experience dating back to the 1980s when the group was formed. At any time, Calfee has 20+ attorneys devoting all or a substantial amount of their time to intellectual property litigation. Calfee’s IP litigators also are supported by and can draw upon the sophisticated case management technology and personnel of Calfee’s extensive general litigation practice if needed.
Our intellectual property litigators have represented clients in matters before the USPTO, federal and state courts in many of the 50 states, as well as matters involving the U.S. Customs Office, International Trade Commission and Federal Trade Commission. Our attorneys have briefed and argued cases to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and other appellate courts. Many of these matters were for clients whose patent or trademark portfolio also is maintained by Calfee.
Additionally, understanding that intellectual property litigation can be very expensive, the litigators in our Intellectual Property group advise our clients as to the full range of alternatives for resolving intellectual property disputes including licensing, cross-licensing or joint venture negotiations, specialized proceedings in the USPTO called “IPRs,” alternative dispute resolution proceedings, and litigation in federal and state courts.
Chambers USA Band 2 Ranking in Intellectual Property (Ohio)
For well over a decade, our Intellectual Property group has been ranked and recognized by Chambers USA. In 2021, Chambers USA researchers noted that the team is "Esteemed for its handling of IP litigation and portfolio management on behalf of large clients in Ohio and the Midwest and across the USA. Highly experienced in the engineering, chemical and biological sectors, with notable abilities in handling matters for consumer products and manufacturing clients."
A client interviewed by Chambers USA 2020 researchers was quoted saying, "The firm offers excellent value for its services. The team is dedicated and provides sophisticated IP legal services at an attractive cost." A market commentator added, "Calfee's IP attorneys are highly regarded; they are true experts, and they do excellent work for their clients." "This is a power bench; the team works well together and supports each other well. Each individual is responsive and knowledgeable in their expertise and experience. This is definitely one of my favorite firms to work with," stated another client.
Chambers USA 2020 researchers also found Calfee's IP team to be held in "very high regard by fellow practitioners who note Calfee's extensive experience representing clients in wider patent and trademark matters, IP litigation matters, appellate work, and advising companies on managing IP assets in China."
Firm Vice Chairman and Intellectual Property practice Co-Chair, John S. Cipolla, was ranked by Chambers USA 2021 in Band 1 for Intellectual Property (Ohio). Chambers USA researchers stated, "[John] receives notable acclaim for his broad contentious and noncontentious practice, and is particularly noted for his work in patent litigation." Clients interviewed by Chambers USA researchers remarked, "He takes difficult subjects and makes them easier to understand." Another client commented, "He's hard-working and has good judgment."
Partner and Intellectual Property practice Co-Chair, Mark W. McDougall, was ranked by Chambers USA 2021 in Band 4. A client interviewed by Chambers USA researchers noted, "[He] gets immersed in the facts and provides detailed guidance." Another source mentioned, "Mark is a smart patent lawyer."
Partner Raymond Rundelli was ranked by Chambers USA 2021 in Band 4. A client interviewed by Chambers USA researchers mentioned, "He's responsive, thorough and thoughtful." Chambers USA 2020 researchers reported, "[Ray] comes recommended as an 'excellent trademark attorney' who assists clients in an array of complex litigation and portfolio management work. His practice also extends to patent-related matters."
Partner Todd Tucker was ranked by Chambers USA 2021 in Band 3. Chambers USA researchers noted, "[Todd] takes on a range of domestic and cross-border IP disputes, including patent litigation. His experience includes matters concerning the protection of assets in China, and he regularly advises Chinese entities on US-based IP portfolios." Clients interviewed by Chambers USA researchers stated, "Todd stands out in his ability to provide practical advice from a multinational IP perspective because of his strong, unique background in patent litigation and international patent prosecution." Another client mentioned, "He helps make complex processes simple."
Chambers USA Band 3 Ranking in Litigation: General Commercial (Ohio)
For well over a decade, our Litigation group and individual litigation attorneys have been ranked and recognized by Chambers USA. In 2021, Chambers USA researchers noted that the team "Frequently advises on plaintiff and defense-side commercial litigation matters, offering considerable strengths in securities, product liability, antitrust and construction disputes. Also offers experience in criminal litigation, defending a range of individuals and businesses facing regulatory enforcement actions. Acts for clients in sectors including healthcare, financial services and manufacturing."
A client interviewed by Chambers USA researchers commented, "The entire team provides outstanding legal services." Another adds, "The team as a whole is fantastic."
U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings
Calfee was selected for inclusion in the 2021 "Best Law Firms" rankings by U.S. News – Best Lawyers in Litigation - Intellectual Property (National Tier 3, Metropolitan Tier 1 Cleveland) and Patent Law (Metropolitan Tier 1 Cleveland).
Benchmark Litigation Rankings
Calfee was selected for inclusion by Benchmark Litigation as a "Highly Recommended" litigation firm in Ohio in the area of Dispute Resolution. Additionally, several of Calfee's Litigation attorneys have been ranked by Benchmark Litigation as "Local Litigation Stars – Ohio" and as “40 & Under Hot List Honorees – Midwest.”
Our attorneys have prosecuted and defended litigation involving, for example, the following subjects:
"John Cipolla at Calfee, Halter & Griswold is an excellent patent litigator. We have worked with John for a number of years and really trust him. Tracy Johnson, Mark McDougall and the rest of the Calfee team provide sound legal advice and have the ability to handle tough cases with high exposure."
"Calfee, Halter & Griswold has an experienced team of IP Litigation professionals who have delivered excellent results."
"Calfee, Halter & Griswold makes IP and patent work easy. They have become an essential part of our IP team."
"Calfee's IP group is esteemed for its handling of IP litigation and portfolio management on behalf of large clients in Ohio, the Midwest and across the USA. They are highly experienced in the engineering, chemical and biological sectors, with notable abilities in handling matters for consumer products and manufacturing clients."
Researcher comments from the Chambers USA 2021 Guide
