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. has been recognized by Chambers USA. In 2020, 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, 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."
One client is noted as 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 noted, "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 has also reported that their researchers 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."
Practice Chair, John S. Cipolla, was ranked in Chambers USA 2020 in Band 1 for Intellectual Property in Ohio. "John receives notable acclaim for his broad contentious and noncontentious practice, while being particularly 'well respected for his work in patent litigation.' Clients hold him in high regard, stating 'Our interaction with him has been amazing, and his overall performance is very good.'"
Raymond Rundelli, Partner, was ranked in Band 4 for Intellectual Property in Chambers USA 2020. Chambers reports, "Raymond Rundelli 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."
Calfee Partner Todd Tucker was ranked in Chambers USA 2020 in Band 4 for Intellectual Property. "Todd Tucker 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 U.S.-based IP portfolios."
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 2020, 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." They also offer experience in white-collar investigations and litigation, "defending a range of individuals and businesses facing regulatory enforcement actions." And they represent "clients in sectors including healthcare, financial services and manufacturing."
"One client praises the team as 'experienced, insightful, practical, efficient and client-oriented.' They continue, 'When you pose a question, you can rest assured that they will respond promptly with cogent, clear and practical responses.'"
"Another client praises the Litigation group for providing 'high-quality and cost-effective legal advice; the team has been crucial to our litigation defense, and we have been very happy with all of their efforts.'"
Chambers researchers noted that a commentator stated, "This is an excellent firm that does a great job for us. The team is cost-effective, practical and has strong expertise."
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 has been selected for inclusion by Benchmark Litigation 2020 as a "Recommended" litigation firm in Ohio. Several of Calfee's Litigation attorneys have been ranked as Leading Litigators by Benchmark Litigation 2020.
Our attorneys have prosecuted and defended litigation involving, for example, the following subjects:
"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. It's an excellent firm; they're strategic and bring a lot of value to the table."
Chambers USA 2020
