McAndrews Named to National Law Journal’s 2014 “Intellectual Property Hot List”

08.31.14

Firm Recognized for Major Client Victories; Depth and Knowledge of Complex Technology, Patent Law and IP Portfolio Strategy

CHICAGO – June 6, 2014 – Chicago-based McAndrews, Held & Malloy has been featured on the National Law Journals 2014 “Intellectual Property Hot List,” an exclusive list of law firms across the country considered leaders on the latest trends in intellectual property law.  The publication’s editorial staff said that “after extensive research” it chose 20 firms to receive the distinction.  McAndrews is one of the few specialty IP firms on the list, which also includes some of the largest general practice law firms in the world.

Entries were evaluated based on “creative strategies for litigation, patent prosecution, licensing and other transactional work … [and] important matters handled during calendar year 2013.”  McAndrews was selected for its technical and Patent Office expertise, allowing it to “more than hold its own against larger firms.”  The firm’s focus on intellectual property and complex technology – primarily in patent work – differentiates it from IP practices within larger, general-practice firms.  According to the National Law Journal, “McAndrews’ expertise in filing and defending patents is driving a growing demand for its IP deal advice.”

The firm’s clients agree.  According to Adam Strauss, chief intellectual property counsel at medical device company Stryker Corporation, McAndrews’ lawyers “are tremendous advocates and counselors based on deep knowledge of both IP law and trial techniques, efficient staffing and remarkable foresight in developing both legal and business strategy.”

In addition to a $70 million jury verdict in Stryker’s favor that ultimately resulted in nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in treble damages, McAndrews was recognized for its work on several standout cases and deals throughout 2013.  Such cases and deals included a unanimous appellate decision for client Abbott Labs in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; serving as lead IP counsel for client RTI Surgical in its $130 million acquisition of Pioneer Surgical Technology; and a $100 million divestiture of client Osiris Therapeutics’ stem-cell business in a sale to Mesoblast Ltd., a transaction that encompassed more than 250 patents and 90 applications, spanning more than 20 jurisdictions worldwide.

“It’s an honor to be recognized among the country’s best law firms practicing in the area of intellectual property,” said McAndrews shareholder Greg Vogler, lead counsel in the Stryker case.  “This distinction reflects our deep technical and legal knowledge and our ability to deliver major legal successes for our clients, not to mention help shape U.S. patent law.”

All of McAndrews’ attorneys and patent agents specialize in IP and complex technology law, and nearly all of them hold science or engineering undergraduate degrees, and, in many cases, master’s degrees and Ph.Ds.

“Bolstered by their ongoing commitment to legal and technical education, McAndrews attorneys and patent agents bring an unmatched passion and dedication to the office, courtrooms, and boardrooms, each and every day,” said shareholder Edward Mas, who served as lead counsel in the Abbott Labs case.  “I believe this is what truly sets McAndrews apart from other law firms and ultimately leads to the best outcomes for our clients.”

In compiling the “IP Hot List,” The National Law Journal’s editorial staff asked law firms across the country to submit their nominations for inclusion. Following a five-week review and interview process, the publication’s editorial staff revealed profiles of the selected firms in its June 2 issue.

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About McAndrews, Held & Malloy

McAndrews, Held & Malloy boasts one of the most highly regarded teams of intellectual property attorneys, agents and technology specialists in the United States. Founded in 1988, the firm offers deep bench strength in matters relating to patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and unfair competition. McAndrews attorneys have underlying scientific-based degrees and extensive prior experience in technology and IP-focused professions, and they routinely handle cases that involve innovative and cutting-edge technologies in specialized industries. While best known for their record of litigation successes, the firm also offers services in IP procurement, patent interferences, trademark oppositions and cancellations, IP/technology opinions and investigations, global portfolio management, development and licensing, M&A support, due diligence, design rights and joint ventures. Clients include multi-national corporations, Fortune 500 companies, startups and world-renowned universities. For more information, visit www.mcandrews-ip.com.