Banner Witcoff

Firm overview:

Patent prosecution is “a cornerstone” of IP specialist firm Banner Witcoff. The firm has obtained nearly 10,000 US design patents in the past decade — a total that exceeds that of the next three highest law firms combined.

Described by a client as “very technically solid”, Banner Witcoff’s attorneys are skilled in technologies including biologics, gene therapy, genetic engineering, immunology, pharmaceuticals, therapeutic antibodies and vaccines.

On the litigation side, the firm has represented some of the world’s most innovative companies, in complex, high-stakes matters, including Yeti Coolers, Nike, Toshiba, Rogue Fitness and Bank of America. Banner Witcoff, which operates from four US offices, has been involved in more than 350 litigations in US federal courts and the International Trade Commission (ITC) during the past decade and appeared on numerous landmark cases during that time.

Team overview:

Mercedes Meyer has an extensive biotechnology and pharmaceutical patent practice, drawing on her doctorate in virology and degree in chemistry to advise life sciences clients on commercialising and protecting product innovations.

Robert Katz heads the firm’s design patent practice and is one of the premier practitioners in the field, counselling companies including Nike and Microsoft.

Laura Brutman focuses her practice on patent prosecution and client counselling. Brutman draws on her past experience as an electrical engineer for Polaroid as well as a USPTO patent examiner to advise clients on IP matters and prosecute thousands of patent applications. She serves as chair of the US Bar-European Patent Office Liaison Council.

Key matters:

• Scott Kelly leads the patent prosecution team for Capital One, managing more than 1,000 patent matters and coordinating a team of 25 attorneys to assist in patent drafting, prosecution and strategic IP counselling.
• Rob Katz has helped to mastermind design protection for Nike and Converse products, acquiring 1,000+ US design patents and more than 4,500 design patents/registrations since January 2023. The team has also been responsible for protecting Nike’s digital innovations.
• Banner Witcoff represents Tencent, the largest video game publisher in the world based on revenue, in patent prosecution matters. Ross Dannenberg, who has significant expertise in the video game IP market, leads on this client.

Clients:

Bank of America, Capital One, Ledge Lounger, Mattel, Microsoft, Nike, Tencent, Yeti Coolers.