Increased Recognition for Practices and Attorneys in 2008
NEW YORK, June 13, 2008 – LAWFUEL – Patterson Belknap is pleased to announce that Chambers USA – America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2008 has named five of our practice areas and eight 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:
• William F. Cavanaugh Jr. in Intellectual Property: Patent – New York
• Gregory L. Diskant in Intellectual Property: Patent – New York
• Jeffrey I.D. Lewis in Intellectual Property: Patent – New York
• Robert P. LoBue in Intellectual Property: Trademark & Copyright – New York
• Thomas C. Morrison in Media & Entertainment: Advertising (Litigation) – New York
• 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
“The Firm: This team of attorneys combines exceptional scientific knowledge with terrific trial skills. While the firm has made an impressive name for itself providing ‘absolutely terrific counsel’ in false advertising-related trademark proceedings, it receives the most widespread acknowledgement for its performance in high stakes patent litigation. It recently won summary judgment for Cordis in an infringement suit brought by Boston Scientific. Beyond the pharmaceutical and medical device arenas, the firm has considerable experience of disputes within – among others – the telecom, retail and music industries. Clients include Time Warner Cable, Hasbro and Sunbow Productions.
The Lawyers: Gregory Diskant receives approval for his ‘combination of pure intellect and practical thinking.’ He spearheaded the team for Cordis. William Cavanaugh focuses on cases with a pharmaceutical bent. His high-profile docket of work includes representing TAP Pharmaceutical Products and Takeda in a patent infringement case that ultimately settled for $157.5 million. Robert LoBue recently represented King Features in an infringement suit relating to the copyrights of Popeye and Flash Gordon. Jeffrey Lewis is well regarded by observers, who highlight his proficiency in pharmaceutical and chemical-related IP disputes.”
Media and Entertainment: Advertising (Litigation)
“The Firm: Its ability to offer a ‘pool of incredibly talented individuals with vast industry knowledge’ gives this top firm ‘a leading edge’ in the advertising litigation field. The ‘first-rate’ firm is also renowned for representing media, entertainment and advertising industry clients on IP, litigation and corporate matters, as well as on issues regarding libel, false advertising and internal investigations. The firm’s enviable client list includes names such as Diageo; Pfizer Consumer Healthcare; L’Oréal and The Clorox Company.
The Lawyers: Thomas Morrison is ‘a bright and committed false advertising litigator’ who ‘will always put a client’s interest first.’ Just as well regarded is ‘top-drawer’ Steven Zalesin, who is ‘a trustworthy and highly desired advertising litigator.’ Clients praise his ‘superb conduct in front of judges and incredible industry knowledge.’”
Media and Entertainment: Entertainment Litigation
“The Firm: This firm is known for the quality of its ‘exceptionally high-profile work’ for music companies, radio and television networks, cable operators and production companies. The 14-strong team handles a wide range of commercial issues, including trademark, libel and slander, First Amendment and IP matters. Typical of the litigation cases it handles, the practice represented Time Warner Cable in obtaining a preliminary injunction for the company in the Southern District of New York, enjoining DIRECTV from broadcasting commercials featuring Jessica Simpson and the former cast of Star Trek, and also certain ads from appearing on the Internet.
The Lawyers: The Time Warner case was led by Saul Shapiro. In addition to dealing with sophisticated disputes in the entertainment business, Shapiro also advises on commercial litigation and media and communication disputes.”
Real Estate: Mainly Dirt
“The Firm: ‘Delivering a quality product at a reasonable price,’ Patterson Belknap’s real estate team inspires ‘the utmost confidence in its clients. Leasing is widely regarded as the strength of this ‘fair-minded, engaged and cordial’ group, and its proficiency is exemplified by its presence on several of New York’s largest office leasing deals: the lawyers recently assisted the tenant with its lease with Macklowe Properties for 825 Eighth Avenue. The team is equally renowned for its representation of property owners on leasing deals; it has a long-standing relationship with The Durst Organization. Outside of leasing, the group handles real estate finance, sales and acquisitions and development work. William Weisner, Robert Safron and Andrew Herz are key members of the department.”
Patterson Belknap is a New York City law firm with approximately 200 lawyers. The firm is one of only five to be ranked in the top 10 of The American Lawyer’s “A-List” since its inception. The firm has ranked #1 or #2 among New York firms on The American Lawyer’s pro bono survey since 1999. The firm delivers a full range of services across approximately 20 practice groups in both litigation and commercial law. For more information, visit www.pbwt.com.
