Top PTAB Attorneys of 2024: A Deep Dive into Performance and Activity
Intellectual property litigation is becoming increasingly competitive, with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) serving as a critical venue for resolving patent disputes. As patent owners and petitioners continue to rely on PTAB proceedings to either defend or challenge patents, the demand for top-tier legal representation has grown significantly. Attorneys specializing in PTAB cases, particularly in Inter Partes Reviews (IPRs) and Post Grant Reviews (PGRs), are now key players in shaping the IP landscape. In the 2024 PTAB Intelligence Report, Patexia provides a comprehensive analysis of the attorneys leading this specialized field, ranking them by both activity and performance.
Our analysis covers over 6,800 PTAB proceedings filed between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2024, providing a five-year snapshot of attorney performance. We evaluated hundreds of attorneys who played key roles in PTAB cases, ranking them based on two crucial factors: Activity (the number of cases they handled) and Performance (their success rate in these cases). These rankings offer valuable insights into the attorneys driving PTAB litigation and influencing intellectual property law.
Spotlight on the Top PTAB Attorneys
The top attorneys identified in the report have set themselves apart through their expertise in navigating complex patent disputes, representing both petitioners and patent owners. Below, we highlight some of the highest-performing attorneys and those who have been most active in PTAB cases over the past five years.
| Overall Activity Rank | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Attorney | Law Firm | All Cases |
| 1 | Karl Renner | Fish & Richardson | 448 |
| 2 | Reza Mirzaie | Russ August & Kabat | 256 |
| 3 | Naveen Modi | Paul Hastings | 256 |
| 4 | Vincent J. Rubino III | Fabricant LLP | 195 |
| 5 | Peter Lambrianakos | Fabricant LLP | 191 |
| 6 | Joseph E. Palys | Paul Hastings | 205 |
| 7 | James M. Glass | Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan | 192 |
| 8 | Scott A. McKeown | Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks | 222 |
| 9 | Jeremy J. Monaldo | Fish & Richardson | 172 |
| 10 | Kenneth James Weatherwax | Lowenstein & Weatherwax | 181 |
| 39 | Christopher T. L. Douglas | Alston & Bird | 104 |
| 93 | Heath J. Briggs | Greenberg Traurig LLP | 72 |
| 200 | Bradford A. Cangro | PV Law LLP | 44 |
These attorneys have consistently demonstrated their ability to secure favorable outcomes, whether defending patents or advocating for invalidation. Leading the charge in terms of activity is Karl Renner of Fish & Richardson, who tops the overall rankings with 448 cases, showcasing his exceptional capacity to manage high-volume, high-stakes disputes. Reza Mirzaie (Russ August & Kabat) and Naveen Modi (Paul Hastings) follow closely, each with 256 cases, emphasizing their influence in PTAB litigation.
In terms of performance, Eagle H. Robinson of Norton Rose Fulbright leads the rankings with an impressive 93.68% success rate. Scott W. Breedlove of Carter Arnett follows with a close 93.20%, solidifying his position as one of the top performers in PTAB litigation. These attorneys exemplify excellence, using their expertise and strategic insights to navigate the complexities of patent disputes.
Data Insights: Trends in PTAB Litigation
Beyond individual attorney rankings, the report also highlights broader trends in PTAB litigation. Notably, G06F (Electric Digital Data Processing) remains the most contested technology area, with over 1,600 IPR filings linked to this IPC code over the last five years. Attorneys representing clients in this sector face unique challenges due to the complexity of the patents and the volume of cases. Telecommunications and wireless communication networks (H04L, H04W) also saw heightened activity, reflecting ongoing technological advancements and their associated patent disputes.
The chart below illustrates the top IPC codes in PTAB litigation, focusing on the technology sectors that have seen the most filings in recent years.
This data underscores the importance of specialized expertise in these areas, as attorneys representing clients in these sectors are handling some of the most complex and high-stakes cases.
Ranking Methodology
The 2024 PTAB Intelligence Report employs a proprietary methodology to evaluate attorney performance and activity. Our rankings are based on a combination of quantitative metrics, including the number of cases handled by each attorney and their success rates in those cases. We also consider the complexity of the cases, the parties involved, the recency, and the final outcomes (e.g., final written decisions, settlements, or denials). This approach ensures our rankings reflect not only the volume of cases handled but also the quality of representation—crucial for companies seeking top-tier legal representation in IP disputes and for attorneys aiming to benchmark their performance against their peers.
For a deeper dive into the rankings, data, and insights shaping the future of patent litigation, get your copy of the 2024 PTAB Intelligence Report today.