News

IP Group at Chadbourne Named "Law Firm of the Year-Copyright" by U.S. News - Best Lawyers

November 1, 2011

The Intellectual Property Group at Chadbourne & Parke LLP has received its first-ever accolades as "Law Firm of the Year" in Copyright Law in the 2011-12 edition of U.S. News - Best Lawyers' "Best Law Firms." In addition, Chadbourne's IP group, which provides clients with the full spectrum of intellectual property services, has been ranked "Top Tier" for the first time in the broader "Intellectual Property" category.

The firm's other practice groups have also received high rankings in project finance, energy, insurance, litigation, bankruptcy, criminal defense and tax.

Chadbourne received the highest U.S. News honor in copyright law in addition to its "Top Tier" ranking. The "Best Law Firms" rankings are based on extensive research by U.S. News and Best Lawyers and "Law Firm of the Year" recognition is given only to firms who received the highest marks from clients and peers. Chadbourne's full service IP group has extensive copyright experience in many fields, including the gaming, social media, software, music television, motion picture, and publishing industries as well as content-dependent businesses. The group is co-chaired by Walter G. Hanchuk and John A. Squires.

In a recent example of the Chadbourne IP Group's holistic approach to copyright and intellectual property generally, the firm advised on Bad Boy Entertainment Group on matter concerning the intersection of hip-hop lyrics and third party trademark protection. Other examples include defending a user interface copyright case involving financial services software and structuring approaches for World Bank / International Finance Corp. attorneys world-wide when development investments are being made.

In addition to the copyright "Law Firm of the Year" recognition, Chadbourne's IP lawyers have also received honors from leading industry publications, including International Asset Management (IAM) magazine's IAM Strategy 250, IAM Patent Litigation 250 and IAM Licensing 250.

This recognition is remarkable, as previously the firm has not been ranked by US News in Intellectual Property. However, it is not surprising. Beginning in 2009, the firm embarked on a major expansion of its intellectual property group, adding partners and counsel recognized in the technology, media and financial services industry to its existing team having recognized expertise in e-commerce and internet technologies. Lawyers in the group have a strong client perspective by virtue of having previously worked in-house at leading financial services and e-commerce companies.

"We are extremely pleased to be recognized by U.S. News because we see it as confirmation that we are doing exactly right by our amazing client base and helping them navigate the dynamic and breathtaking challenges presented by today's constantly changing IP landscape" remarked Mr. Squires.

"Indeed, the 'Law Firm of the Year" recognition in the copyright discipline is particularly gratifying because we set out to provide a full-service and national platform to be the 'go-to' firm on any IP issue in addition to our demonstrated and recognized strengths in patent transactions, litigation, asset procurement and counseling," said Mr. Squires. "While patent issues right now are making the headlines, our client needs are full service - content will continue to be king - and we therefore intend to continue to grow our full service group and execute to help them succeed in the market."