Overview
Our representation of clients in the chemical industry is both deep and broad. Of our 300 attorneys and patent scientists, dozens hold degrees in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science and many also have advanced degrees and significant industry and research experience.
The research and business interests of our clients span a wide range of chemical and chemical engineering technologies including pharmaceuticals, drug carriers, drug manufacturing, nanomaterials, mining chemicals, advanced composite materials (such as carbon fiber composites), optical materials, fuel cell materials, battery materials and engineered materials.
Our in-depth technical expertise, combined with our proven litigation success, allows our large roster of chemical clients to grow their businesses through a coordinated, comprehensive IP strategy. We are equally adept at assisting both start-ups and large multi-national corporations with a gamut of IP services including domestic and international patent and trademark prosecution; counseling and negotiation regarding licensing and strategic alliances; and all aspects of enforcement litigation.
Representative Experience
Archie Comic Publications, Inc. v. Chaoyang Baolansi Meticulous & Chemical Co., Ltd.
Successfully represented applicant seeking to register trademarks for cosmetics in opposition action before the TTAB.
California-Pacific Labs, Inc. v. Nalge Nunc Int'l Corp.
Represented Defendants, Nalge and Apogent, and obtained summary judgment dismissing most of plaintiff’s causes of action.
Rocky Research Inc.
Knobbe Martens developed the patent portfolio for power and thermal management technology company Rocky Research Inc. We assisted the company in managing and prosecuting hundreds of patent applications. Based in part on the strength of their intellectual property, the company was eventually acquired by Honeywell International Inc.
Talbert Fuel Systems Patents Co. v. Unocal Corp., Union Oil Company of California, and Tosco Corp., 98-0412 CBM (RNBx)
The firm successfully defended Tosco Corp. in a patent infringement lawsuit brought by Talbert Fuel Systems Patents Co. The patent at issue related to automobile gasoline compositions having certain characteristics that were asserted to result in reduced emissions without sacrificing key gasoline performance parameters. Tosco, now owned by Conoco-Phillips, is a leading manufacturer of petroleum products, including reduced emission gasoline compositions that were alleged to infringe the patent. Early in the case (before any depositions or substantial document production), we obtained for Tosco a favorable claim construction ruling and moved for summary judgment of noninfringement. Talbert conceded that there was no literal patent infringement under the district court’s claim construction. The district court concluded that there also was no infringement of the patent under the doctrine of equivalents and granted Tosco’s motion for summary judgment in its entirety. Tosco had sold, and was continuing to sell, millions of gallons of the accused gasoline annually. The district court’s claim construction and judgment of noninfringement were both affirmed on appeal. The successful result in this case not only avoided payment of substantial royalties sought by Talbert, but also prevented the issuance of a potentially devastating injunction. Published decision at 347 F.3d 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2003). Published prior decision at 275 F.3d 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2002).