INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION

Scandaglia Ryan attorneys are proficient in all matters of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. We have successfully litigated patent infringement claims on behalf of patent holders and accused infringers, negotiated settlements and license agreements for the use of trademarks and copyrights, and have litigated trademark infringement claims. We also have resolved employment disputes relating to trade secrets for both employers and employees. Our clients include multinational consumer products companies, technology firms, traditional manufacturing firms and small businesses. We bring our experience, judgment and innovative ideas to resolve a wide range of intellectual property disputes.

Representative Matters

Patent

  • Currently defending a major medical supply company in a patent infringement matter involving a method of manufacturing non-allergenic latex gloves, which has implicated multiple invalidity and non-infringement defenses.
  • Defended a major video game designer against claims that a popular sports video game infringed a method patent claiming basic "play calling" system utilizing relational databases.
  • Represented a major Illinois tool manufacturer in a patent infringement case against a competitor involving issues of infringement, the doctrine of equivalents, and enhanced damages.
  • Represented a leading producer of specialty packaging products in patent infringement litigation relating to re-sealable food packaging process and secured a favorable settlement for the client.
  • Defended a client in an antitrust and patent infringement case in connection with the sale of biogenetically altered seed. Issues raised included patent misuse, antitrust injury, and analysis of relevant antitrust markets in a dynamic and developing industry sector.
  • Represented a leading manufacturer of fire protection equipment in a patent infringement lawsuit related to defibrillator cabinets, and negotiated a settlement consistent with the client's business objectives after obtaining a favorable Markman ruling.
  • Defended an educational software company in a patent infringement case involving training software.

Trademark and Copyright

  • Defended an organization against threatened charges of copyright infringement, fraud and breach of contract and obtained very favorable pre-suit settlement.
  • Represented a famous Chicago-based restaurant in connection with the successful prosecution of a trademark infringement case in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
  • Represented a professional services firm in the enforcement of registered trademark rights.
  • Secured the dismissal of an action alleging copyright infringement, trade secret misappropriation and breach of contract on behalf of a Georgia-based chain of dog kennels.
  • Represented a Chicago-based valet services company in defending against federal trademark infringement claims brought in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Successfully negotiated a resolution of the case resulting in a payment of zero dollars, while allowing the client to continue providing professional services.
  • Represent a major toy manufacturer in its development and establishment of numerous trademarks and the ongoing enforcement of trademark rights.
  • Represent a leading alternative retail electric supplier in development and establishment of numerous trademarks and the ongoing enforcement of trademark rights.

Trade Secrets

  • Represented a major printing company in an action seeking emergency injunctive relief and damages against a former executive and competitor based on trade secret misappropriation and breach of fiduciary duty. Obtained a settlement consistent with client’s business objectives shortly after filing suit.
  • Defended a group of employees who left a software consulting company to form their own firm against an action alleging breach of fiduciary duties, breach of employment and non-competition agreements, and trade secret misappropriation. Obtained a settlement consistent with our client’s business objectives.
  • Represented a major telecommunications company in a lawsuit in which a rival alleged that a client’s hiring of a competitor’s former outside counsel would lead to the “inevitable disclosure” of the competitor’s trade secrets.
  • Defended a new commercial finance firm and founding officers and shareholders against claims of misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of employment agreements.