Best Intellectual Property Liability Firms in USA
Non-sponsored, Expert Verified and Transparently Ranked Intellectual Property Liability Firms in USA
Published: December 18, 2025 | Verified by: Ted Scheiman & Rob Watts
Executive Summary
We analyzed 5 solutions. Top Recommendation: Legal Services by Jones Day scored highest due to National Tier 1 ranking with 41 National Awards and extensive experience in high-stakes IP cases..
Content Verification
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | #1 Legal Services (Jones Day) | #2 Legal Services (King & Spalding LLP) | #3 Legal Services and Industry-Focused Practice Groups (Duane Morris LLP) | #4 Legal Services (Robins Kaplan LLP) | #5 Intellectual Property Legal Services (Sterne Kessler) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | National Tier 1 ranking with 41 National Awards and extensive experience in high-stakes IP cases. | Law Firm of the Year award and National Tier 1 status with strong courtroom track record. | Law Firm of the Year award and National Tier 1 in IP litigation. | Proven track record of landmark victories and sharing risk with clients in IP monetization. | Top-ranked for patent litigation and prosecution with deep expertise in complex IP strategies. |
| Litigation Success Rate | N/A | N/A | Not publicly disclosed. Related indicators: highest IPR institution percentage among the Top 15 most active petitioner firms (Patexia, 2018) and ranked the top firm representing PTAB petitioners by Unified Patents’ Institutional Success Index (2018, 2025). (duanemorris.com) | N/A | N/A |
| Specialization in IP Areas | Jones Day specializes in: patent litigation; PTAB proceedings; Federal Circuit/Supreme Court appeals; BPCIA/Hatch‑Waxman; International Trade Commission; patent prosecution & portfolio counseling; oppositions/nullity/cancellation; trademarks & advertising; trade secret litigation & investigations; software/AI/copyright litigation; IP transactions; and IP due diligence & valuation. (jonesday.com) | Specializes in patent litigation (district courts), post-grant/PTAB proceedings, ITC Section 337 investigations and appeals; TTAB matters; patent prosecution, counseling and IP due diligence; trademark prosecution and enforcement; trade secret counseling and litigation; copyright/media and entertainment disputes; and false advertising/Lanham Act claims. (kslaw.com) | Specializes in patents (litigation, prosecution, PTAB), trademarks (prosecution, TTAB, brand protection, domain names/UDRP), copyrights, trade secrets, ITC Section 337 investigations, licensing/technology transfer, portfolio management, and internet/e‑commerce IP issues. (duanemorris.com) | Specializes in patent litigation and PTAB trials; trade secret litigation; trademark, advertising, and brand disputes; copyright litigation; Hatch-Waxman/ANDA matters; ITC Section 337 actions; software and AI IP disputes; licensing disputes; and strategic IP monetization (including Pinpoint IP analytics). (robinskaplan.com) | Specializes in patent litigation (appellate, ITC, electronics, mechanical, pharmaceutical, design), patent prosecution (utility, design), post‑grant/PTAB (IPRs, PGRs, DERs; reexamination, interferences, reissue, patent oppositions, post‑grant patent correction), trademark and brand protection (global counseling, enforcement, anti‑counterfeiting, marketing/advertising), trade secrets, copyright, and strategic opinions (SEPs, due diligence, valuation, licensing, opinions of counsel). (sternekessler.com) |
| Client Recovery Track Record | Notable plaintiff recoveries: $107.5M jury verdict for Puma Biotechnology vs. AstraZeneca (May 17, 2024); >$6.7M total award (damages + fees) and permanent injunction for PM&AM (July 2024). Jones Day reports plaintiff jury verdicts totaling >$3B led by IP trial lawyer Calvin P. Griffith. (jonesday.com) | Recovered $42.9m jury verdict for Skillz in a patent case against AviaGames (Feb 9, 2024); willful infringement finding allows potential trebling. (kslaw.com) | 2024: Permanent injunction and >$4.7M in disgorged profits for Trojan Battery. (duanemorris.com) Recovered thousands of domain names via UDRP/ACPA. (duanemorris.com) Partner David J. Wolfsohn obtained a $70M settlement and a $30.4M indirect‑profits copyright award. (duanemorris.com) | Track record: $5.6B settlement for U.S. merchants (Visa/Mastercard); $1.2B+ for auto‑parts antitrust end‑payors; $467M settlement for University of Pennsylvania (COVID‑19 vaccine IP); $42.4M patent verdict for inventor; $118M in contact‑lens antitrust settlements; $2.7B contract arbitration award (Kraft v. Starbucks). (robinskaplan.com) | Client recoveries include: $83.4M jury verdict for TwinStrand (2023); $12.9M for Wirtgen vs. Caterpillar (2024); $9.5M for Mallinckrodt (2025). Total since 2023: $105.8M in jury damages awards. (sternekessler.com) |
Jones DayCompany Information
Description
Robins Kaplan LLP is one of the nation’s leading trial law firms, known for delivering exceptional results in complex, high-stakes litigation. With a history of groundbreaking victories, we are trusted partners for clients navigating their most critical legal challenges.
What They Do
Deliver exceptional results in complex, high-stakes litigation.
Who They Serve
Clients navigating critical legal challenges.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Navigation Links
Summary
Jones Day offers top-tier intellectual property litigation services across the United States, handling complex IP disputes for enterprise clients. They are recognized with National Tier 1 and multiple regional Tier 1 rankings in Litigation - Intellectual Property.
Key Features
- Comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas
- Global reach with offices on five continents
- High standards recognized by industry groups, peers, and clients
- One Firm Worldwide® model for unified service delivery
Key Benefits
- Access to experienced lawyers across five continents
- Expertise in virtually every type of legal matter affecting corporations
- Exceptional client service as a firmwide priority
- Seamless collaboration by a true partnership
- Formidable legal talent across specialties and jurisdictions
- Shared professional values focused on addressing client needs
Who Is It For
- National corporations
- Multinational corporations
- Clients requiring legal services in complex transactions, litigation, regulatory, and compliance matters
From offices on five continents, Jones Day's clients tap the experience and knowledge of our lawyers on complex transactions, high-stakes litigation, cybersecurity, capital markets activities, intellectual property rights, regulatory compliance, tax issues, and virtually every other type of legal matter potentially impacting the modern national or multinational corporation. Every Jones Day lawyer in every practice has made exceptional client service a Firmwide priority. Year after year, Jones Day's high standards continue to earn accolades from industry groups and publications, acknowledgment from peers, and recognition from both new and established clients.
Practices
List of legal practice areas offered by Jones Day.
- Antitrust & Competition Law
- Business & Tort Litigation
- Business Restructuring & Reorganization
- Cybersecurity, Privacy & Data Protection
- Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
- Energy
- Energy Transition & Infrastructure
- ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance)
- Financial Markets
- Global Disputes
- Government Regulation
- Health Care & Life Sciences
- Insurance Recovery
- Intellectual Property
- Investigations & White Collar Defense
- Issues & Appeals
- Labor & Employment
- M&A
- Private Credit
- Private Equity
- Real Estate
- Real Estate Finance
- Securities Litigation & SEC Enforcement
- State Attorney General Enforcement, Investigations & Litigation
- Tax
- Technology
- Venture Capital & Emerging Companies
Why Jones Day?
One Firm Worldwide® - Singular Tradition of Client Service and Engagement with the Client - Mutual Commitment of, and Seamless Collaboration by, a True Partnership - Formidable Legal Talent Across Specialties and Jurisdictions - Shared Professional Values Focused on Addressing Client Needs
- Singular Tradition of Client Service and Engagement with the Client
- Mutual Commitment of, and Seamless Collaboration by, a True Partnership
- Formidable Legal Talent Across Specialties and Jurisdictions
- Shared Professional Values Focused on Addressing Client Needs
Before sending, please note:
Information on www.jonesday.com is for general use and is not legal advice. The mailing of this email is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Anything that you send to anyone at our Firm will not be confidential or privileged unless we have agreed to represent you. If you send this email, you confirm that you have read and understand this notice.
Resources
Detailed Comparison
Specialization in IP Areas
Client Recovery Track Record
King & Spalding LLPCompany Information
Description
Robins Kaplan LLP is one of the nation’s leading trial law firms, known for delivering exceptional results in complex, high-stakes litigation. With a history of groundbreaking victories, we are trusted partners for clients navigating their most critical legal challenges.
What They Do
Deliver exceptional results in complex, high-stakes litigation.
Who They Serve
Clients navigating critical legal challenges.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Navigation Links
Summary
King & Spalding provides comprehensive IP litigation services, including patent, trademark, and copyright disputes nationwide. They hold National Tier 1 and Atlanta Tier 1 rankings with a Law Firm of the Year award.
Key Benefits
- Comprehensive legal counsel across a wide range of practice areas and industries.
- Global reach with offices and lawyers across the United States, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific.
- Deep sector knowledge and experience in complex transactions, regulatory matters, and litigation.
- Ability to staff and manage large, cross-border, and high-stakes matters.
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Specialization in IP Areas
Client Recovery Track Record
Legal Services and Industry-Focused Practice Groups
Duane Morris LLPCompany Information
Description
Duane Morris LLP is a full-service law firm offering a range of services including litigation, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and corporate transactions. The firm is known for its diverse practice areas and commitment to client service.
What They Do
Duane Morris provides legal services in various practice areas including corporate law, intellectual property, litigation, and pro bono work.
Who They Serve
The firm serves a wide range of clients including individuals, businesses, and governmental entities across various sectors.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Summary
Duane Morris delivers expert IP litigation representation with National Tier 1 and regional Tier 1 rankings, serving clients in patent infringement and trade secret matters across the US.
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Litigation Success Rate
Specialization in IP Areas
Client Recovery Track Record
Robins Kaplan LLPCompany Information
Description
Robins Kaplan LLP is one of the nation’s leading trial law firms, known for delivering exceptional results in complex, high-stakes litigation. With a history of groundbreaking victories, we are trusted partners for clients navigating their most critical legal challenges.
What They Do
Deliver exceptional results in complex, high-stakes litigation.
Who They Serve
Clients navigating critical legal challenges.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Navigation Links
Summary
Robins Kaplan specializes in high-stakes IP litigation including patents, trade secrets, copyrights, and trademarks for tech companies and inventors nationwide. They have secured over $100 million recoveries in enforcement campaigns.
Key Features
- Wide range of legal practice areas and industry-specific services
- Specialized litigation support through Acumen suite
- Interdisciplinary professional services with a litigation focus
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Offices in multiple major U.S. cities
Practices
List of legal practice areas offered by Robins Kaplan LLP.
- Affirmative Recovery
- American Indian Law and Policy
- Antitrust and Trade Regulation
- Appellate Advocacy and Guidance
- Business Litigation
- Civil Rights and Police Misconduct
- Class Action Litigation
- Commercial Real Estate
- Corporate Governance and Special Situations
- Corporate Restructuring and Bankruptcy
- Domestic and International Arbitration
- Entertainment and Media Litigation
- Fire, Explosion, and Burn Injury Lawyers
- Health Care Litigation
- Insurance and Catastrophic Loss
- Intellectual Property and Technology Litigation
- Law Firm and Partner Litigation and Advice
- Mass Tort Attorneys
- Medical Malpractice Attorneys
- Personal Injury Attorneys
- Wealth Planning, Administration, and Fiduciary Disputes
Industries
Industry sectors served by Robins Kaplan LLP.
- Business Litigation
- Commercial Real Estate
- Construction Litigation
- Entertainment and Media Litigation
- Financial Markets Litigation
- FINRA Broker-Dealer
- Government and Internal Investigations
- Hatch-Waxman Litigation
- Insurance and Catastrophic Loss
- Real Estate Litigation
Litigation Support
Specialized litigation support services available.
- Acumen Powered by Robins Kaplan LLP®
- Ediscovery
- Financial and Economic Consultants
- Investigators
- Research and Business Intelligence
- Science and Engineering Advisors
- Trial and Multimedia Consultants
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Specialization in IP Areas
Client Recovery Track Record
Intellectual Property Legal Services
Sterne KesslerCompany Information
Description
Sterne Kessler is one of the largest and most diverse intellectual property firms in the United States, offering innovative solutions for complex IP challenges including litigation, patent and trademark prosecution, and strategic IP advice.
What They Do
Sterne Kessler offers services in litigation, patent and trademark prosecution, and strategic IP advice.
Who They Serve
Clients ranging from innovative startups and Fortune 500 companies to specialized industries like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Social Media
Key Pages
Summary
Sterne Kessler is a leading IP law firm offering patent litigation, prosecution, and strategic counseling for enterprises in technology and life sciences sectors across the US.
Key Features
- Litigation across venues and technologies, including appellate, electronics, mechanical, design, ITC, pharmaceutical, and trademark litigation.
- Patent prosecution services from idea conception to commercialization, including utility and design patents.
- Post-grant proceedings expertise, including PTAB trials (IPRs, PGRs, DERs), patent oppositions, reissue, interferences, reexamination, and post-grant patent correction.
- Trade secret protection and enforcement, especially for technology-related matters.
- Trademark and brand protection, including global counseling, enforcement, anti-counterfeiting, and marketing/advertising support.
- Copyright counseling, registration, and enforcement for digital and traditional works.
- Strategic opinions and advice, including due diligence, IP valuation, opinions of counsel, licensing, and standard essential patents (SEPs).
Key Benefits
- Comprehensive IP legal services under one roof.
- Technical excellence and deep industry knowledge.
- Proven litigation results across multiple venues.
- Strategic, business-focused approach to IP management.
- Experience with complex and high-stakes post-grant proceedings.
Who Is It For
- Businesses and organizations seeking intellectual property protection and enforcement.
- Clients requiring strategic IP counsel tailored to their industry and technology.
- Entities involved in patent, trademark, copyright, or trade secret disputes.
- Companies needing IP portfolio management, due diligence, or valuation.
Litigation
Sterne Kessler delivers results—no matter the venue, technology, or legal issue, we are a formidable litigation practice built on a foundation of technical excellence.
- Appellate
- Electronics Patent Litigation
- Mechanical Patent Litigation
- Trademark Enforcement & Litigation
- Design Patent Litigation
- ITC Litigation
- Pharmaceutical Patent Litigation
Patent Prosecution
For over 45 years, Sterne Kessler has protected innovation, providing strategic counsel from idea conception and product development to commercialization, launch, and beyond.
- Utility Patents
- Design Patents
Post-Grant Proceedings
As the first “PTAB Firm of the Year” and the first firm to handle 500+ AIA proceedings, Sterne Kessler is your first stop for litigation at the USPTO.
- PTAB Trials: IPRs, PGRs, DERs
- Patent Oppositions
- Reissue
- Interferences
- Reexamination
- Post-Grant Patent Correction
Trade Secrets
Sterne Kessler has decades of experience counseling clients on trade secret protection related to technology.
- Trade Secret Protection & Enforcement
Trademark & Brand Protection
Sterne Kessler takes a business-focused approach to help you drive maximum value from your trademark portfolio and protect against infringers and other threats to your business.
- Global Trademark Counseling & Portfolio Development
- Trademark Enforcement & Litigation
- Anti-Counterfeiting & Brand Protection
- Marketing & Advertising
Copyright
Sterne Kessler advises clients on evolving copyright laws to help you navigate the complex web of legal and business issues created in today’s digital world.
- Copyright Counseling, Registration & Enforcement
Opinions & Advice
From due diligence and IP valuation to strategic advice and opinions of counsel, Sterne Kessler has the insights you need to proceed with confidence.
- Due Diligence & IP Valuation
- Opinions of Counsel
- Licensing
- Standard Essential Patents (SEPs)
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Specialization in IP Areas
Client Recovery Track Record
Our Ranking Methodology
How we rank these offerings
We ranked these Intellectual Property Liability Firms in USA based on three key factors: Client Recovery Track Record (40% weight), Specialization in IP Areas (35% weight), and Litigation Success Rate and Recognition (25% weight). Jones Day scored highest because of their strong client recovery track record, comprehensive specialization in IP, and recognition in the IP field.
Ranking Criteria Weights:
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the typical costs and pricing models for intellectual property litigation services in the USA?
- The costs for intellectual property litigation services can vary significantly based on the complexity and scope of the case. Firms like Jones Day and King & Spalding, which are ranked National Tier 1, typically command premium rates for their top-tier expertise and successful track records. These firms often operate on hourly billing models, though alternative fee arrangements like contingency fees or fixed-fee structures are also available depending on client needs and case specifics. According to recent industry insights, clients might expect to pay hourly fees ranging from $500 to $1, 500, depending on the seniority of the attorneys involved.
- What key criteria should businesses consider when selecting an intellectual property litigation firm?
- When selecting an intellectual property litigation firm, businesses should consider the firm's track record in similar cases, industry-specific expertise, and recognized rankings such as National Tier 1 statuses. Firms like Duane Morris and Robins Kaplan, with strong regional and national rankings and significant recovery amounts in enforcement campaigns, illustrate the importance of proven success and specialized knowledge. Additionally, the ability to handle complex disputes and offer strategic counseling, as exemplified by Sterne Kessler’s focus on technology and life sciences, is crucial.
- What industry standards and compliance issues are critical in IP litigation?
- Intellectual property litigation firms must adhere to stringent legal standards and compliance regulations to protect client interests and ensure successful outcomes. Compliance with industry standards such as the American Bar Association's guidelines and ethical practices is crucial. Firms like King & Spalding and Robins Kaplan emphasize adherence to these standards, which not only fortifies their reputations but also enhances their ability to successfully navigate complex IP cases, particularly in sectors like technology and life sciences.
- What implementation challenges do businesses face in IP litigation, and how can they overcome them?
- Businesses often face challenges such as understanding the complexity of patent law, managing cross-jurisdictional issues, and protecting trade secrets during litigation. Engaging firms with comprehensive expertise, such as Duane Morris and Jones Day, can mitigate these challenges by providing experienced legal strategies and a deep understanding of IP laws. Furthermore, firms specializing in high-stakes litigation, like Robins Kaplan, bring robust methodologies to maintaining confidentiality and strategically handling transnational disputes.
- How do intellectual property firms deliver ROI and value to enterprise clients?
- Intellectual property firms deliver ROI by safeguarding clients' IP assets, reducing litigation risk, and maximizing potential recoveries. Firms like Robins Kaplan have demonstrated significant recoveries, such as over $100 million in enforcement campaigns, highlighting potential financial returns. Additionally, strategic counseling and adept litigation, as offered by Sterne Kessler in tech and life sciences sectors, protect intellectual assets and promote innovation, thereby enhancing long-term competitive advantage and profitability.
Our Promise: We promise to deliver the highest quality company and offering data, free from sponsored bias. We compile data from across the internet, to give the most accurate and true rankings, according to our transparent algorithms.