Did you know that some of the most creative and innovative companies in the world are in California? The state’s economy is growing thanks to technology, entertainment, and science companies. They invent new things like apps, movies, TV shows, and medical discoveries!
These creative companies need to protect their good ideas. Their special recipes, secrets, slogans, and designs are “intellectual property.” Without protecting them, others could steal their work! So California companies use patents, trademarks, and copyrights to stop copying. Guarding ideas lets them keep inventing cool, new things.
So when you use a fun new app or watch a movie, you may be enjoying something from California’s creative idea labs! The state needs companies to imagine new things and make them real.
That’s why good intellectual property lawyers are important for California companies. Expert IP law firms help protect areas like:
- IP prosecution: registering patents, trademarks, and copyrights
- Licensing deals: monetizing IP through strategic agreements
- IP enforcement: acting against infringement and misuse
- IP litigation: enforcing rights in court with lawsuits
- IP strategy: long-term planning to leverage IP investments
This article is about the best intellectual property law offices in California. We reviewed over 25 major law firms to pick the top ones that help protect ideas in different ways.
Rankings focused on factors like:
- Longevity and reputation: history of delivering results over many years
- California presence: office locations within the state
- Size of IP group: number of IP attorneys and staff
- Leadership: involvement in guiding major IP law associations
- Rankings: recognition from legal industry publications
- Key clients: Record serving leading California companies
We did a deep review to find the best intellectual property law firms in California. We picked elite firms that specialize in things like lawsuits, deals, registering ideas, and unique areas. Keep reading for the top guide to intellectual property law offices in the state.
The Best IP Litigation Firms
When intellectual property rights are infringed upon or disputed, the consequences can be dire. Effective legal advocacy in IP litigation is critical for companies in California. The following firms have cultivated elite litigation practices for high-stakes patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret disputes.
1. Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
With a strong California presence, the IP litigation group at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer has an outstanding reputation. They leverage over 70 years of experience representing clients in complex, high-value cases.
Locations: Key offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco
Awards and Recognition: Ranked Band 1 in California and nationally for patent litigation by Chambers USA. Multiple attorneys were named IP Stars by Managing Intellectual Property magazine.
Practice Strengths: Deep expertise across patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and licensing disputes. Particularly renowned for handling technology and life sciences cases.
Notable Clients: A long record of acting for prominent California companies like AbbVie, Amgen, Wells Fargo, Qualcomm, and others in IP disputes
Sample Cases: Recently, AbbVie co-led AbbVie’s high-profile patent litigation over the blockbuster rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira®. won a Federal Circuit appeal upholding Amgen patents for cholesterol medicines Repatha® and Praluent®.
With extensive tech sector experience and broad IP litigation capabilities, Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer consistently delivers outstanding results for leading California corporations.
2. Irell & Manella LLP
Irell & Manella has an elite Los Angeles litigation practice acting in high-stakes IP disputes across technologies. With California roots spanning decades, they have an extensive record of trial experience and wins for major state clients.
Locations: The main office is located in Los Angeles.
Rankings and Awards: National Tier 1 ranking for IP Litigation from U.S. News & World Report Many leading lawyers are named IP Stars and California Litigation Stars by Benchmark Litigation.
Practice Strengths: A deep bench of trial lawyers adept at IP litigation strategy. Particularly noted for patent litigation work and trade secret protections.
Key Clients: Top California companies like Qualcomm, SpaceX, LegalZoom, Snap Inc., Skechers, Oakley, and Riot Games rely on Irell & Manella for IP disputes.
Significant Cases: Secured over $1.5 billion for Qualcomm in a seminal SEP licensing dispute. won a Federal Circuit appeal protecting SpaceX engine trade secrets. Defeated preliminary injunction against Riot Games on the right of publicity claims.
The stellar litigation track record has earned Irell & Manella ongoing engagements with some of the largest tech players in California. Unique trial abilities position them as a long-time market leader for impactful IP disputes.
