What's Happening?
Latham & Watkins LLP has announced that Lisa Kattan has joined its Washington, D.C. office as a partner in the Intellectual Property Litigation Practice and as a Co-Chair of the International Trade Commission (ITC) Practice. Kattan brings over 25 years
of experience in ITC and patent litigation, specializing in advising technology and life sciences companies on Section 337 investigations and related patent disputes. Her expertise spans various sectors, including semiconductors, telecommunications, video streaming, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Prior to joining Latham & Watkins, Kattan was with Baker Botts LLP and also spent five years at the ITC as a Senior Investigative Attorney, where she served as lead trial counsel for the U.S. government in high-profile patent infringement investigations within the Office of Unfair Import Investigations. Her appointment is part of Latham's strategic expansion of its IP Litigation Practice, which has seen the addition of five distinguished trial lawyers in the past year.
Why It's Important?
The addition of Lisa Kattan to Latham & Watkins' ITC Practice is significant for U.S. technology and life sciences companies. Kattan's extensive experience, particularly her background as a lead trial counsel at the ITC, provides clients with enhanced capabilities in navigating complex Section 337 investigations. These investigations are critical for protecting intellectual property rights against unfair import practices, which can have substantial economic implications for U.S. industries. Her deep understanding of both private practice and government perspectives in these matters offers a strategic advantage to companies facing high-stakes patent disputes. The move also underscores the increasing demand for specialized legal expertise in intellectual property and international trade, reflecting the growing complexity and global nature of technology and life sciences markets. This strengthens Latham & Watkins' position as a leading firm in these critical areas, potentially influencing outcomes in significant trade and patent cases.
What's Next?
Lisa Kattan will immediately assume her role as Co-Chair of the International Trade Commission Practice, focusing on Section 337 investigations and related patent disputes for technology and life sciences clients. Her arrival is expected to further bolster Latham & Watkins' litigation capabilities in Washington, D.C., and enhance the firm's support for clients in complex intellectual property matters. The firm anticipates leveraging Kattan's expertise to continue its success in ITC trials, building on its recent record of winning three trials in the past two years. This strategic hire suggests a continued focus by Latham & Watkins on expanding its intellectual property litigation services, potentially leading to further recruitment of specialized legal talent to meet the evolving needs of its clients in the technology and life sciences sectors. Clients can expect more robust representation in intellectual property and trade disputes.
Beyond the Headlines
Kattan's move highlights a broader trend in the legal industry where top-tier law firms are actively recruiting highly specialized legal talent, particularly those with government experience, to address increasingly complex regulatory and litigation landscapes. Her background at the ITC provides a unique insight into the enforcement mechanisms and priorities of the U.S. government regarding intellectual property and trade. This blend of private and public sector experience is invaluable for clients operating in highly regulated industries. The strategic importance of Section 337 investigations, which can result in exclusion orders preventing infringing products from entering the U.S. market, means that firms with strong ITC practices are crucial for maintaining competitive advantages and protecting innovation within the U.S. economy. This appointment reflects the ongoing legal arms race in intellectual property, where firms are vying for the best talent to secure favorable outcomes for their clients.
