What's Happening?
Latham & Watkins has announced the addition of Lisa Kattan as a partner in its Intellectual Property Litigation Practice and as Co-Chair of the International Trade Commission (ITC) Practice in Washington, D.C. Kattan brings over 25 years of experience
in ITC and patent litigation, encompassing both private practice and federal government service. Her expertise includes advising technology and life sciences companies on Section 337 investigations before the ITC and related patent disputes. Kattan's practice also covers proceedings in federal district courts, appellate courts, U.S. Customs, and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. She has handled cases across various industries, such as semiconductors, telecommunications, video streaming, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Earlier in her career, Kattan spent five years at the ITC as a Senior Investigative Attorney in the Office of Unfair Import Investigations, where she served as lead trial counsel for the U.S. government in high-profile patent infringement investigations. Her arrival is part of a broader expansion of Latham's Intellectual Property Litigation Practice, which has seen the addition of five trial lawyers in the past year.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Lisa Kattan significantly strengthens Latham & Watkins' capabilities in intellectual property litigation, particularly in the complex area of International Trade Commission (ITC) investigations. Her extensive experience, including her tenure as a Senior Investigative Attorney at the ITC, provides the firm with a unique understanding of the legal, technical, and procedural intricacies involved in Section 337 matters. This enhanced expertise is crucial for technology and life sciences companies operating in the U.S. market, as they frequently face high-stakes patent disputes and unfair import investigations. The ability to navigate these challenges effectively can determine market access, competitive advantage, and the protection of valuable intellectual property. For U.S. industries, having robust legal counsel in ITC matters is vital for safeguarding domestic innovation and preventing the infringement of patents by imported goods. Kattan's role will directly impact how these companies defend their intellectual property rights and manage trade-related legal risks, potentially influencing market dynamics and investment in innovation within critical sectors.
What's Next?
Lisa Kattan will work alongside Latham & Watkins' existing intellectual property litigation team, focusing on disputes that may involve simultaneous proceedings before the ITC and other courts and agencies. Her leadership as Co-Chair of the ITC Practice is expected to further enhance the firm's ability to represent clients in complex Section 337 investigations. This move signals Latham & Watkins' continued investment in expanding its intellectual property litigation capabilities, suggesting a strategic focus on high-stakes patent and trade-related disputes. The firm's recent success, with its ITC team winning three trials in the past two years, indicates a strong trajectory that Kattan's expertise is poised to amplify. Clients in the technology and life sciences sectors can anticipate more comprehensive and experienced legal support in navigating the challenging landscape of international trade and intellectual property law. This appointment may also encourage other law firms to bolster their ITC practices in response to the increasing complexity and volume of such cases.
Beyond the Headlines
The strategic hiring of a seasoned ITC lawyer like Lisa Kattan by a major firm like Latham & Watkins underscores a growing trend in the legal industry: the increasing importance of specialized expertise in international trade and intellectual property law. As global supply chains become more intricate and technological innovation accelerates, the U.S. International Trade Commission plays a critical role in protecting domestic industries from unfair trade practices, particularly patent infringement. The legal battles fought before the ITC often have significant economic and competitive implications, influencing market access for foreign goods and the profitability of U.S. companies. Kattan's blend of private practice and government experience highlights the value placed on individuals who understand both the legal framework and the operational nuances of federal agencies. This trend reflects a broader recognition that effective legal counsel in this domain requires not just legal acumen but also a deep understanding of technological specifics and international trade policies, shaping the future of intellectual property enforcement and trade relations.
