The World's Leading Lawyers 2002-2003: Intellectual Property: West Coast

On an annual basis, Chambers Global conducts extensive research and thorough data analysis in compiling their objective list of legal talent available at the highest level of international legal practice.

Their research methodology has been independently audited and confirmed to be thorough, robust and complete.

In Chambers' 2002-2003 regional review of international legal talentin the area of "Intellectual Property: West Coast," Kirkland & Ellis ranked fourth. This ranking reflects the opinion of the marketplace as revealed by Chambers' systematic and objective research.

Kirkland partner Bob Krupka was selected as a leading individual in this area.

Chambers' comments:

"A really outstanding case led to a great reputation" for Bob Krupka. Recommended to our researchers as "extremely good at managing trial processes and cross examining," he wins respect for his hands-on involvement and responsiveness, while clients typically claimed that "he has insights, anticipated problems and worked hard." He has built up a respected practice which focuses on patent, trademark, copyright, advertising, unfair competition and counseling.

In the highlight of the year, Krupka acted for Honeywell in the patent infringement case brought against Sundstrand, securing $47 million in damages before trial and currently in appeal raising the issue of marking on the product (aircraft auxiliary power units). The firm also advised Osram Sylvania in the reversal by the Federal Circuit of a District Court decision concerning patent infringements alleged by Durel Corp. The case was without a new trial and negated the previous $50 million award.

Clients: Pioneer Electronics; Osram Sylvania; Honeywell.

Reprinted with permission from Chamber's Global: The World's Leading Lawyers 2002-2003