Knobbe Martens
Firm overview:
IP and technology law firm Knobbe Martens has a nationwide presence and a practice that encompasses patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The firm advises clients across a range of industries, including medical technology, software, and life sciences, on strategies to protect and enforce proprietary information and confidential assets. With offices in California, Washington, DC, New York, and other major US markets, Knobbe Martens handles trade secrets disputes as part of its broader IP litigation practice, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts.
Knobbe Martens’ trade secret work involves advising clients on misappropriation claims under federal and state law, employee mobility issues, tortious interference, and unfair competition. The firm helps clients develop internal protection protocols, draft and negotiate confidentiality and non‑compete agreements, and provide workforce training on safeguarding confidential information. When disputes arise, its litigators pursue early relief when warranted, such as temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and summary judgment motions, or advance matters through full trial and settlement negotiation.
The firm’s experience includes handling high‑profile disputes with significant financial exposure. Partners within Knobbe Martens’ Trade Secret & Employee Mobility Litigation practice have secured substantial jury verdicts and successfully defended clients in complex industry litigation. Their trade secrets work often intersects with patent litigation, reflecting the technical and strategic overlap in modern IP disputes. Knobbe Martens combines litigation strength with deep technical understanding, allowing it to address nuanced trade secrets issues alongside related IP and commercial claims. The firm’s collaborative approach brings together lawyers across disciplines to help clients mitigate risk, enforce rights, and protect the value of confidential information critical to their businesses.
Team overview:
Knobbe Martens has a team of “excellent lawyers”, says a fellow trade secrets practitioner who has worked with, and against them.
Partner Brian Horne, based in Los Angeles, is experienced in taking on complex trade secrets and IP disputes involving technology and competitive business issues. Horne has led trial teams to significant verdicts and is known for his strategic approach to litigation and courtroom advocacy. His work often involves coordinating multi‑faceted disputes that implicate both trade secrets and related IP rights.
Ben Katzenellenbogen focuses on disputes involving the protection and misappropriation of confidential information. Based in Orange County, he represents clients in trade secrets cases in state and federal courts, advising on both litigation strategy and preventative measures. Katzenellenbogen’s work reflects the firm’s emphasis on technical expertise and practical solutions in IP disputes.
