Latham & Watkins

Firm overview:

Acknowledged as a “powerhouse” of a firm by peers, Latham & Watkins sets its stall on advising the businesses and institutions that power the global economy. The firm advises on 60 commercial and financial disciplines from locations across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Although noted as a recent competitor on high stakes trials, a peer comments the firm has “traditionally not played in the trademarks space”. However, it has a growing presence in the market. “In the last five years,” Latham has “built a hell of a trademark and copyright litigation practice”, they acknowledge—and now the US team is “playing in some of the biggest trademarks cases and they are coming on strong.” This peer believes the firm is on the cusp of higher market recognition in trademarks.

Using its global reach, Latham manages clients’ trademark portfolios through the entire prosecution process, from clearance to enforcement. The team litigates, arbitrates and mediates trademark infringement, unfair competition, false advertising, cybersquatting and breach of contract claims involving trademarks and/or trade dress issues.

Team overview:

San Diego partner Jennifer Barry—a former global chair of the firm’s IP litigation practice—has particular expertise in matters including trademark and trade dress infringement litigation, worldwide portfolio management, and trademark licensing counselling and litigation. Barry frequently writes and presents on IP-related topics and is widely acknowledged for her thought leadership.

Key matters:

• Perplexity AI: Trademark lawsuit win

In October 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) startup Perplexity AI convinced a California federal judge to dismiss a trademark lawsuit against it after the plaintiff failed to retain attorneys to handle its case.

Perplexity Solved Solutions (PSS) sued Perplexity AI in 2023 for trademark infringement, arguing that its name would confuse consumers.

Latham’s Jennifer Barry represented Perplexity AI in the case.

Clients:

Constellation Brands, Perplexity AI, Roblox