New leadership roles at Knobbe Martens' US offices
Partners named in office leadership roles in LA and SF | Predecessors remain with the firm.
Knobbe Martens has appointed new leaders in its Los Angeles and San Francisco offices.
Trial lawyer Brian Horne has been named partner in charge of the firm’s Los Angeles office, taking over the role from fellow partner David Weiss.
Meanwhile, Dr Andrew Merickel, a partner with deep technology industry patent law experience, has been named head of the firm’s San Francisco office, replacing partner Adeel Akhtar in the role.
Horne is an experienced litigator, handling cases across an array of industries and winning trials involving a wide range of disputes, including patents, trade secrets, trademarks, trade dress, and breach of contract. Collectively his trial teams have won more than $1 billion. He has received numerous industry recognitions for his work, and previously served for several years on the board of directors of the Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association.
“This is a thrilling time to move into this leadership role,” he said. “Our firm has been a fixture in the LA market for more than two decades, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue our growth while delivering exceptional service to our clients.”
Dr Merickel has more than two decades’ experience helping clients build and leverage their patent portfolios and navigate the patent landscape in their technology areas. He advises clients across a wide variety of technology areas, including biotechnology, integrated circuit fabrication, thin film deposition, agriculture and food technology.
Commenting on his move into a leadership role, Dr Merickel said: “The Bay Area is home to numerous companies that are at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, and we are proud of our deep track record in San Francisco, counseling many of them on a wide range of IP issues.
“Our office will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, and it is truly an honour to have the opportunity to lead the office during this momentous time.”
‘Superb job’
Commenting on the moves, Knobbe Martens managing partner Steven Nataupsky said: “David and Adeel have done a superb job leading our Los Angeles and San Francisco offices for many years, and I applaud them for their commitment to our clients, our firm and our communities.
“Brian and Andrew are exceptionally well positioned to continue our success and momentum in LA and San Francisco. Both are tremendously well respected by their colleagues, clients and peers, and have deep roots in their communities that will make them great leaders. I am very pleased to welcome them both into these roles.”
