Sheppard Mullin expands IP technology team

Law firm Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton has expanded its intellectual property practice with the addition of three partners.

Benjamin Esplin will join the firm’s Del Mar, California office while Bradford Blaise and James Gatto join the Washington, DC office.  All three join from US law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.

Esplin focuses his practice on patent filing strategies as well as post-grant proceedings.

Blaise focuses on patent litigation and has specialised in areas including video games and social media.

Gatto, who specialises in trademarks, has also advised clients on issues relating to social media and video games.

Guy Halgren, chair of the firm, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jim, Ben and Brad to the firm.”