WilmerHale
Firm overview:
WilmerHale is globally capable in trade secrets. The firm has advised on trade secrets disputes with billions of dollars at stake, with the team able to mobilise quickly to address rapid response prelitigation matters, temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and other requested relief in the lead up to or outset of litigation.
Some of the team’s notable successes include defending Apple in a multi-billion dollar trade secret trial; securing a victory for aluminium company Novelis when the court dismissed trade secrets misappropriation claims brought by a rival (which had initially involved over 500 trade secrets); and a win for Loxo Oncology in a trade secret suit related to breakthrough cancer drugs.
Team overview:
WilmerHale’s cross-practice team is made up of commercial and IP litigators who draw on their US state and federal courtroom experience to manage trade secrets disputes.
Joshua Lerner co-chairs the Trade Secret Practice from the firm’s San Francisco office. A renowned litigator, Lerner has served as lead counsel in some of the highest-profile trade secret cases in the country and peers speak highly of his capabilities.
London partner Annsley Merelle Ward focuses her practice on complex cross-border patent, SPC, FRAND/SEP and trade secrets litigation. She has represented some of the world’s leading technology companies in IP disputes involving a wide spectrum of technologies, and has acted before every level of court in England and Wales as well as the Court of Justice of the European Union, and coordinated litigation strategy in more than 25 countries.
Partners leading the firm’s trade secrets work also include Robert Gunther (New York), Omar Khan (New York), Hallie Levin (New York), Sonal Mehta (Palo Alto), Joseph Mueller (Boston), Mary Sooter (Denver) and Thomas Sprankling (Palo Alto).
Key matters:
- Apple v ITC
WilmerHale represents Apple in its highly publicised dispute with Masimo over smartwatch technology. Early in July 2025, Apple asked a US appeals court to overturn an International Trade Commission (ITC) decision that forced it to remove blood-oxygen reading technology from its Apple Watches in order to avoid an import ban.
Masimo has accused Apple of hiring its employees and stealing its technology after discussions over a potential collaboration.
Joseph Mueller (Boston) represents Apple in the matter.
Clients:
Apple
