Steptoe

Firm overview:

International law firm Steptoe operates from 10 offices, with six in the US, two in Europe and two in Asia-Pacific. The firm punches above its weight and obtains good results against large litigation teams.

Steptoe is “highly recommended” by a peer and known for its involvement in high-stakes IP litigation. Clients go to the firm for its deep experience at trial level, on appeal and in front of various regulatory bodies, as well as technical expertise across a range of subject matters.

Some of the patent litigation team’s notable past representations include a jury verdict in favour of client American Axle following a nine-year battle against one of its competitors; and acting for Express Mobile in its assertion of website and publishing patents against Shopify, Web.com, GoDaddy, Wix and Adobe.

Team overview:

Peer and client recommended Jay Nuttall is co-chair of the firm’s IP group and depended on by clients when the stakes are high. Experienced in a range of technologies, Nuttall has defeated a multi-patent infringement claim alleging more than $4 billion in accused sales, and tried an 11-patent case in which the client won on all issues, among other victories.

John Caracappa, also co-chair of the IP group, personally handles every aspect of a client's case, from fact discovery and witness preparation to Markman presentations and trial. His astute experience and technological understanding of the nuances involved in Section 337 litigation enable him to construct successful International Trade Commission (ITC) arguments that are often affirmed upon appeal.

John Abramic, managing partner of the Chicago office, is a seasoned litigator who represents clients in complex intellectual property disputes. He serves as lead counsel in IP disputes in forums throughout the US, including in arbitrations, federal district courts, and the International Trade Commission (ITC).

Client recommended Boyd Cloern is a first chair trial lawyer with experience both in federal district courts and at the ITC. His experience also includes antitrust/competition, licensing, standards, and other issues at the intersection of IP and antitrust. Boyd also counsels clients on compliance issues related to trade secrets and competition.

In November 2024 the firm expanded its IP practice with the addition of patent trial lawyer Jim Brogan, who joined from King & Spalding. Brogan has a track record of success representing high-profile clients in complex patent matters, and teaches a patent litigation course at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law.

Steptoe’s largest-ever partner promotion class of 14 lawyers became effective on January 1 2025 and included patent attorney Robert Kappers, who represents pharmaceutical and medical device companies in complex patent litigation matters.

Experienced Hatch-Waxman litigator Tyler Doh was among the new counsel promotions to begin in the new year. Doh was on the team representing Orexo in Hatch-Waxman litigation against Sun Pharmaceuticals, which resulted in the New Jersey district court ruling in favour of Orexo that Sun had infringed Orexo’s patents.

Key matters:

• American Axle & Manufacturing v Neapco, 2024

In February 2024, Steptoe secured a trial victory for American Axle after a nine-year multi-patent infringement dispute. The client was awarded $4 million in damages by a Delaware jury which concluded that Neapco had infringed its patented propshaft noise and vibration technology. Jay Nuttall led the team, which also included John Abramic, Katherine Tellez, and Robert Kappers.

Clients:

American Axle, Express Mobile.