Akin IP Practice in Washington with Addition of Patent Litigators M. Andrew Holtman and C. Brandon Rash
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(Washington, D.C.) – Akin Gump today announced the addition of partners M. Andrew Holtman Ph.D. and C. Brandon Rash to its intellectual property practice in Washington, D.C. Both come to Akin Gump from the IP boutique firm Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP.
Dr. Holtman and Mr. Rash are well regarded for their work representing clients in the high-tech sector in all aspects of patent litigation. This includes handling matters before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)—where Dr. Holtman is one of the country’s most active patent attorneys, the International Trade Commission (ITC), district courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
“Our IP team has a well-established reputation as a go-to firm for life sciences and high tech-focused patent disputes, and the addition of Andy and Brandon will be a perfect complement to those strengths,” said Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith. “Both are excellent patent lawyers who will bring tremendous knowledge and experience to our clients. I am delighted to welcome them to the firm.”
“Patent disputes can be incredibly complex and technical, requiring both detailed subject matter knowledge and a keen understanding of the litigation process,” noted Steven D. Maslowski, head of Akin Gump’s intellectual property practice. “Andy and Brandon bring those skills and more to our practice. Their work in the areas of electronics, computing and software, in particular, will align well with our established strengths handling life sciences and tech-related patent disputes, and I am very happy to welcome them to the team.”
Dr. Holtman and Mr. Rash focus on matters relating to electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, software arts, and drug and biological molecular science. They also regularly provide counsel regarding litigation strategy and other IP-related matters.
“Brandon and I are extremely excited to be at Akin Gump,” said Dr. Holtman. “The firm is highly regarded in the IP space and boasts a broad-based international platform that allows it to serve clients effectively across many other areas. We look forward to the terrific opportunities available here to work with our clients.”
About M. Andrew Holtman
Dr. Holtman has played a role in more than 50 inter partes reviews (IPRs) since the start of 2015, acting as lead counsel in the majority of his cases. He also represents clients before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, advising them on due diligence and freedom-to-operate issues. He has significant experience coordinating multijurisdictional patent practice between the United States, the European Patent Office (EPO) and numerous European court systems. He has overseen litigations in France, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as oppositions at the EPO.
Dr. Holtman’s IP work spans many different technologies, including gas turbofan engines, hybrid vehicle technology and pharmaceutical formulations. His experience also covers most biotechnology-related fields, such as plant molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and immunology, as well as medical devices and other biomechanical technologies.
Before beginning his legal career, Dr. Holtman worked as a research fellow in molecular genetics at Rutgers University. He received his Ph.D. from Rutgers in the same field, as well as his B.S. in biotechnology. He received his J.D. from George Washington University Law School.
About C. Brandon Rash
Mr. Rash has a significant background in patent litigation involving electrical, computer and communications-related technologies. He has led litigation teams in federal courts and the U.S. International Trade Commission and in post-grant proceedings at the PTAB. His key areas of focus are complex electrical and computer-related technologies, including electronics, computer hardware and software, Internet and network communications, semiconductors, wireless and audio technologies.
He previously served as a law clerk to the Hon. Henry E. Hudson in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Prior to law school, Mr. Rash was a technical marketing engineer at a large semiconductor manufacturer, where he was responsible for power management and wireless semiconductor products.
Mr. Rash received his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Richmond School of Law and his B.S. in electrical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.
About Akin Gump’s Patent Litigation Work
Among the top firms nationwide for patent litigation, Akin Gump has a proven track record of achieving success for our clients in high-stakes patent litigation in all technology areas. Our lawyers have extensive experience in all aspects of intellectual property litigation, including complex patent cases in federal district courts, before the International Trade Commission and before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Our group represents a wide range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, small businesses, universities, research foundations and government agencies.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
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