Providing comprehensive solutions for the acquisition, enforcement and protection of IP.

By patenting their innovations, our clients increase the value of their intellectual property and enhance their ability to compete in the marketplace. We work with laboratory and research teams and R&D and product development groups to determine whether, when and where it is in our clients’ business and technical interests to seek patent protection. And we don’t just file patent applications. Drawing on our experience with patent litigation, corporate financings and technology transactions, we implement IP strategies that conserve resources, add measurable value and give our clients a cost-effective and commercially practical competitive edge.

We help clients obtain more than 750 US and foreign patents each year, covering innovations that span the technological spectrum, including aerospace, biochemistry, biotechnology, business methods, chemistry, computer science, fuel cells, genetics, high-speed data communication, integrated circuits, materials science, medical devices, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, semiconductor devices and processes, and software.

We also prepare and prosecute patent applications internationally under the Patent Cooperative Treaty and by working with a network of seasoned patent lawyers around the world. Our experience extends to appeals, interferences and opposition proceedings within the US Patent and Trademark Office, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the European Patent Office.

Intellectual Property Litigation

Clients trust us to protect their most important intellectual property matters.

A global team handling highly complex and sensitive matters in all aspects of litigation.

“The firm is at its best during a fight—whether that’s against an enforcer, or in court against a private litigant.” — Global Competition Review

Named an “FCPA Powerhouse” and “Practice Group of the Year,” we have been involved in some of the most notable public and non-public cases and key developments related to FCPA and anti-corruption issues.

WilmerHale offers one of the world’s premier international arbitration and dispute resolution practices.

We offer clients exceptional insight in dealing with competition agencies in the United States, Europe and around the world.

Representing clients in sensitive inquiries across jurisdictions.

We help companies protect data, comply with evolving regulations, and respond to investigations and litigation.

Clients turn to us to advance their objectives and manage risk in today’s complex, ever-changing global trade landscape.

Cybersecurity and Privacy

We have successfully handled a number of the most challenging CFIUS cases on record.

Our multidisciplinary team offers responsive, full-service sanctions and export controls advice to cover any contingency our clients may face.

International Trade, Investment and Market Access

International Trade, Investment and Market Access

WilmerHale lawyers have decades of experience advising public and private companies in all aspects of mergers and acquisitions.

We leverage technical knowledge, business acumen and legal experience to structure, prepare and negotiate innovative and effective technology-related agreements.

For companies in the life sciences sphere, licensing intellectual property and establishing strategic alliances are critical. WilmerHale’s experienced licensing lawyers shepherd biotech, pharmaceutical, healthcare and medical device clients of all sizes through the complex transactions that make their businesses possible, including a broad range of licensing, collaboration, strategic alliance and joint venture agreements. Our attorneys also excel at brokering manufacturing and supply agreements, contract research and development agreements, distribution and commercialization services agreements, and material transfer and confidentiality agreements. They also frequently represent life sciences clients as they license patents—often the foundations of their companies—from, and sponsor research at, leading academic institutions across the United States and Europe. Backed not only by their own experience but also the deep well of knowledge possessed by the firm’s patent, tax, antitrust and EU competition lawyers, our transactional attorneys are ready to handle even the most multifaceted matters. Our team helps clients protect their innovations, forge strategic alliances, and successfully navigate a complex, dynamic industry.

Our Outsourcing Practice supports clients who seek comprehensive assistance in negotiating and managing complex outsourcing contractual arrangements, and our lawyers have represented many leading global corporations and financial institutions. We address all major legal and regulatory elements of these transactions—including privacy and data security, intellectual property, employment, tax, governance, and dispute resolution—and apply years of practical experience to assist our clients in structuring agreements that enhance their long-term performance and are consistent with their strategic objectives. Our attorneys have extensive experience and we have represented clients in more than 200 major outsourcing transactions. As a result, we have a robust understanding of the domestic and international commercial outsourcing marketplaces. We have experienced outsourcing lawyers based in the United States and Europe, and the practice is consistently recognized by numerous rankings organizations and publications.

We assist our clients in all aspects of outsourcing transactions, including preparing and negotiating the services agreement and related exhibits, and continue to advise clients throughout the negotiations and life cycle of the relationships. We are quite familiar with emerging outsourcing models and new technologies that are influencing the marketplace, such as cloud computing and autonomic. We have extensive experience representing clients in virtually every industry, including retail, manufacturing, banking and other financial services, insurance, technology, general commercial, telecommunications, construction, healthcare and medical devices, transportation, electronics, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, internet and e-commerce, and business services. Our lawyers have represented clients on the outsourcing of virtually every type of IT and BPO service, including data center and other infrastructure, application development, network services, finance and accounting functions, procurement, call center, mortgage processing, insurance and other claims, and HR services. We also have a particular depth of experience with legal compliance issues faced by regulated businesses and can draw upon the experience of our leading Financial Institutions and Securities Practices when needed.

Advising life sciences innovators, investors and industry leaders on complex transactions, legal issues and business challenges.

WilmerHale’s corporate lawyers have a long history of experience with cross-border deals involving mergers and acquisitions, public offerings and capital markets, venture capital, joint ventures and other transactions.