Practice

Intellectual Property

Safeguarding Ideas, Powering Growth: Strategic IP Protection for Innovators

Sheppard helps innovators protect, enforce and maximize the value of their intellectual property worldwide.

We combine deep technical insight with sophisticated patent, trademark and brand strategy to deliver business-focused results.

Comprehensive Intellectual Property Counsel for Fast-Moving Industries

Intellectual property rights may be your most valuable asset in today's market. Sheppard is a leader in the protection of those rights.


Our Intellectual Property lawyers are well-positioned to help companies protect their intellectual property rights and exploit their commercial potential. The firm and members of our team are recognized as leaders in this area by organizations, including World Trademark Review (2025), IAM Patent 1000 (2025), Chambers USA (2025) and Chambers Asia-Pacific (2026), to name a few. 

We cover in depth all laws governing patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, false advertising, unfair competition, counterfeiting, grey marketing, and all matters involving intellectual property. We routinely address practical concerns related to the Internet, intranets, e-mail and document and data retention policies, as well as offer cutting edge advice in important related areas such as antitrust, unfair competition, counterfeiting, grey marketing and product diversion. Sheppard represents clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to deserving start-ups and individuals across a wide spectrum of industries. 

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Areas of Focus

Advertising
Sheppard’s advertising team guides brands through evolving media and regulatory landscapes, helping clients launch campaigns, protect brand identity and manage risk. We provide strategic counsel on compliance, branded content, promotions, litigation and brand enforcement, enabling clients to connect with audiences and grow their business across all media platforms.
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Copyright
Sheppard protects creative and intellectual property assets through strategic copyright litigation, business-focused counseling and technology-driven solutions. Our team guides film, media, technology and publishing clients on ownership, fair use, rights management, monetization and emerging issues including generative AI, helping innovators maximize value while minimizing legal risk across digital and entertainment industries. 
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IP Antitrust
We advise on the intersection of intellectual property and competition law, helping clients navigate licensing, patent pooling, standards-setting, distribution and other arrangements with antitrust sensitivity. Working closely with Sheppard’s nationally recognized Antitrust team, we assess competitive risk and create compliant commercial strategies for our clients, as well as defending them in any government investigations or litigation. Our integrated approach helps innovators protect and commercialize IP assets while avoiding antitrust exposure in fast-moving markets.
IP Licensing, Technology and Commercial Transactions
Our experienced lawyers advise clients on IP licensing, technology and commercial transactions, helping companies protect and monetize their innovations. We structure and negotiate agreements for software, hardware, data, brands and emerging technologies, supporting businesses of all sizes with practical counsel that drives growth and ensures compliance across industries and global markets. 
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ITC Litigation
We represent complainants and respondents in high-stakes Section 337 investigations before the U.S. International Trade Commission, pairing trial-ready advocacy with deep technical fluency. Working on the ITC’s compressed schedule, we build early case strategy, execute disciplined discovery and hearing preparation and coordinate parallel district court and global proceedings. Our integrated team helps protect market access, manage import risk and supply chain exposure and maximize business leverage.
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Patent Litigation
High-stakes and complex patent disputes require skilled advocacy. Our national team represents leading technology, media and life sciences companies in competitor cases, SEP/FRAND litigation and major trials. Technical fluency and proven trial strength allow us to protect clients’ essential innovations and manage risk across federal courts, the ITC, PTAB and the Federal Circuit in global markets. 
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Patent Strategy and Prosecution
Sophisticated patent strategies help startups and global companies protect innovation, build durable portfolios and support long-term growth. Our team translates complex technologies into valuable patent assets, guiding clients from idea generation through prosecution, portfolio management and enforcement across industries and markets. We offer integrated, lifecycle support and deep technical insight for patents involving life sciences, software, design and emerging technologies. 
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Post-Grant Proceedings
We guide clients through high-stakes post-grant challenges, including inter partes review (IPR) and related PTAB proceedings, using seasoned advocates with deep technical and trial experience. Our team develops business-driven strategies that bring together petitions, defended claims and parallel litigation to maximize strategic advantage, helping clients protect critical patents or efficiently resolve disputes. With a strong record before the PTAB and in Federal Circuit appeals, we deliver sophisticated, end-to-end post-grant counsel. 
Trade Secrets
Sheppard helps businesses safeguard sensitive information, minimize risk and prevent misappropriation to preserve competitive advantage. We craft strategies to protect, enforce and maximize proprietary assets within today’s dynamic business environment, offering integrated counsel on trade secrets, litigation, employment and corporate issues for innovators across industries and global markets. 
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Trademark
Protecting and enforcing industry-leading brands worldwide, our trademark team delivers practical counseling and courtroom experience for every stage of the brand lifecycle. We manage clearance, filing, portfolio strategy, anti-counterfeiting and high-stakes litigation for clients across industries, helping new marks launch, defending rights globally and tailoring effective solutions for changing markets and technology. 
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