Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP has added two highly respected lawyers to its Intellectual Property Group. Formerly of DLA Piper, Robert Benson and Chris Broderick join as partners in the firm’s Los Angeles and Orange County offices, respectively.

“This is a great opportunity for Orrick to further grow its standing as a leading IP practice for Japanese technology companies,” said Steven Routh, co-head of Orrick’s Intellectual Property Group. “Chris and Robert bring with them substantial IP litigation experience, having represented Sharp, Seiko Epson, Kyocera, Olympus, Pentax and Panasonic. With Chris and Robert working alongside our team in the U.S. and in Asia, we are now better positioned to represent all of Japan’s top consumer electronic players and to create an unrivalled Japan-IP tech practice.”

Robert represents clients in cases alleging patent infringement, copyright infringement and trade secret misappropriation involving a variety of technologies and products, including mobile devices, computer hardware and software, telecommunications, semiconductors, LCDs, printers, cameras, and other consumer electronics. He has more than 20 years of experience in all phases of litigation, including obtaining injunctive relief, litigating section 337 cases before the ITC and arguing before the Federal Circuit.  He is also the founder of an international charitable organization that cares for orphaned and abandoned children, which is a reflection of his personal dedication to both client and community service.

Robert received his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law, where he was Order of the Coif.  He received his B.S. from the School of Engineering at San Jose State University, where he also earned the distinction of President’s Scholar. 

Chris practices in all aspects of intellectual property law with an emphasis on litigation, representing plaintiffs and defendants in patent, trademark, and unfair competition and trade secret actions. He represents clients through all stages of litigation including through trial. His clients have been involved in a variety of industries and technologies, including wireless communications, handsets, cameras and camcorders, displays, satellite television, semiconductors, software, Internet business patents, manufacturing techniques and consumer products.

Chris has substantial international experience including international arbitrations and administrating a worldwide trademark enforcement program. He also has practiced extensively in the Eastern District of Texas and defended numerous corporations in cases filed by patent trolls.

Prior to practicing as an attorney, Chris worked for ten years as an engineer developing satellite systems for Hughes Aircraft and Northrop Grumman.  

Chris received his J.D. from Loyola Marymount University and his B.S. in Engineering from University of Cincinnati.