Christopher J. (Chris) Harnett and J. Thomas (Tom) Vitt have joined as partners in the Firm’s global Intellectual Property Practice. Mr. Harnett will be based in Jones Day’s New York Office, while Mr. Vitt joins the Firm in Minneapolis.
Mr. Harnett has appeared in U.S. District Courts on behalf of clients in numerous patent infringement and trade secret litigations. His representations have involved numerous technologies, including software, computer systems, biotechnology, semiconductor, and consumer products.
“Chris is an accomplished IP trial lawyer who has tried more than 20 cases,” said Anthony M. Insogna, leader of Jones Day’s Intellectual Property Practice. “He has produced exceptional results for his clients, and he is well known and respected in New York, which is a significant market for high-stakes cases.”
Mr. Harnett’s notable matters include both plaintiff’s and defendant’s victories. In MEEI v. QLT, he secured a judgment in excess of $130M for the developers of a surgical method to treat macular degeneration; in Fisher-Rosemount v. CSI, a case that involved cross-claims on patents directed to automated process control technology, Mr. Harnett defeated CSI’s $650M damages demand with a judgment of both invalidity and noninfringement; and in Antares v. Medac, a case involving methotrexate injectors for treatment of autoimmune diseases, he defeated Antares’ motion for preliminary injunction and, when Antares took an appeal, persuaded the Federal Circuit to direct a judgment for invalidity, thereby ending the litigation.
Added Wesley R. Johnson Jr., Partner-in-Charge of Jones Day’s New York Office, “What makes Chris’s success as a patent litigator even more impressive is the wide range of industries and sectors where he’s achieved such noteworthy results. He has effectively represented clients in software, health care, manufacturing, IT, and several other areas. That kind of experience is valuable, and we’re very happy he’s joining Jones Day.”
Mr. Vitt has acted as lead counsel in a variety of patent, trademark, trade secret, and unfair competition cases in trial and appellate courts throughout the United States. Mr. Vitt represents clients in a range of industries, including medical devices, health care information technology, oil refining, and manufacturing. Mr. Vitt’s litigation experience includes George Martin Co. v. Alliance Machine Systems International, where he won a judgment after a jury trial — subsequently affirmed by the Federal Circuit — invalidating the plaintiff’s cardboard manufacturing patent, and Pure Fishing, Inc. v. Normark Corporation, where he invalidated Pure Fishing’s patent on manufacturing high-strength fishing line, defeated Pure Fishing’s claim of infringement related to polymeric fishing lures, and obtained a substantial attorneys’ fees recovery.
“Tom has proven himself as a very versatile patent litigator,” said Mr. Insogna. “In particular his experience in the medical device and manufacturing areas, and his successful track record in those matters, will prove to be a great resource for Jones Day clients around the world.”
“The Twin Cities have always been an important center for technology and innovation.” said Brian Easley, Partner-in-Charge of Jones Day’s Minneapolis Office. “Tom’s diverse experience and exceptional skills as a trial lawyer will enhance the Firm’s ability to serve our Minnesota-based clients in intellectual property disputes as well as support our global Intellectual Property Practice.”
With its singular tradition and widely recognized record of client service, Jones Day provides formidable legal talent across multiple disciplines and jurisdictions through the seamless collaboration of a true partnership that shares fundamental professional values. Spread across five continents, Jones Day has more than 2,500 lawyers in 44 offices located in major centers of business and finance around the world.
Source: www.jonesday.com
