Thompson Hine LLP is pleased to announce that intellectual property litigators Thomas G. Southard and Brian S. Seal have joined the firm’s Business Litigation practice in Washington, D.C. as a partner and senior counsel, respectively.
Southard and Seal litigate complex business disputes, with a focus on the protection, enforcement and defense of all forms of intellectual property rights. “Thompson Hine’s full-service platform fits well with our clients’ business needs,” said Southard of their decision to join the firm. “Their commitment to customizing service delivery to meet clients’ goals and deep bench of over 100 litigators set them apart from others.” Added Seal, “We consider ourselves to be problem-solvers first and litigators second, which is an approach that fits seamlessly with Thompson Hine’s commitment to innovation and adaptability.”
Southard and Seal have litigated in federal district and appellate courts across the country, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. They also have extensive Section 337 experience before the U.S. International Trade Commission, where they successfully represented a client in a groundbreaking pilot program for expedited proceedings. Their practice spans a wide range of technologies and subjects, including computer software, telecommunications, industrial manufacturing processes, consumer products and medical devices, as well as trademark, copyright and business ownership disputes for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups and local businesses. For example, they have successfully represented multiple major automobile manufacturers in patent litigations covering air bag systems and accelerometers, a leading golf ball manufacturer in a patent litigation with a competitor and several global telecommunications companies in litigations concerning wireless technology.
“Tom and Brian further strengthen our D.C. litigation practice and augment the depth of our national IP litigation practice,” said David A. Wilson, partner-in-charge of Thompson Hine’s Washington, D.C. office. “They share the firm’s philosophy on aligning service delivery with clients’ business goals to provide the value, efficiency and accountability clients seek in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace.”
Southard received his J.D. from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law in 2000 and his B.A. from Syracuse University in 1996. Seal received his J.D. from the University of Alabama in 2000 and his B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1997.
