Massachusetts Home To Many Cutting Edge IP Law Firms

Massachusetts has long since moved its economy toward tech and information based industries.  The same holds true for its legal sector with its booming Intellectual Property practices, according to Mass High Tech, the Journal of New England Technology.  It makes sense that an economy founded on tech would stimulate the growth of its firms focus on the ideas behind innovation and host some of the largest IP firms in the nation.

IP lawyers are a special breed, often having advanced degrees in engineering and other areas of advanced sciences.  The MHT article highlights Nathan Edwards, and the Cambridge firm of Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP.  Edwards is a PhD in biological sciences and a “new breed of technology lawyer”.

At the article’s center is the tech sector’s potential to be one of the driving forces in the next evolution of IP firms across the country.   “‘In the past, IP was not given nearly the consideration it is now,’” said McDermott Will & Emery partner, Leigh Martinson, who was interviewed for NMT article. “‘Now it’s the core of the business. It used to be ‘just get me a patent.’ Now it’s ‘Get me a patent that’s going to allow me to leverage  relationships and compete.’ That’s exciting.’”

The posting lists the top ten IP firms in the greater Boston area as well, a list which includes Goodwin Procter, WilmerHale and Fish & Richardson.