Joe concentrates his practice in the areas of business and intellectual property litigation. A trial lawyer with significant civil litigation experience, he has represented numerous clients in disputes involving patents related to pharmaceuticals, sound virtualization, internet banking, internet trading, power tool accessories, printer cartridges, dental instruments, call center computer systems and motorized window treatments.
Joe has broad experience in the enforcement of trademarks and copyrights and successfully represented clients against infringement of a popular brand of plush toys and another well-known brand of toys and figurines.
In addition, he has successfully defended clients against claims of unfair competition, antitrust and related state law claims. He also represents clients in patent infringement actions involving Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) filed with the Food and Drug Administration.
In the area of business litigation, Joe has prosecuted and defended numerous state and federal business claims involving the False Claims Act, breach of contract, fraud, replevin, anti-kickback statutes and tortious interference.
On the transactional side, he has assisted inventors in obtaining patents in many fields, such as computer peripherals, motion simulators and die-cast molding devices.
Awards & Recognitions
· Illinois Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property Litigation, 2010, 2012
Professional Associations & Memberships
· Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago
Civic Involvement
· John Marshall Law School Pro Bono Patent Prosecution Clinic, Founding Member
· University of Illinois - Chicago, Bioengineering Department, Advisory Committee
Experience
· Trial team participant defending several claims of patent infringement by the world's largest professional dental products company. After a bench trial, the Court found that the client did not infringe any of the claims at issue and entered judgment in favor of the client. Dentsply v. Hu-Friedy, 04-348 (M.D. Pa 2005)
· Obtained favorable settlement when the Court adopted all three of a client's patent claim interpretations. Eazypower v. Vermont American, 2003 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 4952 (N.D.Ill. 2003)
· Successfully protected client's patent against charges on invalidity forcing a favorable settlement and patent license prior to trial. Eazypower v. Target Corporation and Innovative Concepts Corporation, 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 20023 (N.D.Ill. 2002)
· First-chaired an extensive Markman hearing where the Court adopted all of the client's patent claim interpretations forcing a favorable settlement and patent license. Eazypower v. Performance Tool
· Represented plaintiff in a matter in which the Court dismissed three claims against client for fraud, tortious interious interference of contract and defamation on the eve of trial. Ty Inc. v. Just Collectibles, 99 C 5180 (N.D.Ill. January 20, 2004 opinion)
News & Publications
News
1.3.12., Eight Husch Blackwell Attorneys Named to Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars 2012
2.9.10., Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars 2010 Names Two Husch Blackwell Sanders Attorneys