Knobbe Martens Announces New Leaders in Los Angeles and San Francisco
Partners Brian Horne and Andrew Merickel named to office leadership roles in LA and SF, respectively
IRVINE, CALIF., July 26 2022 – Knobbe Martens, one of the leading intellectual property law firms in the world, announced today that it has appointed new leaders in its Los Angeles and San Francisco offices.
Brian Horne, a respected and recognized trial lawyer, has been named partner in charge of the firm’s Los Angeles office, taking over the role from fellow partner David Weiss. Additionally, Dr. Andrew Merickel, a partner with deep technology industry patent law experience, has been named as head of the firm’s San Francisco office, replacing partner Adeel Akhtar in the role. Mr. Weiss and Mr. Akhtar served as heads of the firm’s Los Angeles and San Francisco offices respectively for nearly 20 years. Both Mr. Weiss and Mr. Akhtar remain with the firm.
Commenting on the moves, Knobbe Martens managing partner Steven Nataupsky said, “David and Adeel have done a superb job leading our Los Angeles and San Francisco offices for many years, and I applaud them for their commitment to our clients, our firm and our communities. Brian and Andrew are exceptionally well-positioned to continue our success and momentum in LA and San Francisco. Both are tremendously well-respected by their colleagues, clients and peers, and have deep roots in their communities that will make them great leaders. I am very pleased to welcome them both into these roles.”
Mr. Horne is an experienced litigator, handling cases across an array of industries and winning trials involving a wide range of disputes, including patent, trade secret, trademark, trade dress, and breach of contract. Collectively, Mr. Horne’s trial teams have won more than $1 billion. He has received numerous industry recognitions for his work, and previously served for several years on the board of directors of the Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association.
“This is a thrilling time to move into this leadership role,” stated Mr. Horne. “Our firm has been a fixture in the LA market for more than two decades, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue our growth while delivering exceptional service to our clients.”
Knobbe Martens’ Los Angeles office opened in 2000 and includes nearly 20 lawyers, who provide a full suite of IP counsel to clients in the entertainment industry, e-commerce, computer software and electronics communities, and other high-tech industries. To learn more about the firm’s Los Angeles office, click here.
Dr. Merickel has more than two decades’ experience helping clients build and leverage their patent portfolios and navigate the patent landscape in their technology areas. He advises clients across a wide variety of technology areas, including biotechnology, integrated circuit fabrication, thin film deposition, agriculture and food technology.
Commenting on his move into a leadership role, Dr. Merickel said, “The Bay Area is home to numerous companies that are at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, and we are proud of our deep track record in San Francisco counseling many of them on a wide range of IP issues. Our office will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, and it is truly an honor to have the opportunity to lead the office during this momentous time.”
Knobbe Martens’ San Francisco professionals focus on key technology areas such as semiconductors, biotechnology, including plant technology, mechanical and chemical engineering and computer hardware and software, providing full service for the firm's clients in all areas of intellectual property law. For more information about the San Francisco office, click here.
These announcements are just the latest leadership changes at Knobbe Martens. Last Fall, the firm announced Salima Merani, Ph.D. and Sabing Lee as co-chairs of the Medical Devices and Procedures group, and Sheila Swaroop and Michael Friedland as co-chairs of the Litigation group. More information about those moves can be found here.
About Knobbe Martens
Knobbe Martens is a highly respected intellectual property law firm, offering legal services in all aspects of intellectual property and technology law. The firm’s litigation group handles cases throughout the U.S. and coordinates strategy for disputes worldwide. Founded in California in 1962, the firm has about 300 lawyers and scientists based in offices located in Orange County, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington D.C. Knobbe Martens serves a diverse international client base, from multinational corporations to emerging businesses of all stages. More information about the firm can be found at www.knobbe.com.
