Newly elected partners come from a diversity of backgrounds, offices and practice areas within the firm
IRVINE, Calif., January 13, 2025 – Knobbe Martens, a leading intellectual property law firm, is pleased to announce the elevation of four accomplished lawyers to partnership effective January 1, 2025. Located throughout the country, this distinguished group reflects the firm’s commitment to fostering exceptional talent across all aspects of intellectual property law.
“We are proud to welcome this outstanding group of attorneys to the partnership,” said Knobbe Martens managing partner Steven Nataupsky. “Their dedication to unparalleled client service and commitment to our clients reflect the values and culture that serve as the firm’s foundation. We are excited to see the positive impact they will make as they lead the firm into the future.”
The newly elected partners include:
Samuel Cockriel, based in the firm’s Orange County office, is a skilled patent attorney who helps clients implement IP strategies that further their business objectives. His practice includes managing global patent portfolios, conducting due diligence, and performing infringement and invalidity investigations for clients in the medical device, automotive, consumer product, and agriculture industries. Mr. Cockriel works with companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 corporations to protect and monetize their innovations. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University and received his J.D. with Highest Honors and Order of the Coif distinctions from The George Washington University Law School.
Justin Culbertson focuses on client counseling, opinion and due diligence work, and global patent portfolio management in the chemical, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and biotechnology industries. Based in Washington, D.C., he advises clients ranging from startups to established companies on developing, managing, and enforcing their intellectual property assets. Dr. Culbertson brings extensive international patent prosecution experience, having managed and prosecuted patents in over 40 jurisdictions worldwide. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Montana and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Davis, where his research focused on the structure, function, and inhibition of chorismate-utilizing enzymes. He received his J.D., graduating cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law.
Ari Feinstein, also based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, has a depth of experience in litigating patent and trademark matters on behalf of clients in a range of industries including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, HVAC, consumer electronics, and nutritional supplements. He has represented clients in various United States District Courts and the International Trade Commission, as well as inter partes proceedings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He regularly offers valuable insights into IP-related developments by publishing on topics such as patent venue, patent listing in the FDA’s Orange Book, and developments at the Supreme Court. Mr. Feinstein holds a B.A. in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University and received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was the Managing Editor of the Journal of Law and Technology.
Kate McMorrow represents a wide range of clients in all areas of intellectual property and advertising law, including with respect to trademarks, false advertising, unfair competition, copyrights, and patents. Based in the firm’s Los Angeles office, she has extensive experience managing both domestic and international trademark prosecution and enforcement matters, and representing clients in IP disputes in both federal and state courts and at the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), and WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. Ms. McMorrow is highly involved in the legal community, having served on executive committees within various bar associations and currently serving on the International Trademark Association’s (INTA) Internet Committee and Evolving Technologies Subcommittee. She graduated cum laude from Truman State University with a B.S. in Chemistry and B.A. in English before receiving her J.D. from Boston University School of Law.
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.
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