Pitzel Cruz’s selection follows recent recognition as ‘Hatch-Waxman Litigator of the Year’ at LMG Life Sciences Awards
SEATTLE, September 9, 2025 – Knobbe Martens is pleased to share that partner Carol Pitzel Cruz has been recognized as a “Winning Litigators” finalist in The National Law Journal Awards. Ms. Pitzel Cruz, who is Managing Partner of the firm’s Seattle office and Co-Chair of the Hatch-Waxman Litigation practice, was named a finalist in the ‘Winning Litigators – Defense’ category.
Ms. Pitzel Cruz was recognized for leading numerous high-stakes Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) trials on behalf of generic drug manufacturers, playing a pivotal role in bringing cost-effective, life-saving medications to market and improving healthcare accessibility worldwide.
In the last year, Ms. Pitzel Cruz has obtained successful outcomes for clients in long-running, complex pharmaceutical disputes. She recently led a Knobbe Martens team to a landmark victory for Padagis Pharmaceuticals in a high-stakes patent dispute over a generic version of Simbrinza®, a widely used glaucoma medication. The resulting decision will enable Padagis to bring their lower-cost glaucoma treatment to market.
Ms. Pitzel Cruz also helped secure a decisive win on behalf of Lupin Limited in a dispute against Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., allowing Lupin to market a more affordable drug to patients battling life-threatening kidney disease.
This is the latest accolade for Ms. Pitzel Cruz, who was honored last week with the ‘Hatch-Waxman Litigator of the Year (Generic)’ award at the LMG Life Sciences Awards. She is consistently recognized by top-tier legal guides and publications including Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, LMG Life Sciences, IAM, Managing IP, and World Intellectual Property Review, among others.
The National Law Journal Awards honors outstanding achievements, innovation, and dedication within the legal community. Winners will be announced at an awards event on November 5, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
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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