IBM Can Use Kirkland in Copyright Fight With Other Firm Client

Kirland Ellis LLP can represent IBM Corp. in its software copyright lawsuit against a former business partner that has also repeatedly used the law firm, a New York federal court ruled.

British software company Micro Focus Inc. contractually allowed Kirkland to represent other parties in litigation on matters substantially unrelated to its work with Micro Focus, the US District Court for the Southern District of New York said.

The court also denied Micro Focus’ bid to dismiss IBM’s copyright claim, but axed a breach of contract claim as preempted by federal copyright law.

Thursday’s decision said none of Kirkland’s ...