Foley & Lardner Grabs IP Team of Four From Dentons (1)

Foley & Lardner is expanding its intellectual property bench with a four-lawyer team from Dentons that includes the former co-leader of the mega firm’s IP practice group.

The arriving lawyers will join Foley & Lardner’s IP department and Electronics Practice Group, which works with clients to handle management and protection of high-tech, electronics, software, and Internet patent portfolios. That includes filing patent applications.

Partner Eric Sophir, who co-headed Dentons’ IP group, will join Foley & Lardner in Washington. Gary Solomon, another partner, will remain in Dallas, where he is based currently.

Matthew Horton and Kamyar Maserrat, will be joining Foley & Lardner as senior counsel and associate, respectively, in the nation’s capital.

Eric Sophir

Courtesy of Foley & Lardner

“Our Electronics Practice Group just came off a record year in revenue and headcount growth, and this team’s significant collective practice will surely help us continue this upward trend,” Christopher McKenna, co-chair of the group, said in a statement. “They are a terrific strategic match in terms of clients, practice and geography, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the team.”

Dentons did not reply immediately to a request for comment about the team’s departure.

The giant firm has been actively expanding with its “Project Golden Spike” strategy, named after the final piece in the U.S. Transcontinental Railroad. Through this strategy, Dentons is tying itself to smaller firms to create a far-flung legal entity that would share services but leave local firms a good portion of autonomy.

In his new position, Sophir will be bringing his experience advising clients on protecting innovations, gaining market share, resolving patent disputes, and monetizing patents. His practice includes patent preparation and prosecution, infringement and validity analysis in patent litigation, licensing and selling and due diligence.

“I have always been impressed by Foley’s breadth of intellectual property experience, including its patent litigation capabilities,” said Sophir.

Gary Solomon

Courtesy of Foley & Lardner

Solomon, whose practice focuses on patent preparation, prosecution, and the monetization and protection of intellectual property assets, has worked extensively with startup companies in both technical and legal capacities. He spent a decade as a practicing engineer earlier in his career.

“Foley is a full-service firm with a strong understanding of how intellectual property integrates into business and belongs in a general practice firm, as well as an excellent cross-selling philosophy that strongly benefits clients,” said Solomon.