Banner Witcoff

Banner Witcoff, Ltd. is a prominent intellectual property boutique firm with its headquarters in Chicago, IL, and additional offices in Washington, D.C., Boston, MA, and Portland, OR. The firm is recognized in the legal industry, having achieved a National Tier 2 ranking in intellectual property litigation, patent litigation, and patent law in the 2026 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers' “Best Law Firms,” alongside Regional Tier 1 rankings in Chicago for these areas. Vault has ranked Banner Witcoff as a top "Best Intellectual Property Specialty Law Firm" (No. 3 in 2025, No. 4 in 2026) and Chambers USA consistently recognizes the firm as a leading intellectual property law firm, with top rankings for patent prosecution in the District of Columbia and intellectual property law in Illinois. The firm maintains approximately 100-150 attorneys and agents globally.

The firm's patent litigation practice specializes across a broad range of technology areas, including electrical and computer technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks, computer hardware and software systems, telecommunications, semiconductors, consumer and industrial electronics, cloud computing, and e-commerce. Banner Witcoff also possesses expertise in design and business method patents. Its litigation footprint indicates a balanced approach, with appearances as lead counsel for both plaintiff and defendant sides in tracked cases, demonstrating their capacity to represent diverse client interests in patent disputes.

Banner Witcoff is actively involved in post-issuance proceedings at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), where it is recognized as one of the most active and best-performing law firms in inter partes review (IPR) proceedings. The firm reports an 82% IPR institution rate, which is 15% above the average, and an 86% success rate in invalidating some or all claims in cases reaching a final decision, 4% above the average. While specific outcomes for all tracked cases are not publicly detailed as being handled by Banner Witcoff, the firm represented Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. as lead counsel, with Jeffrey M. Paul, in the case of Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. v. Ameren Corp. et al. in the Iowa Southern District Court (4:24-cv-00446). The firm also served as lead counsel for Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. in Earin AB v. Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.. Beyond these, Banner Witcoff has a history of involvement in significant intellectual property cases, including landmark Supreme Court decisions, and has represented major clients like NIKE, Converse, and YETI Coolers in various IP disputes.

Key partners in the patent litigation practice include Robert R. Walling and Jeffrey M. Paul, who have served as lead counsel in tracked cases. Other notable partners recognized for their work in intellectual property litigation and patent law include Marc Cooperman, Timothy Meece, Binal Patel, and Mercedes Meyer, Ph.D., among others, who are frequently cited in industry rankings such as Chambers USA, IAM Patent 1000, and Best Lawyers.