Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto

Patent Litigation Practice Summary: Venable LLP (incorporating Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto)

Date: 2026-05-01

Firm Overview:
In November 2018, the renowned intellectual property boutique Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto merged with Venable LLP, an Am Law 100 general practice firm. The combination created one of the nation's largest IP practices, with approximately 175 lawyers at the time of the merger. Venable is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and the addition of the Fitzpatrick team significantly expanded its presence in New York, among other locations. The firm is recognized by industry publications such as Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and Managing Intellectual Property for its patent litigation and prosecution capabilities.

IP Litigation Specialty & Side Preference:
The legacy Fitzpatrick practice brought deep expertise in high-stakes patent litigation, which now complements Venable's broader platform. The combined firm handles patent disputes across a wide technological spectrum, with noted strengths in life sciences, pharmaceuticals (including Hatch-Waxman litigation), automotive technology, software, telecommunications, and medical devices. The firm's website and attorney profiles show a balanced practice, representing both patent holders in enforcement actions and defending accused infringers. The provided case data, showing a defense-side appearance for Symbol Technologies, aligns with their work for major technology companies. Key clients of the broader IP group have included Canon, Ford Motor Company, and various pharmaceutical developers.

Notable Cases & PTAB Practice:
The firm maintains a highly active practice before federal district courts, the International Trade Commission (ITC), and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Venable describes itself as one of the leading firms before the PTAB, having handled hundreds of post-grant proceedings, and has received national rankings for its PTAB litigation practice. A recent notable success includes a February 2026 victory for client Dr. Squatch, in which the PTAB invalidated four deodorant patents held by Procter & Gamble following the institution of inter partes review (IPR) proceedings. The firm has also litigated significant cases involving major pharmaceutical products like Nexium.

Key Partners:
The practice includes several prominent partners from both the legacy Fitzpatrick and Venable sides. Michael P. Sandonato, formerly chair of Fitzpatrick's Electronics and Computer Technologies Practice Group, is now co-chair of Venable's IP Litigation - Technology Group. He is a seasoned trial lawyer with lead counsel experience in district court and the ITC. Other key leaders in the combined IP group include Dominick Conde, a former Fitzpatrick management committee chair who now co-chairs Venable's Intellectual Property Division and is a recognized leader in pharmaceutical patent litigation, and Justin Pierce, who also co-chairs the IP Division from Washington, D.C.