Kent & Risley

Kent & Risley: Patent Litigation Summary

Firm Overview:
Kent & Risley LLC is an intellectual property litigation boutique based in Alpharetta, Georgia, near Atlanta. Founded in 2016 by partners from major AmLaw firms, the firm consists of a small team of experienced trial lawyers focused on IP and complex civil litigation. While not large enough for AmLaw rankings, Kent & Risley was recognized in the 2019 "Best Law Firms" survey by U.S. News & World Report for its work in intellectual property litigation in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The firm represents a diverse clientele, from individual inventors and small businesses to Fortune 50 companies.

Litigation Practice and Side Preference:
The firm's patent litigation practice spans a range of technologies, with a notable focus on software, wireless communications, and digital media. Based on the firm's single tracked case—representing the plaintiff in Benjamin Booher, JR. et al. v. Schutt Sports Inc.—and its public announcements, Kent & Risley primarily engages in patent enforcement on behalf of patent holders. The firm's website confirms it handles both enforcement and defense, and its flexible fee structures, including contingency and hybrid arrangements, are suited for inventors and licensing entities.

Notable Outcomes and PTAB Practice:
While the Booher v. Schutt Sports case is in its early stages, Kent & Risley highlights a significant and successful practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The firm has publicly noted its undefeated record in defending patents in inter partes review (IPR) proceedings. Notable PTAB victories include defeating IPR petitions filed by major technology companies such as Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and BlackBerry on behalf of patent owners like Zipit Wireless and Digital Media Technology, Inc. Additionally, partner Olivia Marbutt was part of a multi-firm team recognized for securing one of the Top 100 Verdicts in the U.S. in 2021.

Key Partners:
The practice is led by founding partners Daniel A. Kent and Stephen R. Risley. Both are veteran IP trial lawyers with prior experience at prominent national firms, including Jones Day, Fish & Richardson, and Alston & Bird. Mr. Kent has been recognized by Chambers USA and as a "Georgia Super Lawyer" for his intellectual property work. Mr. Risley has over 30 years of experience and has served as lead counsel in numerous district court litigations and PTAB proceedings.