Meunier Carlin & Curfman

Meunier Carlin & Curfman LLC is an Atlanta-based intellectual property boutique firm, recognized as one of the largest IP boutiques in the Southeastern United States. The firm, with its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, is distinguished by its nearly 30 patent bar registered practitioners, offering services comparable to larger firms. Chambers USA has acknowledged Meunier Carlin & Curfman for its intellectual property expertise in Georgia, noting its "wealth of experience handling complex contentious proceedings."

The firm's IP litigation practice spans a diverse array of technology areas, drawing on its attorneys' scientific, mechanical, and engineering backgrounds. This includes expertise in medical devices, mechanical engineering, computer software, electrical engineering, information technology, biotechnology, chemical, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. Their litigation experience extends to federal courts across the country, including the Eastern District of Texas, District of Delaware, and various California districts.

Meunier Carlin & Curfman demonstrates a strong capability in both defending against and enforcing patent rights. While the firm has acted as plaintiff's counsel in one tracked case, its record includes three appearances as defendant's counsel, indicating a significant role in defending operating companies against infringement claims. The firm's notable cases include representing Baby Jogger, LLC, in both offensive litigation against Evenflo Company, Inc., and defensive actions, such as Unified Patents v. Baby Jogger II LLC and Baby Generation, Inc. et al. v. BABY JOGGER, LLC. A particularly significant outcome involved a team, including Gregory J. Carlin, assisting Edwards Lifesciences in achieving a settlement with Medtronic for over $1 billion in licensing fees.

The firm also maintains a robust Post-Grant Proceedings (PTP) practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Christopher B. Kelly, a nationally recognized IPR lawyer, joined the firm to expand this practice, bringing experience as lead counsel in IPR trials and Federal Circuit appeals. Partners like Gregory J. Carlin and Walter Hill Levie III have extensive experience in IPRs, including defending against numerous petitions and successfully invalidating design patents. Robert J. Leonard also handles IPR and Ex Parte Reexamination proceedings.

Key partners driving the firm's patent litigation practice include Gregory J. Carlin, who brings deep technical expertise as a biomechanical engineer and experience in medical technology and software industries. John W. Harbin is a renowned trial attorney with three decades of experience in intellectual property and complex business cases, recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Robert J. Leonard focuses on patent, trademark, and copyright litigation across diverse technologies. Walter Hill Levie III concentrates on IP litigation in federal courts and IPRs before the PTAB, with a background in mechanical, medical device, and engineering fields. Christopher B. Kelly is a prominent IPR strategist and patent litigator, recognized as a "Super Lawyer" for Intellectual Property.