Woodard, Emhardt, Henry, Reeves & Wagner

Woodard, Emhardt, Henry, Reeves & Wagner: Patent Litigation Summary

Woodard, Emhardt, Henry, Reeves & Wagner, LLP is a full-service intellectual property boutique firm headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1879, it is one of the oldest law firms in the United States specializing exclusively in intellectual property law. The firm operates from a single office in Indianapolis and comprises approximately 21 attorneys. While not an AmLaw-ranked firm, it is recognized by Chambers and Partners as a "Band 2" firm for intellectual property in Indiana. The firm's attorneys are noted to have technical degrees in diverse scientific fields including chemistry, biology, engineering, and computer science.

The firm handles a broad range of IP disputes, including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret litigation. Its patent litigation practice appears to cover a variety of technical areas, reflecting the varied backgrounds of its attorneys. The single tracked case provided, Benjamin Booher, JR. et al. v. Schutt Sports Inc, where the firm acted as local counsel for the plaintiff, suggests work in the mechanical or sporting goods sector. Partner Matthew M. Gardlik, who appeared in that matter, has a Ph.D. in chemistry and litigation experience in technologies ranging from chemical and pharmaceutical to medical devices.

According to the firm’s public statements, its litigation practice represents both plaintiffs and defendants in infringement and misappropriation cases. The authoritative case list shows one recent appearance on behalf of a plaintiff. Publicly available information highlights the firm's defensive work, including securing the dismissal of a patent infringement complaint under 35 U.S.C. § 101 and successfully defending a trade secret misappropriation claim where the plaintiff sought over $200 million in damages. The firm also notes its experience in proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), though specific data on its volume of IPR filings is not readily available.

The firm's IP Litigation practice group is led by partner Spiro Bereveskos. Several partners have been recognized for their litigation work. Matthew M. Gardlik, Ph.D., was named an Indiana "Rising Star" for Intellectual Property Litigation. Other key litigation partners mentioned in firm publications include William A. (Bill) McKenna, who along with Mr. Bereveskos, has secured favorable outcomes such as transferring a patent case out of the Eastern District of Texas.