Minneapolis, May 22, 2017—Cozen O’Connor has expanded its Intellectual Property Department in Minneapolis with the addition of two nationally recognized intellectual property litigators from the international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright: Erik Swenson and Patrick J. Gallagher. Both Swenson and Gallagher join the firm as members. Swenson, who holds an advanced degree from MIT and has extensive knowledge in electrical, mechanical and software technology, is the former Partner-in-Charge of Norton Rose Fulbright’s Minneapolis office.
“Erik and Patrick bring a wealth of intellectual property litigation, prosecution and licensing experience to our firm, and add depth to our national IP practice, as well as our Midwest practice,” said Camille Miller, co-chair of the Intellectual Property Department. “We’re excited to welcome them to the firm.”
Swenson focuses on complex patent litigation in federal jurisdictions across the country. He has been lead counsel in over 100 adverse matters, including all aspects of trials, appeals, and administrative proceedings. Swenson devises cross-border litigation strategies and works to protect foreign conglomerates from U.S. litigation. He represents one of the world's largest international companies regularly in litigation and contested matters. As a former MIS manager, he implemented and developed software and hardware systems, including cost control, document control and scheduling software.
Swenson also has extensive experience representing clients in inter partes review (IPR) proceedings challenging the validity of U.S. patents conducted by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
In addition to his IP work, Swenson has vast experience handling transactional matters, including licensing, due diligence, opinions and client counseling. His IP litigation and transactional experience, coupled with an advanced computer engineering degree, gives Swenson the unique ability to advise and represent clients in a full spectrum of litigation matters. He is both a skilled technical person and skilled trial attorney.
Gallagher has extensive experience in trademark clearance, investigation, prosecution, client counseling, and managing domestic and international trademark portfolios for a diverse group of clients. He handles trademark enforcement, opposition and cancelation proceedings, and disputes and litigation. Gallagher also represents clients on Internet domain name matters and proceedings, as well as trademark licensing.
“Erik and Patrick have handled some of the most complex IP litigation matters, and they’ve developed a reputation as highly respected lawyers among their clients and peers,” Miller said. “They add significant value to Cozen O’Connor’s already strong IP team.”
“Cozen O'Connor has been strategically focused on the growth of our Minneapolis presence, and having lawyers of Erik and Patrick’s caliber join us will continue to build our impressive roster in the Midwest region,” said Thomas G. Wallrich, office managing partner of the firm’s Minneapolis office.
Swenson and Gallagher have received multiple awards and accolades throughout their legal careers, and both lawyers have been named among “The Best Lawyers in America.”
Swenson received his J.D. from University of Minnesota, his M.S. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and his B.S. from Marquette University. Gallagher received his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law and his B.A. from Hamline University.
Cozen O’Connor’s Midwest offices in Chicago and Minneapolis are strategic growth areas for the firm. International transactional partners Steve Dickinson and Barbara Müller joined the Minneapolis office in 2016 and the firm acquired 50 attorneys in a merger with Chicago-based Meckler Bulger Tilson in 2015. Cozen O’Connor now has 16 attorneys in its Minneapolis office and 53 in its Chicago office.
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970 and ranked among the top 100 law firms in America, Cozen O’Connor has more than 925 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor services its clients’ needs through 26 offices across two continents.