News & Events
Kent & Risley Defeats Four IPR Petitions Filed By Epic Games Against K&R’s Client, IngenioShare
May 19, 2023 – In four Final Written Decisions, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board rejected Epic’s arguments that all challenged claims are unpatentable. Instead, the PTAB determined that all challenged claims are patentable. The patents at issue were U.S. Patent No. 10,142,810, U.S. Patent No. 10,708,727, and U.S. Patent No. 10,492,038.
Previously, on May 26, 2022, the PTAB issued a Decision Denying Institution on what would have been a fifth IPR regarding IngenioShare’s U.S. Patent No. 8,744,407.
As indicated by the titles of the ’727 and ’038 patents, the patents generally relate to “Method And Apparatus To Manage Messaging Providing Different Communication Modes Depending On One Identifier And Not Requiring to Disclose Contact Information”
Steve Risley Speaks at Atlanta Bar Association’s IP SpringPosium
April 29, 2023 – Kent & Risley partner Steve Risley participated in a Damages and Willful Infringement panel at the Atlanta Bar’s 19th annual IP SpringPosium conference. The Firm is an annual sponsor of the IP SpringPosium.
Kent & Risley Defeats An IPR Petition filed by Apple against K&R’s Client, Zipit Wireless
December 20, 2022 – In a Final Written Decision, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board rejected Apple’s arguments that all challenged claims are unpatentable. The patent at issue was U.S. Patent No. 7,894,837 and Reexam Certificate No. 11,758 entitled "Instant Messaging Terminal Adapted for Wireless Communication Access Points." The firm also represents Zipit in ongoing litigation against Apple in the Northern District of California and against LG Electronics, U.S.A., Inc. in the District of New Jersey.
Olivia Marbutt Recognized for Top 100 Verdict in 2021
Kent & Risley is pleased to announce that Firm partner Olivia Marbutt and a multi-firm team have been recognized for winning one of the Top 100 Verdicts of 2021 among all cases in the United States. Specifically, the verdict ranked as the 54th largest jury verdict for the year. The success of this multi-firm team proves what independent, highly focused firms can achieve and that building a successful team need not be limited to the folks within a single firm. Congratulations to Olivia and the entire team!
Kent & Risley Defeats Unified Patents IPR Petition at Institution Stage
July 24, 2019 – Kent & Risley continued its undefeated record at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) by defeating Unified Patents’ petition for inter parties review of SynchView Technology’s DVR technology patent. The firm has assisted in licensing and is currently litigating the SynchView patent against a number of large manufacturers and cable television operators. The Patent Trial and Appeal Board rejected Unified’s petition and agreed that the asserted prior art did not call into question the validity of SynchView’s patent claims. Congratulations to Cortney Alexander for leading the charge and framing the winning arguments at the PTAB. A copy of the PTAB's decision denying institution can be found here.
Cortney Alexander Speaks at Atlanta Bar Association’s IP SpringPosium
April 27, 2019 – Kent & Risley partner Cortney Alexander participated in a Patent Law Update panel at the Atlanta Bar’s annual IP SpringPosium conference. The Firm is an annual sponsor of the IP SpringPosium.
Kent & Risley Recognized in "Best Law Firms" Survey
November 2018 — Kent & Risley has been recognized in the 2019 U.S News - Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” survey published jointly by U.S. News and World Report and Best Lawyers. The firm's practice in Litigation - Intellectual Property achieved this honor for the Greater Atlanta area for Metropolitan Tier 2. This recognition is based upon rigorous peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and a review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process.
Steve Risley to Moderate Panel at 2018 Georgia Bar IP Institute
September 11, 2018 - Kent & Risley partner Steve Risley will moderate a panel on “Legal and Strategic Implications of Litigation Funding in IP Litigation” at the Georgia Bar Association's annual IP Institute at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island on Saturday, September 22. Panelists Katharine Wolanyk of Burford Capital, Mike McLaughlin of IPinvestments Group, and Larry Tedesco of Berkeley Research Group will provide need-to-know information of litigation finance, and the future of litigation finance and its impact on IP litigation.
Kent & Risley Joins the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
August 23, 2018 - Kent & Risley LLC is proud to announce that it has joined the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce ("GNFCC") as a member of the Chairman's Circle. The Firm's membership in the GNFCC confirms its commitment to serve the local community. For more information about the GNFCC please visit its website: https://www.gnfcc.com/.
Sam Najim Recognized Again In The Best Lawyers in America
August 15, 2018 - Kent & Risley congratulates Sam Najim for being selected for inclusion in the 25th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America for high caliber work in the practice area of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on rigorous peer-review and demonstrates the highest level of legal integrity and distinction in the United States. The Best Lawyers in America has been publicly released and is now available at www.bestlawyers.com.
Dan Kent Presents at 2018 Atlanta Bar Association IP SpringPosium
April 28, 2018 - Dan Kent joined a panel of fellow IP litigators to discuss IP Litigation strategies including venue in IP Litigation, IPR litigation strategies, litigation funding, patent subject matter eligibility, and related topics. The firm is an annual sponsor of the Atlanta Bar's IP SpringPosium.
Kent & Risley Defeats MasterCard International CBM Review Petitions
September 21, 2017 - The Patent Trial and Appeal Board ("PTAB") rejected covered business method ("CBM") review petitions filed by MasterCard International against two patents owned by firm client Alexsam involving card activation technology. Firm partner Steve Risley led the effort that rejected MasterCard's petitions for lack of standing. These victories represent the 5th and 6th petitions that Steve has defeated at the institution stage in the last 18 months.
Dan Kent presents at Georgia Bar IP Institute
September 16, 2017 - Kent & Risley partner Dan Kent spoke at the Georgia Bar Association's annual IP Institute at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort on Saturday, September 16. Dan spoke about motions to dismiss in intellectual property cases under the Supreme Court's current pleading standards and Section 101 of the Patent Act, as part of a panel dealing with current issues in IP litigation including venue in patent cases and the use of inter partes review proceedings.
Sam Najim Selected to The Best Lawyers in America
August 17, 2017 - Kent & Risley congratulates Sam Najim for being selected by his peers for inclusion in the 24th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Litigation - Intellectual Property. The Best Lawyers in America has been publicly released and is now available at www.bestlawyers.com. Congratulations, Sam. Well deserved.
Kent & Risley Defeat Second IPR Petition filed by Amazon.com, Netflix, and Hulu
June 2, 2017 – The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) rejected a second IPR petition filed by Amazon.com, Netflix, and Hulu, against firm client Digital Media Technology, Inc. (“DMTI”) and its U.S. Patent No. 9,300,657 (“the ’657 Patent”), entitled “Multimedia Network System with Content Importation, Content Exportation, and Integrated Content Management.” Firm partner Steve Risley again led the charge in filing a preliminary response opposing the IPR petition, and the PTAB denied institution shortly thereafter. A copy of the PTAB decision can be found here. The firm represents DMTI in ongoing patent litigation in the Northern District of Florida against these same parties, which remains pending. This is the fourth time in 15 months that Steve has successfully led teams to defeat IPR petitions at the institution stage.
Kent & Risley Defeat IPR Petition filed by Amazon.com, Netflix, and Hulu
May 27, 2017 - The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) rejected an IPR petition filed by Amazon.com, Netflix, and Hulu, against firm client Digital Media Technology, Inc. (“DMTI”) and its U.S. Patent No. 8,964,764 (“the ’764 Patent”) entitled “Multimedia Network System with Content Importation, Content Exportation, and Integrated Content Management.” Firm partner Steve Risley led the charge in filing a preliminary response opposing the IPR petition, and the PTAB denied institution shortly thereafter. A copy of the PTAB decision can be found here. The firm represents DMTI in ongoing patent litigation in the Northern District of Florida against these same parties, which remains pending.
Dan Kent Presents at 2017 Atlanta Bar Association IP SpringPosium
April 28, 2017 - Dan Kent joined a panel of fellow IP litigators to discuss IP Litigation strategies in light of recent developments in case law and the Federal Rules. The panel focused on the practical impact of potential changes to the venue rules governing patent cases, judicial interpretations limiting IPR estoppel, and recent changes in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, among other topics. The firm is an annual sponsor of the IP SpringPosium.
Cortney Alexander Joins K&R
April 2017 - Kent & Risley's strategic growth of its IP litigation team continues with the addition of Cortney Alexander. Cortney joins the Firm after twelve years with the Atlanta office of Finnegan Henderson, where he was a partner since 2011. See the Firm's announcement about Cortney joining the firm here.
Kent & Risley Wins Full Dismissal With Prejudice of Patent Claims
March 27, 2017 - Kent & Risley obtained a free and clear dismissal with prejudice of all claims asserted against firm client, Battle Arms Development, Inc. (“BAD”). Plaintiff and BAD competitor Daniel Defense, Inc., stipulated to the dismissal after a team led by firm partner Dan Kent filed invalidity and non-infringement contentions showing unequivocally that the asserted patent was both invalid and not infringed. The case resulted in a full and complete victory for BAD on the asserted patent.
Sam Najim Joins K&R
January 2017 - Kent & Risley is pleased to announce that it has continued to grow with the addition of Sam Najim at the beginning of 2017. Sam is a seasoned intellectual property litigator and trial lawyer, who spent the bulk of his career as a partner at the international law firm of Jones Day where he founded and led the intellectual property practice of the firm’s Atlanta office. See the Firm's announcement about Sam and Olivia joining the firm here.
Olivia Marbutt Joins K&R
October 2016 - Kent & Risley is pleased to announce that Olivia Marbutt has joined the firm after 12 years at Jones Day. Olivia will continue her practice in intellectual property litigation and counseling, including trademark clearance and prosecution.
Dan Kent Presents at Atlanta Bar IP Section's IP SpringPosium
April 2016 - Dan Kent participated in a presentation on intellectual property damages at the Atlanta Bar Association's IP SpringPosium, involving mock direct and cross examinations of damages experts at trial. The mock examinations were designed to illustrate for the audience various legal and evidentiary issues likely to arise when presenting damages testimony to a judge or jury.
Kent & Risley Defeats Two IPR Petitions filed by Blackberry against Zipit Wireless
March 29, 2016 - The Patent Trial and Appeal Board ("PTAB") rejected two IPR Petitions filed by Blackberry Corp. and Blackberry Ltd. against firm client Zipit Wireless, Inc. The patents at issue were U.S. Patent Nos. 7,292,870 B2 entitled "Instant Messaging Terminal Adapted for Wi-Fi Access Points," and 7,894,837 B2 entitled "Instant Messaging Terminal Adapted for Wireless Communication Access Points." Copies of the PTAB decisions are available here and here. The firm also represents Zipit in ongoing litigation against Blackberry pending in the District of South Carolina.
Intellectual Property Litigators Form Kent & Risley
February 2016 - Long-time intellectual property trial lawyers Dan Kent and Steve Risley announce the formation of Kent & Risey LLC, an intellectual property litigation firm focusing on IP and complex civil matters. See the Daily Report article about the new firm, click here.