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Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe continues to grow in the downturn, especially strengthening its offices in Japan and California. Primarily based on the West Coast, the firm is at the centre of internet-related litigation arising from Silicon Valley. Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace and Microsoft turn to the firm for counsel on internet safety and security issues.

Based in Washington, DC, Steven Routh was noted for his patent practice. "He is not only one of the top litigators, but he is very trustworthy in managing the litigation team to be strong, cost-effective and speedy," said a client. Chris Ottenweller, of the Silicon Valley office, was hailed by in-house counsel as a great conduit for translating complex topics in patent technology. "Chris is a consummate trial lawyer," one said. "He's highly competent when it comes to those issues. He's not an engineer and not a patent prosecutor - he's a trial lawyer and has a very easy way with juries." Versed in patent and Section 337 proceedings, G Hopkins Guy was praised for his courtroom style. "Guy has an effusive personality," said a client. "He's a very, very competent trial lawyer."

Orrick defeated Tessera on behalf of Acer, Nanya and Powerchip Semiconductor before the ITC and in USPTO examinations, emerging as the first and only firm to do so. Tessera has since filed an appeal in Federal Court.

Since Wang Xiang joined Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe in 2007 to head up its China IP practice, the US firm has been growing its presence in the market. Representing both local and foreign companies on IP issues in China, Hong Kong and the US, the firm is especially strong in patent litigation. One client notes that Orrick is "far superior" to other firms she has used in China before and is full of praise for Wang: "He is truly exceptional and truly outstanding. Very few attorneys I have met match his competence, skills and knowledge."

Holding a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering, Wang starred in a number of high-profile patent matters in electrics in 2010. TPK Touch Solution (Xiamen), a touch display and system manufacturer, recruited Wang and his team to develop a strategy to defend patent invalidation claims initiated by a competitor in China and Korea. Another case handled by the team was helping Sun Same Enterprises, a Taiwanese maker of corporate stamps and chops, to sue a Chinese rival for patent infringement.

Wang was also appointed by Ford Motor Company as an independent ICC arbitrator to resolve any IP issues related to the acquisition of Volvo from Ford by Chinese counterpart Zhejiang Geely Holding.