An IP boutique that acts on behalf of generic drug companies, California firm Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear is sought by clients for its technical and scientific expertise. "Knobbe is a credible presence out there," noted a rival. "It's a very impressive firm." San Diego-based Michael Fuller was praised by a client for his management style over a team of young attorneys. Said a client: "He does a great job of oversight and understanding what we need."
Praised by a competitor as a "phenomenal litigator", Joseph Re and others defended Smith & Nephew in a patent infringement suit filed by Kinetic Concepts Inc (KCI) involving negative-pressure wound therapy products. Though a Western District of Texas jury rendered a verdict in favour of KCI in February 2010, the Texas Federal Court in October found KCI's patents invalid.