Jennifer Librach Nall and Helena Kiepura join DLA Piper's Intellectual Property and Technology practice

DLA Piper announced today that Jennifer Librach Nall and Helena Kiepura have joined the Patent Litigation subgroup of the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology practice. Nall joins as a partner based in Austin, and Kiepura joins as a partner in Washington, DC.

Nall’s practice focuses on patent litigation, inter partes review proceedings before the US Patent and Trademark Office, and appeals in high technology cases. Her litigation experience extends to all phases of pre-trial, trial and appeal, and she practices in front of numerous district courts, the Federal Circuit, the International Trade Commission and the Supreme Court. Nall brings a strong technical background, including an advanced degree in electrical engineering.

Kiepura focuses on complex patent litigation matters, particularly Section 337 investigations before the United States International Trade Commission (ITC). She also represents clients in US district courts, in state court antitrust disputes arising out of the settlement of Hatch-Waxman cases, and in inter partes review proceedings before the US Patent and Trademark Office. Her background includes a degree in biological sciences and litigation experience related to a broad range of technologies.

“Jennifer and Helena bring strong practical knowledge, impressive technical skills and deep experience that make them a natural fit for our patent litigation team and will be tremendously beneficial to clients in the Austin and DC markets and across the country,” said Sean Cunningham, US chair of DLA Piper’s Patent Litigation practice.

“Jennifer’s skillset and experience fit perfectly into our strategic plan to grow our Austin-based patent litigation team,” said John Guaragna, chair of DLA Piper’s Texas Intellectual Property and Technology practice. “Her addition will enable us to meet the increasing demand for experienced patent litigators in Austin, as patent case filings continue to increase rapidly in the Western District of Texas, and her status as a former Federal Circuit law clerk will make her a sought-after practitioner for sophisticated patent litigation matters throughout the country.”

“As we aim to continue bolstering our position as a top firm for ITC patent litigation work, Helena’s skillset will be an asset to clients that are facing the unique challenges of an ITC investigation,” said Erin Gibson, chair of the firm’s International Trade Commission practice. “Her procedural experience with Section 337 actions, combined with her background in life sciences and deep understanding of complex technologies, will be a fantastic addition, and her presence in the Washington, DC office will also be an ideal complement to our existing ITC team across the country.”

Nall, who joins from Baker Botts LLP, received her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in Austin and her M.E.E. and B.S.E.E. from Cornell University. Kiepura joins from Kirkland & Ellis LLP. She received her J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law and her B.S. from Cornell University.