Merchant & Gould is pleased to announce that Atlanta partner Jeffrey D. Blake has been named co-chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, effective November 1, 2023. In this new role, Jeff joins Rachel Zimmerman Scobie, who has been chairing and leading the litigation group since January 1, 2022.
Jeff, who is now in his 12th year with the firm, will help guide Merchant & Gould’s experienced team of trial attorneys, who litigate on behalf of clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to start-up entrepreneurs. With almost 50 attorneys and litigation support team members, the firm’s preeminent litigation team has 115 years of experience trying cases on a full range of intellectual property issues, including patent infringement, trademark infringement, copyright infringement, trade secret misappropriation, and contract disputes.
More than ever, as the Litigation Practice Group continues to expand, a co-leadership arrangement is well-timed for guiding the firm and its premier clients. Together, Rachel and Jeff demonstrate a well-balanced leadership team in this fast-growing practice group.
“Jeff and I look forward to working together to build upon the Litigation Practice Group’s long and successful history of trying and litigating intellectual property cases,” said Rachel. “Jeff’s extensive trial experience and keen insight will help position the group for continued success protecting the technological innovations of and defending against IP claims against our clients.”
Jeff’s practice involves all aspects of intellectual property litigation and counseling. His experience includes representation of clients in all manner of technologies, including microprocessor hardware and software, semiconductor circuitry, network security, residential construction products, commercial wire and cable products, telephony, and automotive airbag deployment software. Jeff also represents his clients extensively in inter partes review (IPR) proceedings. In addition, Jeff has litigated multiple copyright infringement actions, negotiated the licensing of patent portfolios, and provided product clearance evaluations and opinions.
Congratulations, Jeff!
