Energy

Morgan & Finnegan is one of the leaders among law firms representing clients in intellectual property matters involving oil, gas and nuclear energy. We have handled multi-million dollar litigations, as well as prosecuted strategically important patent applications and rendered opinions on patent matters for publicly traded and privately held companies in a wide variety of domestic and international energy areas. Our highly skilled attorneys and advisors provide comprehensive guidance regarding all aspects of patent infringement, as well as validity and enforceability.

Many of our attorneys hold advanced degrees in nuclear, thermo-hydraulics, mechanical and electrical engineering, and had successful engineering careers in the energy sector prior to joining Morgan & Finnegan. Their technical and legal backgrounds, combined with first-hand business experience and expertise in the energy field, allows Morgan & Finnegan to offer our clients a unique edge and particularly strong perspective and depth of understanding in protecting their intellectual property assets.

With traditional sources of energy becoming increasingly more expensive, the United States has seen a revival of nuclear energy. As Americans continue to debate how to best meet the future energy demands of the country, nuclear energy has become a viable option. There are now more than 100 nuclear reactors producing 20 percent of the nation’s electricity – with no harmful greenhouse gases, thought to be one of the main causes of global warming – or other environmentally detrimental side effects. In this ever-changing and rapidly evolving nuclear energy sector, Morgan & Finnegan’s attorneys have the unparalleled knowledge and industry experience (both fission and fusion) to enforce and protect our clients’ critical intellectual property rights in the United States, Europe, Asia and around the globe. In one instance, we served as co-counsel for General Electric in a patent infringement action involving a method of repairing nuclear reactors. The case was favorably settled after defeating a motion for preliminary injunction.

Our lawyers have also advised small companies to large, multinational conglomerates in the oil, gas, petrochemical, electric-generating, clean energy, and, most recently, hybrid automotive industries. One of our most noteworthy accomplishments was securing a $120 million damage award – one of the largest awards in patent infringement history at the time – in Mobil Oil v. Amoco Chemicals. We also defended oil companies in a patent suit involving reformulated gasoline mandated by the EPA and the State of California to reduce air pollution.

Our energy team includes partners Steven F. Meyer, Peter N. Fill, of counsel Alan M. Sack and associate Eric G. Wright.