WASHINGTON – Steven Adkins has joined McGuireWoods’ Intellectual Property and Patent Litigation Department as a partner in Washington, bringing his highly regarded global practice litigating high-stakes infringement cases before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).

Adkins’ practice focuses on ITC investigations of IP infringement involving trade imports, known as Section 337 investigations. He serves as lead trial counsel in ITC cases for both respondents and complainants based in the United States, Europe, Asia and South America. Adkins has represented companies in 55 ITC investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection proceedings involving a wide array of technologies, including automotive, chemicals, computer software, telecommunications, mechanical patents and semiconductors.

Adkins handles all phases of complex commercial litigation involving patent and trademark infringement, trade secrets misappropriation and general business disputes. He also represents clients in matters before the U.S. Supreme Court and various federal and state appellate courts. Adkins has earned global and nationwide rankings as a leading lawyer from Chambers and Partners for his work in Section 337 investigations. He also has earned national recognition in Intellectual Asset Management’sIAM Patent 1000 rankings.

“Steve significantly expands our capabilities in high-stakes investigations by the ITC, which has become a popular venue for disputes involving imported products,” said Brian Riopelle, chair of the firm’s IP and Patent Litigation Department. “His track record representing global companies in these fast-paced and technically complex cases speaks for itself."

“Steve’s in-depth knowledge of ITC proceedings and his experience dealing with innovative technologies in numerous industries will enormously benefit our clients,” said Todd Mullins, managing partner of McGuireWoods’ Washington office.

“McGuireWoods’ intellectual property practice has earned respect throughout numerous industries. The firm’s global reach provides tremendous advantages for clients in international trade matters, including ITC cases,” Adkins said.

McGuireWoods’ intellectual property lawyers represent clients from virtually every sector of the global economy. The team provides comprehensive solutions to help individuals and companies develop and protect creative, technological and business innovations. The firm earned recognition for intellectual property litigation in the 2016 edition of BTI Litigation Outlook: Changes, Trends and Opportunities for Law Firms based on feedback from corporate counsel.