Trade Secrets and Navigating FTC's Noncompete Rule to Maintain a Competitive Advantage

Mr. Surrette focuses his practice on the resolution of intellectual property and technology-related disputes with an emphasis on patent, trademark, trade secret and trade dress litigation. For the last 20 years, he has counseled a leading global medical device manufacturer on numerous litigation and transactional matters. Building on his experience as a federal district court law clerk, Mr. Surrette has extensive experience in preparing and bringing complex IP cases to trial, including overseeing all aspects of pre-trial discovery, procuring and supervising experts, preparing and arguing pre-trial, dispositive and post-trial motions, including claim construction and summary judgment, and participating in multi-week trials. He also has significant experience in appellate proceedings, including arguing at the Federal Circuit. Mr. Surrette maintains an active transactional practice through which he advises clients on transactions involving the transfer of intellectual property, including mergers, asset deals, and licensing deals, and on patent portfolio development and management.

Mr. Rao is a seasoned patent lawyer and shareholder at McAndrews, Held & Malloy, Ltd., a firm known for its exceptional, hands-on IP practice. He is recognized by IAM’s Patent 1000, Strategy 300, and Strategy 300: Global Leaders, and Managing Intellectual Property’s IP Stars. Mr. Rao has been with the firm since 1997 and counsels clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to small startups and individuals. His practice focuses on all facets of IP, including IP litigation and procurement, as well as technology transfer, licensing, and IP strategy. Mr. Rao frequently writes and presents on these topics in media publications and conferences throughout the world. He leverages both litigation and procurement mindsets to strategically counsel clients, an uncommon skill combination that has delivered exceptional results. He is a trial-experienced litigator. Mr. Rao handles all facets of complex litigation, including pre-filing investigations to examining witnesses at trial. His court successes range from patent jury trials – including one that defined the written description law – to a landmark trade secret case under section 337 proceedings before the U.S. International Trade Commission. His cases have included both single patent, single forum cases and multi-venue, multi-IP, multi-party litigations that proceed in numerous countries. Mr. Rao's appellate practice concentrates on the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.