Bio

Charlene Morrow, a partner at law firm Fenwick & West, is lead trial counsel for technology and life sciences companies. She does a mix of plaintiff and defense work relating to patents, trade secrets and other commercial disputes. She regularly comments on new legal developments in her fields of interest, including patents, trade secrets, and representation of technology and life sciences companies.

Her representation of both technology and life sciences companies gives her special insight on their respective interests as they discuss patent reform. An article she co-authored was cited by Senator Hatch in his remarks this term about Congress’ initiatives on competitiveness [160 CONG. REC. S6124 - INNOVATION AGENDA FOR THE 114TH CONGRESS]:

Now, there are some who argue here that patent troll legislation is not necessary in light of the Supreme Court’s decisions in the Octane Fitness and Highmark cases. Ms. Charlene Morrow and Mr. Brian Lahti, however, writing in the BNA’s Patent, Trademark & Copyright Journal confirm that ‘‘nothing in these cases addresses the proposed reforms to make the real parties in interest who are managing patent assertion entities responsible for fees and costs.’’.... As these experienced practitioners acknowledge such legislation is essential to address fee-collection concerns faced by defendants in present patent litigation. ... I could not agree more.

She was also featured in coverage of patent reform by Bloomberg Businessweek in the March 13, 2014 article, “Technology Company Unmasks Patent Accuser in Tangled Goldman Link,” discussing the effort technology companies are making to identify the ultimate parties behind non-practicing entities that repeatedly sue for patent infringement.

Charlene was tapped to discuss possible legislative remedies to frivolous patent litigation brought by non-practicing entities. In the November 17, 2014 Daily Journal article, “GOP Wrangles with Shifting Fees in Patent Bill,” she explained the effect of a bond requirement.

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