Thompson Hine Expands to Minneapolis; Enhances IP & Technology Litigation Practice

Thompson Hine LLP, a law firm recognized nationally as an innovation leader, is excited to announce the opening of a new office in Minneapolis, a strategic expansion that builds on the momentum from the firm’s opening of its Los Angeles office in July 2024.

The new office not only increases the firm’s national footprint, it deepens its intellectual property and technology litigation capabilities with high-stakes litigators from Robins Kaplan – partners Christopher K. Larus, William E. Manske, and Rajin Singh Olson – who focus primarily on patent, trade secret, trademark, copyright, and licensing matters.

The three have extensive experience representing leading companies in a wide variety of industries, including computer infrastructure, software, telecommunications, medical devices, agribusiness, food and beverage, manufacturing, and financial services. They have handled cases involving a wide range of technologies, including mobile communications, semiconductors, IT network management, video streaming, speech coding, and chemical processes. Their combined experience and strategic approach to intellectual property and technology litigation significantly enhances Thompson Hine’s already strong capabilities in this critical practice area.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris, Will, and Rajin to Thompson Hine. All are exceptional trial lawyers with impressive track records in intellectual property and technology litigation,” said Managing Partner Tony White. “These top-tier litigators will be excellent resources for our clients; their combined experience and strategic approach to complex legal matters will be invaluable. Opening an office in Minneapolis is a logical step because we have a significant client base in the region, and expanding our presence here allows us to better serve their needs. We are excited about the opportunities this new office provides for the continued growth and success of our firm.”

Larus will lead the Minneapolis office and chair the firm’s Intellectual Property & Technology Litigation practice. He has over 25 years of experience in the field that includes serving as Robins Kaplan’s National Trial Chair and the leader of its Intellectual Property and Technology Litigation group. Larus has led numerous high-stakes intellectual property litigation cases to successful outcomes and is nationally renowned for his expertise in protecting and monetizing intellectual property assets. His extensive experience includes handling complex patent, trade secret, trademark, copyright, and licensing disputes, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in courts across the United States and in international arbitration forums. Larus has extensive first chair trial experience, is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and is certified as a Civil Trial Law Specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association.

Joining Larus are highly skilled attorneys Manske and Olson. With extensive experience handling intellectual property matters through trial, Manske has successfully overseen numerous complex patent, copyright, and trademark cases, offering strategic direction at each stage to achieve favorable outcomes. Recognized as a “Top Trademark Professional” by World Trademark Review, Manske is known for his strategic approach to complex disputes, well-developed trial skills, and attention to detail. Olson, a registered patent attorney, has handled cases involving some of the largest companies in the world in complex technology litigation. His engineering degree provides him with a unique perspective that enhances his ability to advise on intellectual property matters.

White also emphasized that this group has been at the forefront of developing innovative approaches to service delivery, which includes developing software aimed at increasing efficiency and enhancing client value. “Their drive to offer creative solutions in response to clients’ needs mirrors Thompson Hine’s culture of innovation,” said White.

Larus noted that Thompson Hine’s commitment to continuous innovation, exemplified by its proprietary SmartPaTH™ program, aligns closely with his group’s approach to practice. “We are fortunate to represent many highly innovative clients in IP and technology disputes,” said Larus. “Innovative clients want to work with innovative lawyers, and we are excited to be part of Thompson Hine’s long-standing commitment to innovation.” Manske added, “Thompson Hine’s cutting-edge approach to delivering a full suite of results-oriented, value-driven legal services appeals to sophisticated clients and sets the firm apart.”

Larus also pointed to the firm’s broad range of legal services as a factor in their decision to join Thompson Hine. “The firm’s expanding national footprint and wide-ranging expertise across numerous practice areas will allow us to meet our clients’ diverse legal needs, elevating the exceptional legal support we’ve consistently delivered. The firm’s commitment to constantly improving legal service delivery through predictability, efficiency, and transparency brings undeniable value to our clients.”

About Thompson Hine LLP. Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with more than 400 lawyers in 10 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by the Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTH™ – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/Innovation/SmartPaTH.

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