IAM Patent 1000 Recognizes Fredrikson Attorneys in 2026 Edition

Fredrikson's Patent and Intellectual Property Litigation Groups in Minnesota and Iowa along with 11 individual Fredrikson attorneys were featured in the 2026 edition of the IAM Patent 1000. The IAM Patent 1000 is a guide based in London that identifies top-tier patent firms and attorneys in key jurisdictions around the globe.

Making the list for the first time are R. Scott Johnson and Thomas M. Patton from Iowa. They join attorneys Grant D. Fairbairn, Thomas R. Hipkins, Ann M. Ladd, Paul J. LaVanway, Barbara Marchevsky, Kurt J. Niederluecke, Charles D. Segelbaum, Adam R. Steinert and David C. West.

"Fredrikson & Byron offers a well-rounded IP practice that combines strategic portfolio development with sophisticated litigation and transactional capabilities," notes the IAM Patent 1000 analysis of the firm. "A defining feature of the practice is its ability to integrate technical knowledge with practical business advice, allowing clients to manage their assets as part of broader commercial and product development strategies."

Fairbairn is recognized as "a seasoned trial lawyer who represents clients nationwide in patent, copyright and trade secret disputes. He has extensive experience litigating in major venues such as California, Delaware and Texas, and regularly advises companies on enforcement strategies aimed at strengthening and monetising their intellectual property portfolios."

In its recognition of Hipkins, the firm's Patent Group chair, the assessment notes that he "works closely with technology-driven companies to develop and protect their innovations. Clients frequently rely on him to assess patent landscapes, develop freedom-to-operate strategies and craft non-infringement or invalidity positions when navigating competitive markets."

First-time honoree Johnson is recognized for pairing "courtroom defense with an aggressive PTAB strategy to neutralise asserted patents. He converts technical and legal issues into a business-aligned litigation plan and coordinates with in-house teams vias weekly briefings and on-demand updates so operations understand the strategy and their role."

Ladd "assists clients with IP-related agreements, portfolio assessments and strategic counselling connected to commercial deals and licensing initiatives," the assessment notes. Her work "includes conducting IP due diligence, reviewing patent-related agreements and assessing the impact of existing licence arrangements on development programmes."

LaVanway "advises technology developers and manufacturers on building patent portfolios designed to support commercial growth while managing competitive risk," the IAM Patent 1000 assessment notes. "His practice includes patent acquisition strategies, large-scale clearance analyses and counselling related to competitor patents."

According to the assessment, Marchevsky "helps clients navigate technically demanding disputes while maintaining a clear focus on achieving practical business outcomes. She is involved in every stage of contentious IP matters, from early case assessments and negotiations through discovery, dispositive motions and trial preparation."

Niederluecke is described as "a seasoned advocate with a background in aerospace engineering." The IAM Patent 1000 assessment notes "his ability to translate intricate technical subject matter into persuasive courtroom narratives has made him a trusted adviser in disputes involving engineering-heavy technologies."

First-time honoree Patton is "a proactive business partner who tackles PTAB petition preparations head-on," the assessment notes. "His clear, commercially driven strategy and practical expertise are instrumental in resolving litigation."

Segelbaum, who has a background in electrical and mechanical engineering and over two decades of experience devising patent strategies to advance his clients' business goals, is described as playing "a central role in the firm's due diligence practice, guiding clients through portfolio assessments that inform investment decisions, acquisitions and broader technology strategies."

In its recognition of Steinert, the assessment notes he "frequently appears before federal courts and the PTAB, using inventive ways to achieve cost-effective outcomes for clients, such as post-grant proceedings and alternative dispute resolution."

According to the assessment West "advises companies on acquiring, licensing and commercialising IP assets, negotiating agreements that span technologies ranging from software platforms to medical devices. He is frequently engaged to structure complex technology and licensing arrangements tied to product development and corporate transactions."

Fredrikson & Byron is a leading Midwest law firm working collaboratively to help businesses achieve their goals regionally, nationally and globally. With a reputation as the firm “where law and business meet,” our attorneys bring business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking to work with clients and operate as business advisors and strategic partners as well as legal counselors. The firm’s 400+ attorneys serve clients from offices in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Mexico and China. Learn more at fredlaw.com or LinkedIn.