
Intellectual Property
USA Guide 2026 : Virginia: Southern
Rankings

Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Work Highlights
Provided by Chambers
McGuireWoods represented Belvac Production Machinery, Inc. in a high-stakes competitor-versus-competitor patent dispute.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
They truly know our company, internal employees and products very well, which is very important for us to collaboratively develop a strategy.
Intellectual Property respondentUSAThis department distinguishes itself through sharp strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and flawless execution.
Intellectual Property respondentUSAThe team is outstanding in how it dives into a client's business to more deeply understand the ins and outs of the industry. That allows lawyers to give much more insightful and nuanced advice.
Intellectual Property respondentUSA
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 
Brian C Riopelle
Brian Riopelle maintains an outstanding reputation for his expertise in contentious IP matters, including patent litigation and trade secrets cases. Brian is outstanding.
Intellectual Property respondentUSA
Band 1 
Band 1 
David E. Finkelson
David Finkelson is a seasoned litigator widely recognized for his adept handling of intellectual property disputes, including patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation. His practice has a particular emphasis on the telecommunications and wireless technology space. He's got great vision.
Intellectual Property respondentUSADavid is a good litigator and knows the judges very well.
Intellectual Property respondentUSAHe's a very trusted advisor.
Intellectual Property respondentUSA
Band 1 
Band 1 
Janet P Peyton
Janet Peyton is skilled at handling the strategic management of trademark portfolios and also regularly advises on transactional matters, including brand sales and licensing agreements. Janet's expertise and knowledge of trademark and copyright law is exceptional, her communication skills clear and direct and she is incredibly responsive.
Intellectual Property respondentUSAJanet is responsive and provides high quality work.
Intellectual Property respondentUSA
Band 3 
Band 3 
Amanda DeFord
Amanda DeFord handles complex IP disputes related to patent infringement and breach of contract. She also provides guidance on trademark protection and AI-related IP frameworks and strategies.
Amanda is an excellent partner for anyone needing advice in adversarial IP matters. She is thoughtful and thorough, bringing a consistently high level of sophistication and understanding to whatever matter is at hand, including highly complex trademark issues.
Intellectual Property respondentUSAAmanda understands our business, has good vision, and is a strong strategic thinker. I also appreciate her pragmatic approach to problem solving and the manner in which she presents a range of options with pros and cons.
Intellectual Property respondentUSA
Band 3 
Band 3 
Lucy Wheatley
Lucy Wheatley regularly handles trademark infringement litigation and assists clients with their trademark and brand protection strategies.
Lucy stands out for her exceptional strategic creativity, trial prowess, and client focus. What truly distinguishes Lucy is her ability to translate deep legal expertise into business-focused strategy.
Intellectual Property respondentUSALucy thoroughly understood our business and the issues we faced and was able to translate that into fantastic advice and strategy.
Intellectual Property respondentUSA
Band 3 
Band 3 
Robin Cooke Vance
Robin Cooke Vance focuses her expertise on global IP portfolio management for major clients such as those in the building, pharmaceutical and entertainment industries. She also counsels on IP issues related to new business development. Robin is responsive and knowledgeable. She brings a commercial deal-oriented view to her practice and understands transactions in a way others do not.
Intellectual Property respondentUSA
Ranked Individuals at McGuireWoods LLP (6)
McGuireWoods LLP has rankings in the following guides
Band 3
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