Skiermont Derby LLP

Firm Overview:
Intellectual property assets are the foundation of success for many corporations and individual entrepreneurs and form the basis of some of the most contentious legal disputes in history. The attorneys of Skiermont Derby are skilled and experienced practitioners in asserting and protecting these assets, representing multinational corporations, family companies, and individuals in federal, state, and appellate courts, and national and international arbitration forums. This work spans a broad range of industries including technology, pharmaceutical, entertainment, telecommunications, manufacturing, hospitality, aerospace, energy, software, real estate, media, and securities.

This success has earned the firm recognition on the IAM Patent 1000 ranking of the world’s leading patent professionals each year since 2014, as well as honors that include the IP Litigation Law Firm of the Year for Texas by Global Law Expert, and Impact Case of the Year Award at the Managing IP Global Awards, both in 2019. In addition, Paul Skiermont has been named a LMG Life Sciences/Managing IP “Star in Patent Litigation” every year since 2012, one of only seven attorneys in Texas to be so honored.

Skiermont Derby was formed more than a decade ago by nationally renowned trial lawyers to offer a well-run, efficient and focused practice with the personalized attention that only a boutique firm can provide. The firm leverages technology and top-tier talent, working seamlessly as teams across offices in Dallas and Los Angeles to ensure that each client’s team has the right mix of experience and expertise to succeed.

The firm strives to develop and implement case-specific trial strategies for each stage of a lawsuit, from case initiation through appeals. However, the firm is adept at taking over cases on the eve of trial when perhaps a settlement falls through, or a change in the lawsuit or economic circumstances demands that trial go forward. In such cases, Skiermont Derby often identifies new perspectives and theories that lead to courtroom victories.

The primary practice areas for Skiermont Derby include:

Patent Litigation:
The firm has a successful record of defending companies accused of patent infringement as well as helping inventors and businesses enforce and monetize their patents. This often includes enlisting the help and advice of recognized subject matter experts to ensure all aspects of the case have been thoroughly examined.

Inter Partes Review:
Skiermont Derby has the experience to handle every aspect of an IPR proceeding or challenge for both patent owners and petitioners. Clients appreciate how that knowledge supports a thorough examination of possible outcomes in an IPR review and a deep understanding of the nuances of the process.

Intellectual Property Litigation:
Skiermont Derby attorneys have extensive experience working with patent owners and defendants, allowing the firm to effectively represent each client’s interests, regardless of the underlying claims. The firm also advises on long-term strategic and tactical moves to ensure continued growth and success, customized to the specific market segment and its individual qualities.

Copyright/Trademark/Trade Secret Litigation:
The firm’s top priorities include protecting and defending a client’s intellectual property assets and claims of improper use, evaluating the litigation potential and being ready to take quick action against violations. The attorneys partner with clients, particularly high-tech or software companies, that are seeking non-patent protection for their trade secrets.

In addition, Skiermont Derby represents a wide range of clients in complex commercial litigation. These matters may involve:

Business Litigation:
Clients include multinational, national, and family-owned companies as well as individuals in pursuing or defending claims of fraud, breach of contract, business torts, and related actions in federal and state courts.

Antitrust/Unfair Competition/Consumer Protection Litigation:
Skiermont Derby has acted as nationwide liaison counsel in cases assigned to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation and has prosecuted and defended claims under the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, and analogous state laws throughout the nation at trial and on appeal.

Employment Litigation:
The firm has engaged in wage-and-hour class and individual actions, as well as whistleblower, retaliation, discrimination, and harassment claims. On behalf of individual clients, attorneys have successfully pursued executive compensation, freeze-out, retaliation, and discrimination claims.

Real Estate Litigation:
Skiermont Derby has been involved in commercial and residential real estate litigation on behalf of entity and individual investors, landlords, and homeowners’ associations.

Entertainment and Media Litigation:
From negotiating pre-litigation content acquisition or investor buyouts, to pursuing litigation at trial, Skiermont Derby has the experience needed to guide clients through a range of high-stakes disputes.

Securities and Shareholder Litigation:
Skiermont Derby represents group and individual investors, shareholders and executives in complex securities and shareholder derivative claims. The firm has successfully guided clients through high-stakes disputes against some of the most well-known institutions and biggest law firms in the nation.

Appeals:
Skiermont Derby attorneys have experience and a record of success in pursuing appeals in federal, state, and administrative courts of review, including through securing the complete reversal of lower court decisions that would otherwise have disposed of a case.