Laura L. Chapman has joined Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP as a partner in the firm’s Intellectual Property practice group, based in the firm’s San Francisco office. Chapman joins from Foley & Lardner.

“Laura has a broad IP litigation practice, which is an excellent fit for us given the breadth and depth of our intellectual property practice group. Her expertise also dovetails well with the firm’s existing capabilities,” said Guy N. Halgren, chairman of Sheppard Mullin.

“I am excited to join Sheppard Mullin. The strength and nationwide resources of the firm’s IP group are very impressive and will serve my clients well. I am also attracted to Sheppard Mullin’s collaborative, entrepreneurial culture, as well as the partnership’s renowned transparency,” Chapman commented.

“Laura joins Sheppard Mullin as part of our strategic goal of adding top-notch IP attorneys with thriving practices. She brings a significant IP practice to our San Francisco office and further strengthens our litigation capabilities. Laura fits extremely well with the firm’s collegial atmosphere that has become Sheppard Mullin’s cultural trademark,” said Carlo F. Van den Bosch, co-chair of Sheppard Mullin’s Intellectual Property practice group.

Chapman has extensive experience handling, managing and litigating multi-party intellectual property, breach of contract, business fraud, unfair competition, trade secret, non-compete, employee, and customer solicitation cases. She advises clients on intellectual property disputes and clearance matters, drawing on experience as a seasoned litigator to minimize exposure.

Chapman is lead counsel on numerous patent, trademark, and copyright actions pending in different district courts throughout the U.S. Her recent work includes having obtained summary judgment on a significant false advertising case and the successful defense of an international retailer and twelve suppliers in a case alleging trademark infringement in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Chapman received her J.D. from the University of Southern California Law Center in 1993 and her B.A. from Smith College in 1986.

Also today, IP litigation partner Brad Graveline joins Sheppard Mullin’s Chicago office. Graveline previously practiced at Winston & Strawn in Chicago. Last month, IP litigation partner Bruce Chapman joined Sheppard Mullin in Los Angeles from Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz. Earlier this year, Sheppard Mullin added IP litigation partners Ed Anderson in Palo Alto from Sidley Austin and partner Jill Pietrini in Century City from Manatt.

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