Austin patent litigator Raghav Bajaj leaped from Haynes Boone to Latham & Watkins earlier this month. In a Q&A with The Texas Lawbook, Bajaj shared why he made the move and recent trends in the world of patent law and litigation.
What led you to move your practice to Latham & Watkins?
I was attracted to Latham’s unparalleled global platform and comprehensive capabilities that allow the firm to support all aspects of a client’s patent litigation strategy and beyond. We’re equipped to address any combination of IP and related issues, including antitrust, contract disputes, and unfair business practices claims, and we can tailor our teams to match our capabilities with each client’s specific needs.
How will your practice be different at Latham & Watkins than it had been at Haynes Boone?
At Latham, I am particularly excited about leveraging the firm’s expansive resources and wealth of talent to assist clients with their most complex matters. Our seasoned PTAB team, which includes experienced patent litigators, technical specialists, and dedicated PTAB paralegals, combined with our industry intelligence, trial-ready mindset, and experience litigating across venues, provides a robust framework to seamlessly protect our clients’ intellectual property, preserve value, and win.
What are some trends in patent law and litigation that you’ve noticed?
The practice constantly evolves and requires tremendous attention, especially to adjust to developments from the Federal Circuit. For example, in the past year, we’ve seen major updates to multiple aspects of patent law that change how we advise our clients on both sides, whether they are asserting their patent rights or defending against assertions.
Where do you see litigation going as it pertains to intellectual property and artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is experiencing exponential growth and is beginning to make its presence felt in intellectual property cases. This trend is expected to intensify over time. Latham has been at the forefront of advising clients on the legal complexities associated with AI. We are exceptionally well-positioned to assist clients with all their generative AI needs, ensuring they navigate this evolving landscape effectively.
What types of questions are you getting from clients on the use of AI?
When it comes to their legal work, their questions mainly center on protecting their confidential data.
It’s been just over two years since the Western District of Texas’ order to have all the judges share the patent cases. What effect have you seen in that time?
Since the standing order was first issued, the number of cases in the Western District certainly dropped, but the Waco Division is staying busy. But as with everything else, the situation is changing, with the new chief judge of the court issuing an updated standing order to deal with the large number of patent cases in the District and parties’ attempts to keep cases in Waco.