Articles Posted in News

Published on: April 30, 2020

Force Majeure in California: Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Qualify? Part 2 – Asserting Force Majeure

by Stan Gibson

Force Majeure in California: Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Qualify?

A Three Part Series

By Stan Gibson

Part 2 – Asserting Force Majeure

See Part 1 – What Constitutes a Force Majeure

See Part 2 – Asserting Force Majeure

See Part 3 – Practical Guidance

When to Assert Force Majeure

As discussed in Part I, the party claiming inability to perform must be able to show that its performance is impossible or unreasonably difficult due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond its control. Typically, a claim of force majeure is made as an affirmative defense to a claim for breach of contract.

Where a force majeure event is claimed the party faced with the claim has two options. The party may “treat the repudiation as an anticipatory breach and immediately seek damages for breach of contract, thereby terminating the contractual relationship between the parties, or [they] can treat the repudiation as an empty threat, wait until time for performance arrives, and exercise [their] remedies for actual breach if a breach does in fact occur at such time.”[1] Although California law “authorizes the injured party to immediately seek damages” it does “not require the injured party to seek damages or lose the right to treat the repudiation as an anticipatory breach.”[2] If, however, a party “continues to accept the [repudiating party’s] performance, [it] may be deemed to have waived the breach.”[3]

Published on: April 23, 2020

Force Majeure in California: Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Qualify? Part 1 – What Constitutes Force Majeure

by Stan Gibson

Force Majeure in California: Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Qualify?

A Three Part Series

By Stan Gibson

Part 1 – What Constitutes a Force Majeure

See Part 1 – What Constitutes a Force Majeure

See Part 2 – Asserting Force Majeure

See Part 3 – Practical Guidance

Introduction

The ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic is disrupting day-to-day operations, supply and delivery chains and general contractual obligations around the world and throughout California. Many companies and individuals are facing unprecedented situations and demands. In the midst of all this you may be wondering what effect, if any, the COVID-19 Pandemic will have on your, and other parties’, contractual obligations. You may have heard people throwing around the term “force majeure” as a reason for excusing performance or terminating a contract. But what does that term mean? And how does it work in California? The purpose of this series of articles is to answer these questions and more.

Although these are unprecedented times, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic alone, may not be sufficient to excuse performance under a contract. Before making or responding to any claims of impossibility of performance due to the current situation you should carefully review the terms of your contract. Bear in mind that you, or another party, will not be excused from performance simply because performance is more difficult or expensive than anticipated. If faced with a claim of inability to perform by another party, you should ask yourself whether you are willing and able to continue performing your own contractual obligations before asserting that they are in breach. A party suing for breach of contract must be able to show that it was capable of holding up its end of the contract.

Published on: April 14, 2020

COVID-19 Update: Patent lawsuits and PTAB filings continue and cases are proceeding

by Stan Gibson

Some delay of deadlines, continued trial dates and restricted court access

Implications for Litigants

For more information on how we can help you and your business, visit our COVID-19 Resource Center.

Published on: September 9, 2019

JMBM Patent Litigation Attorney Stan Gibson’s Medtronic Verdict Ranked in National Law Journal Hall of Fame

by Patent Litigation Group

Los Angeles—Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP (JMBM) Patent Litigation Chairman Stanley M. Gibson was recently recognized by the National Law Journal for the verdict achieved for his client in Medtronic v. Michelson, a patent infringement trial decided in 2004. The $582,000,000 verdict is number 51 on the NLJ’s Hall of Fame, a list of the 100 highest grossing verdicts since 2003.

Gibson and former JMBM partner Marc Marmaro defended Dr. Gary K. Michelson, a Los Angeles inventor, against medical technology company Medtronic in a case involving more than 100 patents. After a five-month jury trial in Tennessee, Dr. Michelson was awarded $110 million in damages, $60 million in patent infringement damages and $400 million in punitive damages. Medtronic subsequently acquired Dr. Michelson’s patents and technology for $1.35 billion.

“The Michelson trial was a complex case that I’m proud to have defended and won for Dr. Michelson,” said Gibson. “I’m pleased to see it recognized by the National Law Journal.”

Published on: September 6, 2019

Repeated Coaching at Deposition Leads to Monetary and Issue Sanctions

by Stan Gibson

In this patent infringement action, Plaintiffs Brian Horowitz and Creative Outdoor Distributors USA Inc. (the “Plaintiffs”) filed a motion for sanctions against Defendant Yishun Chen (“Yishun”) and his counsel, David Lin (“Lin”) for alleged misconduct that took place during the depositions of defendants. The court had previously granted a motion to compel a further deposition, noting “that Lin and Yishun left the room while questions were pending, Lin improperly instructed Yishun not to answer questions, Lin made frequent speaking objections to coach Yishun, and that Lin was disrespectful and personally attacked opposing counsel.”

The court ordered the video transcripts filed so that it could review the depositions for itself. After reviewing the transcripts, the court determined that there were several instances of inappropriate behavior by the Defendants and their counsel. For example, the court explained that:

The court also found that an off-the-record conference between the attorney and Yishun was also troubling. The Court explained as follows: “Gibby asked Yishun when he gave Defendant Kevin Xia the right to protect his patents, to which Yishun replied, “2016, the end of the year, or perhaps it was at the beginning of 2015 when I first started working with him.” Gibby asked, “So, either the end of 2015 or the beginning of 2016,” prompting Lin to object, “I don’t think that’s what he said. I think he said the end of the year, 2016,” and Yishun to answer, “That’s what I remember.” Gibby then asked, “When you gave Kevin the right to protect your patents at the end of 2015 or the beginning of 2016, did you put the right for him to do that in writing at that time?” Lin objected, “I think that misstates his prior testimony. His prior testimony, I believe he said,” causing Gibby to protest that Lin was coaching. Continue reading

Published on: August 16, 2019

Experts Discuss Resolving Patent Disputes

by Stan Gibson

Earlier this month, I participated in a roundtable discussion, hosted by Financier Worldwide, on the topic of “Resolving Patent Disputes.” The roundtable participants comprised seven experienced patent lawyers, and we each responded to the questions below.

In your opinion, what have been the key trends and developments shaping patent disputes over the last 12 months or so?
To what extent have you observed an increase in the number of patent disputes in today’s business world? What are the most common causes of conflict?

Published on: November 7, 2018

JMBM Ranked as Metropolitan Tier 1 “Best Law Firm” in 2019 by U.S. News & World Report for Patent Litigation

by Patent Litigation Group

Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP (JMBM) is proud to announce it has been ranked as an Orange County Metropolitan Tier 1 2019 “Best Law Firm” for Patent Litigation. This distinction was announced by the national publication U.S. News & World Report. The “Best Law Firms” annual announcement of the top rankings of law firms are based upon client input and professional references.

“Achieving this recognition is especially gratifying as it reflects the perspective of our clients and peers,” said Stan Gibson, Chair of JMBM’s Patent Litigation Group. “Our patent litigators are committed to solving problems and achieving clients’ objectives.”

Additionally, Gregory Cordrey, a partner in JMBM’s Patent Litigation Group was designated by Best Lawyers® as Orange County’s Patent Litigator of the Year for 2019.

Published on: July 27, 2017

Stan Gibson to Speak at PLI’s Electronic Discovery Institute 2017: What Corporate and Outside Counsel Need to Know

by Patent Litigation Group

The Patent Litigation Group at Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP is pleased to announce that its Chair, Stan Gibson, will be speaking at PLI’s Electronic Discovery Institute 2017: What Corporate and Outside Counsel Need to Know.

Stan’s panel will focus on the “Preservation of Electronically Stored Information (ESI).”

The program is designed for corporate counsel, outside counsel, and other attorneys or risk management professionals who advise corporations on electronic discovery and document retention issues. This program is designed to provide participants with critical information on the latest developments in the law governing e-discovery.

Published on: October 18, 2016

Joseph Mellema Joins Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP as Of Counsel in the Patent Litigation Group

by Stan Gibson

Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP is pleased to announce that Joseph J. Mellema has joined the Firm as Of Counsel in the Patent Litigation Group. Mellema will be resident in the Firm’s Orange County office.

Mellema focuses on the protection and enforcement of all intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, unfair business practices, and antitrust litigation. He has dual degrees in electrical engineering and physical sciences, and was formerly a systems engineer at Raytheon Company working on next-generation sensors and systems for the Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.

“Joe has experience litigating highly technical patents in a variety of industries, making him a great addition to our team,” said Stan Gibson, chair of the Patent Litigation Group. “Our patent litigation attorneys have a deep understanding, and often first-hand experience, with the technologies our clients rely on us to protect.”
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Stan Gibson

Stan Gibson, an experienced technology and IP trial lawyer, represents inventors, manufacturers, owners and others in litigation centering on complicated technology. Stan's practice is national in scope and he represents both plaintiffs and defendants and has litigated dozens of cases on behalf of his clients, taking many of them to trial. Although most cases settle, Stan's ability to take cases to trial enhances their value and drives favorable verdicts and settlements. Contact him at 310.201.3548 or SGibson@jmbm.com.

Greg Cordrey

Greg Cordrey, an experienced patent litigator and former flight test engineer, represents a wide range of industries including medical device, computer, e-commerce, semiconductor, automotive, aircraft, and consumer products. He has litigated patent cases nationwide and has practiced before the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Patent and Trademark office as a registered patent attorney with experience in concurrent litigation and patent reexamination proceedings. Greg is recognized as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in IP Law, as well as a "Super Lawyer" and "Rising Star." Contact him at 949.623.7236 or GCordrey@jmbm.com.

Rod Berman

Rod Berman is recognized by the Daily Journal as one of the top 30 intellectual property attorneys in the State of California, and by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the top 100 attorneys in Los Angeles. Rod's practice focuses on patent, trademark, copyright, unfair competition and internet responsibilities and includes counseling, litigation, opinions, licensing and prosecution. In addition to being a registered patent attorney, Rod is a court-recognized expert in patent and trademark law, and has successfully argued before the Federal Circuit. Contact Rod at 310.201.3517 or RBerman@jmbm.com.

Andrew Shadoff

Andrew Shadoff, is a litigation partner and a member of JMBM's Patent Litigation Group. He is experienced in handling patent, copyright and trademark infringement cases. He has obtained wins for his clients at the pleading stage and on summary judgment, and has authored multiple successful briefs in appeals before California's Second District Court of Appeal and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Contact him at 310.712.6856 or AShadoff@jmbm.com.

Joe Mellema

Joe Mellema's practice focuses on litigation in federal and state courts, including the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, and business and commercial disputes. He has handled patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, unfair business practices, antitrust, and business and commercial lawsuits in all phases of litigation and arbitration. In addition to a law degree, he has dual degrees in electrical engineering and physical sciences, and was formerly a systems engineer at Raytheon Company. Contact him at 949.623.7232 or at JMellema@jmbm.com.