John L. Cuddihy, a distinguished intellectual property and antitrust litigator with experience representing leading clients across a range of industry sectors, has joined Ballard Spahr as a partner in its Washington, D.C., office, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.
Mr. Cuddihy focuses on complex commercial litigation with an emphasis on patent infringement and antitrust issues. His arrival is part of the firm’s strategic plan to expand its intellectual property litigation capability in the District.
“As soon as we met John, it was clear that he would enhance our IP practice and our Washington Office in meaningful ways and that we and our clients would enjoy working with him,” Mr. Stewart said. “He is tremendously talented and has much to offer.”
Mr. Cuddihy is particularly well regarded for his skill in handling patent infringement lawsuits. He has served as lead counsel to a global hotel chain in patent infringement lawsuits involving website technology, Internet transmissions, and mobile applications. In addition, he has represented automobile manufacturers in patent infringement litigation involving component technology and telematics systems.
“John brings an impressive range of experience to Ballard Spahr, and he will be instrumental in growing our nationwide IP litigation strength,” said Mitchell A. Katz, Chair of Ballard Spahr’s Intellectual Property Department. “He understands what our clients need and has a track record of success in delivering results. He will be a building block for IP in our D.C. office. We are thrilled to have him on board.”
In the antitrust area, Mr. Cuddihy has defended Fortune 500 corporations in Sherman Act Section 1 multi-district class action lawsuits. For example, he has represented a global science company in class action litigation involving the alleged fixing of chemical prices. He also recently defended a national transportation company against allegations that it participated in a conspiracy to fix fuel surcharge prices. His work in complex commercial litigation matters includes the representation of companies in multimillion-dollar breach-of-contract litigation as well as matters involving breaches of fiduciary duty.
Mr. Cuddihy will be a member of Ballard Spahr’s Intellectual Property Department and its Intellectual Property Litigation, Antitrust, and Commercial Litigation Groups. He comes to the firm from the Washington, D.C., office of Crowell & Moring LLP, where he was a partner. Mr. Cuddihy’s experience in the public sector includes having served as a law clerk to the Honorable Timothy B. Dyk of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; as a special assistant to former United Nations Ambassador Madeleine K. Albright; and as a speechwriter for former New Jersey Governor James J. Florio.
