1970s - Rise of Intellectual Property Litigation

In 1973, the firm anticipated growth in the area of intellectual property and hired Boston patent attorney, Doug Whitney. A typical patent practice at that time involved researching and registering patents but not litigating. Conversely, most general practice firms had litigation experience but no direct experience in patent law. When the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit was formed in 1982, Morris Nichols hired more IP lawyers. It had become increasingly clear that national clients, more than local, were shaping Morris Nichols' future. The proliferation of computers, software, and other electronic technologies created a burgeoning need for experienced patent litigation lawyers.