June 28, 2010 — Vinson & Elkins LLP is expanding its recently opened Palo Alto office by announcing that prominent patent litigator Chuck Ebertin is joining the firm as a partner effective immediately.

Chuck, who joins V&E after six years as a partner at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, is widely respected as one of the leading IP lawyers on the West Coast. He has represented a wide range of major corporations, such as Applied Materials, Qualcomm, eBay, and Sun Microsystems, during his 18 years as a patent litigation attorney.

“Chuck is an incredibly capable intellectual property lawyer and his technology focus is a perfect fit for our Palo Alto office," says Boyd Carano, managing partner of V&E's Palo Alto office. "He will be a great addition. Chuck's dedication to help us build this office demonstrates our commitment to work as a team both nationally and internationally on behalf of our clients."

Previously, Chuck represented one of the earliest proponents of HDTV in its successful efforts to license and enforce its patents covering the ATSC standard for terrestrial broadcast of high-definition television signals. He has twice obtained preliminary injunctions for clients in enforcing their patent rights. In 2009, he was lead counsel for one of India’s leading technology companies in an eight patent Markman hearing in a matter wherein the patentee originally sought over $400 million in damages.

In addition, Chuck has had notable success in representing clients in ex parte re-examination proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Re-examination proceedings are increasingly an integral part of patent litigation strategy in the U.S., especially for technology companies.

“V&E has a dynamic and vibrant intellectual property practice and a deep pool of highly talented attorneys that have fueled its growth and success,” Ebertin said. “The opportunity to assist V&E grow its Palo Alto office and expand its IP presence on the West Coast was a compelling combination. V&E’s experience in New York, California, and Texas, especially the Eastern District of Texas, makes V&E an attractive opportunity for both IP attorneys and clients with IP needs.”

A 1992 graduate of Northwestern University School of Law, Chuck has substantial experience assisting companies in developing strategies for asserting and defending against patent infringement actions. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California, where he received a full football scholarship and participated in two Rose Bowl games.

V&E opened its Palo Alto office in January to provide clients with extensive experience in energy project finance and development, emerging company formation and venture capital finance, and intellectual property and life sciences.