Patent Trial Lawyers Brent Ray and Abby Parsons Join Arnold & Porter’s Intellectual Property Practice
Firm Grows IP Litigation Capabilities With Ray in Chicago, Parsons in Houston
CHICAGO and HOUSTON, February 27, 2025 — Arnold & Porter is pleased to announce the additions of Brent Ray and Abby Parsons as partners in the firm’s Intellectual Property practice, resident in Chicago and Houston. Ray and Parsons’ arrivals underscore the firm’s strategic focus on expanding its core offerings in key markets and solidifying its reputation as a “go to” firm for clients in complex intellectual property disputes. The firm’s Chicago and Houston offices have grown steadily over the past few years, attracting top legal talent in multiple practice areas. In Chicago, the firm has added 17 new partners and counsel in the last five years, and now consists of over 50 attorneys. In Houston, the firm has added seven new partners in that timeframe.
Dina Hayes and Doug Winthrop, co-chairs of the firm’s Intellectual Property practice, said: “With their significant trial experience, Brent and Abby bolster the firm’s current intellectual property litigation capabilities in both Chicago and Houston. Brent’s ability to translate complex legal issues into concise solutions will be particularly valuable to our clients in solving their intellectual property matters. In addition, Abby’s creative and pragmatic approach to handling patent litigation matters in the life sciences sector will be an asset to our team.”
In joining the firm, Ray and Parsons were drawn to Arnold & Porter’s highly regarded Intellectual Property practice, which handles high-stakes cases and has a strong record of success in significant patent jurisdictions throughout the U.S. Ray said: “We are excited to join this collaborative and integrated team to resolve complex intellectual property matters and provide comprehensive guidance to clients.”
Brent Ray joins the Chicago office as a partner in the Intellectual Property practice. He is a first-chair trial lawyer who has served as lead counsel in more than two dozen cases before the Federal Circuit, the International Trade Commission, federal courts in California, Illinois, New York, and Texas, and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. He also regularly advises clients on the intellectual property and litigation aspects of corporate merger agreements and product acquisitions. Ray has represented clients across various industries, particularly in technology. Ray earned his J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law and his B.S. from Northwestern University.
Abby Parsons joins the Houston office as a partner in the Intellectual Property practice. A trusted advisor to clients, she leads trial teams in federal district courts and the International Trade Commission. Her cases involve patents and other intellectual property disputes covering a wide range of technology, from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to software and high-tech patents. Parsons also advises clients on licenses, due diligence, and investments in intellectual property. Parsons earned her J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law and her B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa summa cum laude.
About Arnold & Porter
Arnold & Porter combines sophisticated regulatory, litigation, and transactional capabilities to resolve clients’ most complex issues. With over 1,000 lawyers practicing in 15 offices worldwide, we offer deep industry experience and an integrated approach that spans more than 40 practice areas. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and focused industry experience, we provide innovative and effective solutions to mitigate risks, address challenges, and achieve successful outcomes.
