Key Takeaways
- • Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has secured recognition for 11 intellectual property lawyers across three major U.S. offices in the 2026 IAM Patent 1000 guide, a prestigious ranking of leading private practice patent attorneys.
- • The firm's Pennsylvania office earned "Gold Firm" designation for patent litigation, with IAM noting the Philadelphia team is "well equipped to handle complex patent disputes, particularly those involving technically sophisticated subject matter."
- • Key recognized partners include Steven Maslowski (head of IP practice, noted for courtroom leadership), Rubén Muñoz (Philadelphia office partner-in-charge), Matthew Pearson, and Jonathan Underwood in Philadelphia; Cono Carrano, David Vondle, Brandon Rash, and Rachel Elsby in Washington, D.C.; and Daniel Moffett, Michael Kahn, and Golda Lai in Texas.
- • The Washington, D.C. office is ranked for its expertise in multi-forum patent litigation strategy, with IAM highlighting the team's "ability to coordinate multi-forum strategies across district courts, the ITC and PTAB" for high-value disputes.
- • Akin's Texas office is recognized as a "go-to for high-stakes patent litigation," with Daniel Moffett leading the practice as a "seasoned trial lawyer known for handling complex, multi-forum disputes."
Summary
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has achieved significant recognition in the 2026 IAM Patent 1000, a definitive guide ranking leading private practice patent lawyers in the United States. The firm's intellectual property practice has secured recognition for 11 lawyers across three strategically important jurisdictions: Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and Texas.
The Pennsylvania office has earned particular distinction with a "Gold Firm" ranking for litigation work. IAM's assessment emphasizes the Philadelphia team's capacity to manage intricate patent disputes involving technically sophisticated subject matter. Steven Maslowski, who heads the firm's IP practice, received individual recognition for his "experienced courtroom leadership." Rubén Muñoz, the partner-in-charge of the Philadelphia office, was recognized for his central role "in shaping litigation strategy and expert coordination." Matthew Pearson was praised for his "strong technical depth and case management," while Jonathan Underwood garnered recognition for his "focus on complex patent litigation and strategic advisory work" and his "ability to manage sophisticated disputes and contribute to effective, business-aligned litigation strategies."
The Washington, D.C. office secured recognition in the litigation category, with IAM highlighting the team's particular strength in multi-forum coordination. The firm's lawyers are noted for being "particularly adept at coordinating multi-forum strategies across district courts, the ITC and PTAB, allowing clients to pursue aligned and efficient outcomes in high-value matters." Cono Carrano received recognition for his work on "patent litigation involving complex technologies" and his ability to "translate intricate technical subject matter into clear and persuasive arguments." David Vondle was identified as "a key figure" due to his "extensive experience in patent litigation alongside a transactional perspective." Brandon Rash was praised for his "methodical and detail-oriented approach," while Rachel Elsby was recognized for her "practical, solutions-focused mindset" and close collaboration with clients on risk management and dispute resolution.
The Texas office, recognized for litigation work, is positioned as a "go-to for high-stakes patent litigation." Daniel Moffett, leader of the firm's Texas IP practice, was identified as a "seasoned trial lawyer known for handling complex, multi-forum disputes." Michael Kahn and Golda Lai also received recognition for their patent work in the region.
The Pennsylvania office has earned particular distinction with a "Gold Firm" ranking for litigation work. IAM's assessment emphasizes the Philadelphia team's capacity to manage intricate patent disputes involving technically sophisticated subject matter. Steven Maslowski, who heads the firm's IP practice, received individual recognition for his "experienced courtroom leadership." Rubén Muñoz, the partner-in-charge of the Philadelphia office, was recognized for his central role "in shaping litigation strategy and expert coordination." Matthew Pearson was praised for his "strong technical depth and case management," while Jonathan Underwood garnered recognition for his "focus on complex patent litigation and strategic advisory work" and his "ability to manage sophisticated disputes and contribute to effective, business-aligned litigation strategies."
The Washington, D.C. office secured recognition in the litigation category, with IAM highlighting the team's particular strength in multi-forum coordination. The firm's lawyers are noted for being "particularly adept at coordinating multi-forum strategies across district courts, the ITC and PTAB, allowing clients to pursue aligned and efficient outcomes in high-value matters." Cono Carrano received recognition for his work on "patent litigation involving complex technologies" and his ability to "translate intricate technical subject matter into clear and persuasive arguments." David Vondle was identified as "a key figure" due to his "extensive experience in patent litigation alongside a transactional perspective." Brandon Rash was praised for his "methodical and detail-oriented approach," while Rachel Elsby was recognized for her "practical, solutions-focused mindset" and close collaboration with clients on risk management and dispute resolution.
The Texas office, recognized for litigation work, is positioned as a "go-to for high-stakes patent litigation." Daniel Moffett, leader of the firm's Texas IP practice, was identified as a "seasoned trial lawyer known for handling complex, multi-forum disputes." Michael Kahn and Golda Lai also received recognition for their patent work in the region.
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