Expected Merger Would Create IP 'Super-Boutique'
A Houston-based intellectual property boutique founded by former Howrey lawyers is planning a merger that will create the seventh-largest IP firm in the United States.
Novak Druce + Quigg had only six lawyers when it was founded in 2005 by former Howrey lawyers, the Houston Business Journal reports. It is in the midst of exclusive merger discussions with Delaware-based Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz; the firms plan to combine before Jan. 1, the National Law Journal reports.
Novak Druce managing partner Gregory Novak told the NLJ that a merger was “almost assured.” The new firm would be called Novak Druce Connolly Bove + Quigg and would have 125 lawyers and 15 patent agents and technical specialists. Novak will be managing partner of the combined firm.
Novak told the NLJ he hoped to expand the merged firm to about 200 professionals. “It’s the super-boutique model,” he said.
The talks are occurring as patent litigation is reaching record levels. The number of patent infringement filings increased 22 percent last year, the NLJ says.
Prior coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “A Split at Connolly Bove Leaves Firm with Only an IP Practice”
