Experienced trial lawyer Amar Thakur and patent litigator Bruce Zisser a boon for firm’s leading litigation team and digital and technology group

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, a multidisciplinary, integrated professional services firm, announced today that national trial lawyer Amar L. Thakur and patent litigator Bruce Zisser have joined as partners in its technology & intellectual property litigation practice. Thakur will lead the practice out of the firm’s San Francisco and Orange County offices, with Zisser joining Manatt’s Los Angeles office.

The pair brings deep knowledge of the technology, patent and intellectual property (IP) spaces to the firm. In addition to his impressive history of trial success, Thakur is considered a pioneer in the development of new alternative fee strategies for complex technology-related litigation. Zisser brings to Manatt some 20 years’ experience litigating patent disputes and, before that, over 10 years’ experience as an electrical engineer, including more than five years working on a wide range of high-tech communication systems in the United States Air Force.

“Amar’s and Bruce’s impressive experience trying high-impact technology and patent matters further enhances our bench of experienced litigators,” said Donna L. Wilson, Manatt’s CEO and Managing Partner. “Their combined and varied experience is an ideal fit for our integrated, cross-practice model. They will be an integral part of our continued growth strategy — not just in technology and IP, but in litigation as a whole.”

An experienced lead trial lawyer, Thakur has tried significant patent and technology cases through jury verdict for plaintiffs and defendants. His practice focuses on the development and enforcement of patent portfolios as well as the acquisition of IP. He also has deep experience establishing partnerships between private investors and his IP clients, who can help monetize their promising patent portfolios. His clients have run the gamut of leading telecommunications, software, medical device and semiconductor companies.

Zisser, whose practice is focused almost exclusively on patent litigation, has litigated complex matters in federal court in California, Texas and Delaware, as well as before the International Trade Commission. He, like Thakur, is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

“In a world where technology is a core driver in every market and industry, Amar and Bruce bring a particular set of skills and understanding that our clients need to protect and grow their businesses,” said Lisa Suennen, leader of Manatt’s digital and technology group. “Their sophisticated understanding of complex technologies and deep trial experience is a perfect complement to our existing platform.”

The arrival of Thakur and Zisser follows closely on the heels of transactional partner Paul Carr-Rollitt, healthcare litigation partner Charles E. Weir and consumer financial services litigation partner Scott Pearson all in Los Angeles; as well as co-leader of Manatt’s privacy and data security group Scott T. Lashway and partner Christopher A. Lisy in Boston; and digital and technology partner Eric P. Bergner in New York. 

“I was drawn to the compelling strategic path that Manatt is forging, from its emphasis on digital and technology-related practices across its platform to its continued expansion of its unique blend of legal and consulting services,” said Thakur. “My practice fits perfectly within that framework and provides opportunities to build in new and exciting ways,” added Zisser.

Thakur earned his juris doctorate from Arizona State University (with honors) and his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Washington. Zisser received a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, before earning his juris doctorate from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles (cum laude).