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Maschoff Brennan Continues Strategic Growth by Adding IP Group From Morgan Lewis
Orange County • July 15th, 2025
Powerhouse team brings significant expansion to the firm’s Orange County, California Office
In a major talent acquisition, intellectual property and complex litigation firm Maschoff Brennan announced today it has brought on board a premier IP team from Morgan Lewis. The high-profile group, which includes three seasoned partners, one of-counsel, one associate, together with paralegals and key supporting staff, marks a strategic expansion of the firm’s national presence. Now based in Maschoff Brennan’s Orange County, California office, this elite team strengthens the firm’s position as a go-to legal partner for the region’s most innovative and high-tech companies, and underscores Maschoff Brennan’s growing dominance in the intellectual property space.
“A key aspect of our strategic vision is improving our ability to serve clients with proactive counsel and industry depth. When we saw the opportunity to build upon several of our most significant industries by adding this talented and respected group of attorneys, we knew it was the right move,” said Kirk Harris, Maschoff Brennan Managing Partner. “This not only builds up our existing national practice but also strengthens our capabilities in areas we've been focused on expanding.”
This infusion of talent significantly expands the firm’s capabilities in key practice areas, including medical devices, life sciences, computer hardware and software, and semiconductors. The group brings decades of collective experience across the full spectrum of intellectual property law spanning sophisticated patent prosecution, global portfolio management, strategic IP counseling, and complex opinion work.
M. Todd Hales, Partner - Todd led the IP practice in Orange County and the global IP MedTech Group at Morgan Lewis, where he grew his international reputation as a trusted advisor across a broad array of technology industries. With a particular focus on medical device, high-tech, and electromechanical sectors, Todd is regarded as a go-to strategist for clients navigating the full spectrum of complex and high-stakes intellectual property challenges. His practice centers on IP portfolio development, risk management, and strategic business-oriented counseling, including counseling clients through mergers and acquisitions, providing critical due diligence and guidance to support successful transactions.
“We are thrilled by the opportunity to join Maschoff Brennan,” said Hales. “The firm’s collaborative culture and agile, innovative approach to legal strategy make this move a clear win for our team and our clients. Their creativity and depth in handling IP-related legal issues allow us to deliver practical and customized solutions, which are especially important in the dynamic, fast-paced industries we serve.”
Kenneth Cheney, Partner - Ken is a nationally respected intellectual property strategist, with a robust practice spanning patent prosecution, litigation, and IP-driven business strategy. He brings extensive experience advising clients on cutting-edge technologies and high-value innovations, particularly in the fields of computer hardware and software, medical devices, and life sciences. Known for managing sophisticated patent portfolios and navigating complex IP disputes, Ken plays a critical role in helping clients protect and commercialize their most important assets. He is also a recognized author on diverse IP topics, ranging from post-grant proceedings before the PTAB to the evolving global IP landscape shaped by immersive virtual environments.
Danny Mansour, Partner - Danny brings deep experience in intellectual property law, advising clients on patent strategy, prosecution, and due diligence, with a focus on medical device-related technologies. His experience spans utility and design patents in areas such as ventilation systems, infusion management, drug delivery, cancer therapy, and glaucoma treatments. Before practicing law, Danny worked as an engineer for a major aerospace systems manufacturer, bringing valuable technical insight to his IP practice.
Brad Wilson, Of-Counsel - Brad advises clients on U.S. and international patent prosecution, with a focus on advanced technologies such as commercial and government satellite systems, imaging and communications, laser systems, medical devices, cellular mobile devices and technologies, and semiconductors. He also counsels clients on IP strategy related to corporate mergers, joint ventures, and licensing agreements.
Samantha Kuo, Associate - Samantha is a registered U.S. patent attorney who concentrates her practice on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications domestically and internationally for technology focused companies.
With these new additions Maschoff Brennan will have over 50 attorneys in six offices across the United States; New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Irvine, Salt Lake City, and Park City.
About Maschoff Brennan
Maschoff Brennan provides legal counsel and representation to some of the world’s most innovative companies. With offices in the technology-focused regions of Utah, California, and New York, our attorneys are known for having the breadth of experience and the forward-thinking insight needed to handle complex technological and business issues across all industries and geographic boundaries. We have extensive experience representing clients in Federal and State courts nationwide and before the ITC, USPTO, PTAB, TTAB, and other administrative agencies in Washington, D.C.