DLA Piper has today that Michael Dougherty and Tony Pezzano have joined the firm's Intellectual Property and Technology practice as partners in New York.

Dougherty and Pezzano focus their practice on patent litigation, particularly in the life sciences sector, including representing brand pharmaceuticals in suits against generic drug companies under the Hatch-Waxman Act.

Dougherty, who has a background in biology, has vast experience with Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs), conducts due diligence investigations concerning intellectual property portfolios, and handles Section 337 investigations in the US International Trade Commission.

Pezzano has tried cases in both the federal district courts and the ITC involving technology innovation, including consumer, recreational and pharmaceutical products; chemical and petroleum products and processes; wireless telecommunication devices and equipment; computer software, hardware and systems; and printing engines and systems.

""Michael and Tony bring decades of experience in life sciences litigation, particularly in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology arenas,"" said Frank Ryan, global co-chair and US co-chair of DLA Piper's Intellectual Property and Technology practice. ""They are exceptionally talented lawyers with a proven record of success at trial, and their unique skill set will strengthen our practice significantly.""

""This addition will bolster our patent litigation team considerably, allowing us to continue growing our capabilities and expanding our service offerings based on the demands of our clients,"" added Ann Ford, the firm's US co-chair of IPT and global co-chair of Sectors.

""Michael and Tony are both well-respected patent litigators whose areas of focus complement the capabilities of our existing team in New York, as well as our broader IPT practice across the country,"" said Richard Hans, managing partner of the firm's New York office. ""We are thrilled to welcome them to the firm.""

Dougherty and Pezzano join from Hogan Lovells. Dougherty received his J.D. from William & Mary Law School and his B.A. from Case Western Reserve University. Pezzano received his J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law and his B.S. from Columbia University School of Engineering.