Mike Oropallo, partner, and Amy Hahn, associate, had their “IP Litigation in a Virtual World” article published in Bright Ideas, the New York State Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section newsletter. The article explores ways in which intellectual property attorneys—and the legal profession as a whole—have worked together to adjust to new challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including the myriad state moratoriums and orders. The article states:
“IP litigation, due in part to its specialized nature and the level of technological expertise of both judges and lawyers, has led the way with adopting new and innovative procedures, reaching reasonable agreements of counsel, and proceeding through both fully remote litigation practices and procedures and adherence to strict and safe guidelines for in-person proceedings.”
“The increased use of technology, semi-secure remote connections, and the sometimes ‘crowded’ remote working environs have necessitated an additional emphasis on confidentiality, the attorney-client privilege, and adherence to the New York Lawyer’s Code of Professional Responsibility.”
To conclude, Mike and Amy astutely observe that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will be felt for many years to come. The lasting impact may be that some of the remote functions of the legal industry—depositions, mediations, trials—will remain.