Pillsbury Powers Up IP Practice with Top Tech Litigator from Goodwin

Pillsbury’s IP group leadership emphasized the importance of Abate’s arrival, noting his experience aligns with the firm’s growing roster of technology-focused clients. “Mark is a top-tier litigator whose deep technical knowledge and litigation skills will strengthen our ability to meet the evolving needs of clients in the tech and innovation-driven economy,” said Patrick Doody, leader of Pillsbury’s Intellectual Property practice.

The addition of Abate reflects Pillsbury’s broader effort to expand its IP practice in key markets. Over the past year, the firm has made several strategic lateral hires, including J. Rick Taché in San Diego and Daphne Higgs in Silicon Valley. These additions have helped Pillsbury position itself as a go-to firm for high-stakes IP litigation, technology transactions, and patent prosecution.

Abate expressed enthusiasm about the move, citing Pillsbury’s strong reputation and collaborative culture. “I’ve long admired Pillsbury’s commitment to delivering excellent legal service in complex IP matters,” Abate said. “Joining this team allows me to continue serving clients at the highest level, while also being part of a firm that values innovation and growth.”

Abate’s career has spanned work for industry giants and nimble startups alike. His recent matters include disputes involving artificial intelligence platforms, cloud computing technologies, and biotech innovations. His technical expertise—bolstered by his engineering background—enables him to deeply understand clients’ technologies and advocate effectively in complex technical environments.

Industry observers view Abate’s move as part of a broader trend of lateral movement among IP litigators as law firms vie for top talent in a market increasingly driven by innovation, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. With patent disputes rising in sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and digital health, firms like Pillsbury are enhancing their teams to stay ahead of demand.