Matthew Walch, a litigation partner in the Chicago office, represents clients in complex commercial and intellectual property litigation.
Matthew advises Fortune 500 companies and leading organizations as lead trial counsel in all types of disputes involving intellectual property, unfair competition, advertising, commercial contracts and employment.
He draws on over 30 years of experience litigating matters to successful resolution in federal and state courts, before US and international arbitration panels and through advertising self-regulatory bodies such as the National Advertising Division. He regularly resolves disputes through both interlocutory and dispositive motion practice as well as at trial.
The Legal 500 has recognized Matthew as “one of the best trial lawyers anywhere.” The World Trademark Review 1000 has similarly recognized Matthew as “experienced throughout all phases of litigation, including trial” and an “anchor” of the firm’s unfair competition practice.
Complementing his litigation work, Matthew routinely advises clients to develop strategies and processes to prevent litigation, especially in the areas of intellectual property and advertising.
Matthew is admitted to practice in the US Supreme Court, US Court of Appeals for the Second, Third, and Seventh Circuits, and US District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Illinois, Western District of Wisconsin, Eastern District of Michigan, and District of Colorado.
Leadership
Matthew is a Past President of the Richard Linn American Inn of Court, an American Inn of Court. He received the 2017 Linn Inn Alliance Distinguished Service Medal for his contributions to the American Inns of Court movement.
As part of the firm’s commitment to the community, Matthew works on a wide range of pro bono matters, including cases involving the creative arts, domestic violence, and civil rights. He also serves as the immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors of Prevent Child Abuse America and serves on the Boards of Directors of the Legal Aid Society, Metropolitan Family Services, and the NSCC Foundation. Crain’s Chicago recently recognized Matthew as one of the notable non-profit board leaders in the city.
Matthew’s representative experience includes work with the following clients:
A Latham IP and Complex Commercial trial team defended Sandals Resorts against unfounded copyright infringement claims where nearly US$700 million in damages were at stake.
Intellectual Property Litigation Practice celebrated for team and individual achievements.
A Latham team led by partners Nick Boyle and Matt Walch secured a complete victory for client CoStar, defending the company against a trade secrets case brought by News Corp subsidiary Move Inc.