PHILADELPHIA, September 7, 2016—Duane Morris LLP this week received notice from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that the firm has been granted trademark rights for its DNA logo in connection with the firm's proprietary Dispute Navigation Analytics technology. DNA—a trial product and process that helps clients assess risk, manage litigation costs and reputational exposure—was developed and released in 2013 by Duane Morris. It has since been used in connection with many firm clients to estimate costs and to help determine appropriate alternative dispute resolution and trial strategies.
DNA identifies the issues with the greatest influence on probable litigation outcomes, then applies a cost-impact evaluation for each successive phase of litigation. DNA systematically accounts for a range of factors, including potential compensatory and punitive damages, based on the identities of the adversaries and their attorneys; jury dynamics and demographics; the number of potential witnesses; costs of discovery, including e-discovery; outcomes of similar litigation; and any other relevant factors.
Duane Morris developed DNA primarily for complex, high-stakes litigation matters, including putative class actions, but the methodology is equally relevant for smaller lawsuits, particularly those involving novel points of law.
"The DNA trademark distinguishes our work," said Duane Morris Chairman John Soroko, and "will help us propagate our efforts to make this tool available, visible and useful to our clients as we move forward with using and refining the DNA product."
"DNA has proved to be a significant improvement that takes early case assessment to a new level," said Matthew A. Taylor, chairman of the firm’s Trial Practice Group. "The cost management and strategic benefits it offers present distinct advantages for our clients who are confronting growing litigation caseloads and expense."
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Duane Morris LLP provides innovative solutions to today's multifaceted legal and business challenges through the collegial and collaborative culture of its more than 750 attorneys in offices across the United States and internationally. The firm represents a broad array of clients, spanning all major practices and industries.