Ann G Fort

Partner, Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP

A seasoned litigator with a background in complex civil matters, Ann Fort oversees and protects the intellectual property rights of clients in the United States and abroad. Her practice encompasses patent infringement, licensing disputes, trade secret protection and unfair competition. She tries cases in both federal and state courts and represents clients in alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration and mediation. Her recent experience includes defending claims brought by non-practicing entities, also known as patent holding companies or patent assertion entities.

Ann’s clients share common problems arising out of the role of science and technology in their businesses. She advises them on how to protect their business assets before and after disputes arise. Her work has involved diverse technologies, including hydraulic fracturing plugs, factory automation software and hardware, ground fault circuit interrupters, loan and deposit pricing software, Internet-based information management systems and sugar-based polyurethane foams. In the pharmaceutical industry, Ann represents both patent owners in licensing disputes and accused infringers of formulation patents, including in Hatch-Waxman litigation. Ann’s clients vary from large corporations and start-up businesses to universities and research institutes.
 
An active leader in Eversheds Sutherland (US)’s pro bono program, Ann obtained clemency for a client on death row, representing him for more than 11 years before he was granted clemency just hours before his scheduled execution. She serves on the Georgia Bar committee charged with considering capital defense representation and related policy issues, as well as on the board of the Federal Circuit Bar Association, which aids the administration of the US federal court of appeals that hears all patent litigation appeals.