Press Release
Press Release
Press Contacts: Erik Cummins, Matt Hyams, Taina Rosa, Olivia Meyer
11.10.25
In a move that enhances and expands Pillsbury’s global Intellectual Property offering, the firm has recruited Brian Paul Gearing, Ph.D.—an IP strategist and first-chair litigator who supports both U.S. and Asian clients—as a partner in its New York, Washington, DC, and Tokyo offices. Dr. Gearing joins from Crowell & Moring LLP, where he previously served as Co-Head of the Asia Intellectual Property specialty practice.
The move comes as part of a broader IP practice expansion at Pillsbury and coincides with the rapid advancement of technologies like artificial intelligence, digital assets, cybersecurity, quantum computing and others. As one example, the number of patent litigation filings in the United States has increased by 20 percent since 2023 according to Lex Machina.
“Brian’s arrival enhances our global Intellectual Property practice, adding critical trial experience and important depth to our team,” said Firm Chair David Dekker. “With Pillsbury’s focus on serving clients in innovation-driven industries, his impressive record and deep connections across the U.S., Japan and the wider Asian region make him a valuable asset for firm clients all over the world.”
Dr. Gearing advises clients on all manner of high-stakes IP disputes, providing both strategic pre-litigation counseling and unwavering advocacy at trial. He brings extensive experience and has achieved precedent-setting results on behalf of Technology, Telecommunications, Life Sciences and Financial companies, including a complete victory as lead trial counsel in the first-ever federal trial on inter partes review estoppel. He also maintains longstanding relationships across Asia and particularly in Japan, where he practiced for three years, earning particular praise from clients for his nuanced understanding of both U.S. and Asian business cultures.
Dr. Gearing has authored 15 scientific publications. He is a named inventor on two U.S. patents, pertaining to implantable medical devices and friction and wear of novel nano-coatings (U.S. Patent Nos. 7,251,893 and 8,241,698).
“Brian is a sophisticated strategist and a practical problem solver,” said Michael Zeliger, Pillsbury’s Global Head of Intellectual Property. “He brings a rare combination of scientific expertise, courtroom experience and business acumen that make him a strong strategic fit for our global IP platform.”
Dr. Gearing joins Pillsbury amid significant growth within the firm’s Intellectual Property team. Over just the past few months, the firm has welcomed fellow IP partners Mark Abate in New York and J. Rick Taché in San Diego.
“I’m thrilled to join Pillsbury’s exceptional team,” said Dr. Gearing. “The firm’s position at the forefront of the tech sector, its standout reputation in disputes and its considerable international experience align perfectly with the needs and values of the companies I represent. I look forward to being part of such a forward-thinking law firm, and to collaborating with my new colleagues to further cement Pillsbury’s reputation in the U.S., Asia and globally.”
Pillsbury’s intellectual property lawyers provide comprehensive counsel to protect, manage and optimize IP assets, as well as to resolve IP-related disputes before regulatory bodies, in courts and at the negotiating table. The team includes over 70 lawyers, including numerous scientists and engineers with advanced technical degrees.