Alice Mendelsohn Ribbens Ph.D.
Overview
Dr. Ribbens’ experience with a variety of technologies and legal issues makes her a valuable asset to any team involved in complex litigation that involves intellectual property or other technical issues. Dr. Ribbens has a Ph.D. and BS in Materials Science & Engineering, both with an emphasis in polymer science. Her graduate research focused on the use of various techniques involving polymer photophysics to investigate the properties of block copolymers in blends and in solutions. Her work also involved polymer synthesis and a variety of polymer characterization techniques.
Prior to joining the firm, Dr. Ribbens spent several years working in R&D at 3M and Imation, developing materials to be used in color proofing and printing plates as well as in diagnostic imaging. She also spent several years at a consulting company as a chemical information specialist where she assisted numerous companies with the evaluation of their patent portfolios and technology assessment needs.
Dr. Ribbens has extensive experience with every aspect of a case, including initial case assessment through trial and appeal. Although her primary focus has been cases involving intellectual property litigation (both patents and trade secret issues), she has also assisted with contract disputes involving technology as well as class action and antitrust matters. She has worked on cases involving a variety of technologies, including composites, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, mechanical equipment, medical devices, and hardware and software.
Dr. Ribbens is also an avid scuba diver and PADI certified Open Water Scuba Instructor and Master Scuba Diver Trainer. She regularly volunteers with the Reef Education Environmental Foundation and is part of their Advanced Assessment teams for both the Tropical Western Atlantic and Central Indo-Pacific regions.
Credentials
Education
- Northwestern University, Ph.D., Materials Science & Engineering (1994)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, B.S., Materials Science & Engineering (1989); Tau Beta Pi (engineering honor society); Sigma Xi (research honor society)
Selected Results
Representative Matters
Science Advisor on WNS Holdings LLC et al. v. Northwest Airlines Inc.: The firm defended Northwest Airlines, Inc. in a patent infringement suit relating to GPS and avionics technology. Specifically, Plaintiffs accused Northwest of infringing the patents through the alleged use of Automatic Dependant Surveillance, including ADS-B. After extensive discovery, a dismissal of the action was obtained, and the client secured the right to potentially recover its fees and costs in the event of any future litigation.
Sole Science Advisor on Ricoh v. Pitney Bowes where the firm represented Pitney Bowes Inc. in a patent infringement defense case involving Pitney Bowes' mailing machines. The case was tried in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Trenton Division, with Judge Brown presiding. The jury returned a verdict of invalidity in favor of Pitney Bowes finding anticipation of all 18 asserted claims. In addition, during trial, the court entered summary judgment of anticipation of four additional claims. Jury decision affirmed in post-trial memorandum by the district court and summarily affirmed by the Federal Circuit.
Science Advisor for a case where the firm represented medical device manufacturer ev3, Inc. in patent litigation against Boston Scientific Corporation and Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. involving multiple families of patents related to embolic protection technology. The patent claims and counterclaims settled before trial on a confidential basis.
Recognition
- American Association of University Women Selected Professions Fellowship (Northwestern)
- Royal J. Cabell Fellowship (Northwestern)
- National Merit Scholar (MIT)
- Maryland State Senatorial Scholarship (MIT)
- Four Year Varsity Award (MIT)
Community
Civic
- Sandbox Theatre, former member Board of Directors
- MIT Club of Minnesota, former member Board of Directors
- Tapestry Folkdance Center, former Board Member
Professional
- American Intellectual Property Law Association
- Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association
- American Chemical Society
- Patent Information Users Group
News & Insights
In the News
Media Mentions
- Attorney at Law Magazine, "Robins Kaplan: Placing Tech at the Forefront of Law," (September 3, 2021)
Practices
Admissions
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
