David Gross Named an Attorney of the Year

David J.F. Gross, head of the Faegre & Benson intellectual property litigation practice, has been named an Attorney of the Year for 2008 by Minnesota Lawyer magazine.

The publication recognized 21 lawyers who distinguished themselves last year through leadership in the profession, involvement in major cases or other newsworthy events, excellence in corporate or transactional services, and public service.

Gross was selected for the award based on his role as lead trial counsel for Seagate Technology in a complex patent case brought by Siemens. Siemens sued Seagate in 2006 in the Central District of California, alleging that all Seagate disc drives since 2000 infringed a patent on a Siemens' sensor technology. Following a six-week jury trial in the Central District of California, the jury returned a complete defense verdict for Seagate in December 2008.

Minnesota Lawyer published a special section featuring the honorees in its February issue. Award recipients will also be recognized at a February 24 reception and dinner.

In addition to this award, Gross was recognized by Minnesota Lawyer as an Attorney of the Year in 2003 for his role as lead trial counsel in an intellectual property trial victory on behalf of Wyeth.