Los Angeles & San Francisco, CA. Nixon Peabody LLP has further expanded its Intellectual Property practice on the West Coast with the addition of Sasha G. Rao and Brandon H. Stroy, who join as partners in the firm’s San Francisco office, and Ashe Puri, who joins as partner in the Los Angeles office.
Sasha, Brandon, and Ashe are the latest arrivals drawn to Nixon Peabody’s nationally recognized Intellectual Property practice, which has experienced tremendous recent growth driven by increased market demand. Both individually and collectively, they bring extensive experience representing a diverse range of clients, from startups working on some of the most pressing problems facing humanity to blue-chip multinational companies that are household names. Their work encompasses litigation involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, unfair competition, and complex commercial disputes across various technologies and industries that complement Nixon Peabody’s existing cross-practice and industry teams.
“Sasha, Ashe, and Brandon have a proven track record of delivering exceptional results for their clients and have a deep understanding of the evolving IP and technology litigation landscape,” said Seth Levy, leader of Nixon Peabody's Intellectual Property practice. “Their creative litigation strategies, sophisticated approach to client relationships, and facility with emerging industries—particularly in high-tech, aerospace, consumer products, and fintech—nicely augment our existing full-service capabilities. We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic and accomplished team to our firm.”
Sasha, a decorated IP attorney, advises clients across all IP needs, including patent, trademark, and copyright litigation and prosecution and IP strategy and transactions. Having a strong foothold in Silicon Valley, her practice is particularly focused on breakthrough science, including artificial intelligence, fintech, and drones. She has tried cases in district courts across the United States and before the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), leveraging her strong technical background to develop effective courtroom strategies for cases ranging from modern electronics to autonomous vehicles in technology and from small pharmaceutical molecules to large biotech molecules in life sciences.
Ashe has extensive experience in patent infringement disputes across a range of technology and life sciences matters, including semiconductors, wireless networking, uncrewed aircraft, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and computer hardware and software. He is experienced in USPTO trials and appeals, including inter partes review and ex parte reexaminations. In addition to his litigation work, Ashe regularly advises clients on developing IP strategy and navigating IP-related freedom-to-operate issues.
Brandon, who has a background in electrical and biomedical engineering, centers his practice on IP litigation, counseling, and diligence. While he has extensive experience as a litigator—including having tried patent cases related to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, computers, and software—Brandon also advises clients on strategic and business issues related to IP portfolio management, valuation, and licensing. He has significant experience helping clients navigate IP matters related to drones and autonomous vehicles and also regularly advises clients on AI policies and IP implications.
Sasha earned her JD from New York University School of Law and her BA, magna cum laude, from Randolph Macon Woman’s College. Ashe earned his JD from Villanova University School of Law and a BS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Brandon earned his JD from Columbia University and his MEM and BS from Duke University.