With thirty years of litigation experience, Karen’s practice focuses primarily on patent infringement litigation before the Delaware District Court. She serves on Morris Nichols’ Executive Committee and was formerly Practice Group Coordinator of the firm’s Intellectual Property Litigation Group.
Karen’s trial experience as an IP litigator includes both lead counsel and co-counsel roles where she has secured favorable outcomes at the district court level, on appeal to the Federal Circuit, and through settlement negotiations.
Karen’s clients cover a range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, life sciences, biotechnology, electronics, computer software, telecommunications, and consumer products. Her representative clients include Thermo Fisher, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon.com, Genentech, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Motorola Mobility, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, ON Semiconductor, and PCM.
In addition to handling patent disputes, Karen also has experience in a variety of other intellectual property and commercial litigation areas, including copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition, and contract and licensing disputes.
She has been recognized as an intellectual property law leader by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America®, Delaware Super Lawyers, Managing IP, and others.
Karen has long been an activist in a variety of community activities and is a recipient of the Delaware State Bar Association’s Community Service Award.
In her support of health and wellness initiatives, Karen serves as chair of the Delaware State Bar Association (“DSBA”) Professional Guidance Committee, which offers peer guidance and support to lawyers with practice-related or personal issues, and is a frequent speaker on lawyer wellness in this leadership role. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Delaware Lawyers Assistance Fund and the Philadelphia Regional Advisory Board of the Caron Treatment Center.
Karen is also an avid advocate of legal representation for the poor. She is a board member and past president of Delaware Volunteer Legal Services. She also served as chair of the Combined Campaign for Justice, which benefits the three legal aid agencies in Delaware that serve low-income populations. She currently serves as Legal Community Section Chair of the United Way of Delaware. She also volunteers with Big Brothers, Big Sisters as a mentor at a local Wilmington elementary school and at the Joseph’s Food Pantry at Congregation Beth Emeth.
A longtime champion for diversity and a leader in the Delaware Bar, Karen previously served as chair of the DSBA Women and Law Section. In 2009, Karen was the recipient of the organization’s Women’s Leadership Award, presented to a member whose character, strength, personality, achievement and activities in matters affecting women lawyers have served as an inspiration to and a model for women lawyers.
Wilmington, DE (August 20, 2020) – Thirty-one Morris Nichols attorneys were recognized in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 67,000 eligible attorneys. Five Morris Nichols attorneys received “Lawyer of the Year” designations (noted with an asterisk below). This... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (June 23, 2020) – The 2020 edition of IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals again ranks Morris Nichols’ intellectual property litigation group in the highest Delaware tier. IAM sources espouse, “Morris Nichols continues to represent the gold standard when it comes to patent litigation in... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 28, 2020) – Fourteen Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion in 2020 Delaware Super Lawyers. Ken Nachbar and Bill Lafferty appear on the “Top 10” list recognizing the Delaware lawyers who received the highest point totals – with Bill designated as the “Number One” attorney on the Top 10. In... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (April 23, 2020) – Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP appears in the top tier in four Delaware practice categories in the 2020 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business released today. The prestigious Chambers guide has consistently ranked Morris Nichols as a Band 1 law firm for Delaware... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (March 27, 2020) – Yesterday, Managing Intellectual Property released the winners of its 2020 Americas Awards. Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP partner Karen Jacobs was awarded the regional prize for “Outstanding Litigator: Delaware.” The annual MIP Americas Awards cover the top IP firms and individuals in Canada,... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 15, 2019) – Thirty-five Morris Nichols attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 94,000 eligible attorneys. Seven firm attorneys received “Lawyer of the Year” designations (noted with an asterisk below).... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (June 17, 2019) – The eighth edition of IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals again ranks the Morris Nichols intellectual property litigation group in the highest tier for Delaware patent litigation. Touting the practice as “a sure bet for the gold tier year in, year out,” the results reflect the... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 19, 2019) – Managing Intellectual Property has released 2019 Managing IP – IP Stars guide, ranking Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP as a “highly recommended” Delaware IP law firm. Morris Nichols partners Jack Blumenfeld and Karen Jacobs were both listed as 2019 “IP Stars.” Karen also earned recognition as... Continue Reading
Fifteen Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion in 2019 Delaware Super Lawyers. Derek C. Abbott and William M. Lafferty appear on the “Top 10” list recognizing the Delaware lawyers who received the highest point totals – with Bill designated as the “Number One” attorney on the Top 10. In addition,... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (April 25, 2019) – The 2019 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Guide to Leading Lawyers for Business has again ranked Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP as a leading Delaware law firm in four practice categories. For more than a decade, Morris Nichols has consistently been ranked Band 1 in Chambers’ Delaware tables for... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 15, 2018) – Thirty-three attorneys from Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP were selected for inclusion in the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 87,000 eligible attorneys. Three firm attorneys earned “Lawyer of the Year” designations... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (June 15, 2018) – Intellectual Asset Management (“IAM”) has released the 2018 IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals. The seventh edition reports “Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell is seen by many as the best of the best in Delaware” and ranks the firm in the highest, gold band for... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 18, 2018) – Seventeen Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion in 2018 Delaware Super Lawyers. William M. Lafferty was ranked number one on the “Top 10” list for Delaware. In addition, attorneys Eric S. Klinger-Wilensky, Kimberly Gill McKinnon, D. McKinley (Mac) Measley, Andrew R. Remming, and... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 18, 2018) – Managing Intellectual Property has released the 2018-19 Managing IP – IP Stars guide, ranking Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP in the highest tier for Delaware IP law firms. In addition to the top-notch firm ranking, Morris Nichols partners Jack Blumenfeld, Maryellen Noreika and Karen Jacobs were all... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 3, 2018) – Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP has been ranked Band 1 in four Delaware practice categories in the 2018 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. The firm was ranked in the highest tier for Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Chancery, Corporate M&A & Alternative Entities, and... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 1, 2018) – The 2018 edition of Managing Intellectual Property’s Top 250 Women in IP lists Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP partner Karen Jacobs among leading female IP practitioners, and only one of two practitioners named in Delaware. This special publication from the editor of IP Stars highlights women in... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 15, 2017) – Thirty-two attorneys from Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP were selected for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 83,000 eligible attorneys. Six firm attorneys earned “Lawyer of the Year” designations (noted... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (July 14, 2017) – Intellectual Asset Management (“IAM”) has released the sixth edition of IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals. The 2017 guide pronounces Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP a “tier-one practice” brimming with “high-quality professionals who possess a wealth of knowledge and... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 26, 2017) – The 2017 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business again ranked Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP as a Band 1 law firm in the Delaware categories for Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Chancery, Corporate M&A & Alternative Entities, and Intellectual Property. Twenty-three... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 23, 2017) – Managing Intellectual Property has once again ranked Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP as a “highly recommended” Delaware IP law firm. The firm earned the highest possible ranking in the Managing IP – IP Stars (2017) guide. The publication deemed Morris Nichols, “one of the biggest IP groups... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 12, 2017) – Sixteen Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion to the 2017 Delaware Super Lawyers list. William M. Lafferty was named to the “Top 10” list for Delaware. In addition, attorneys Eric S. Klinger-Wilensky, Kimberly Gill McKinnon, D. McKinley (Mac) Measley, and Curtis S. Miller were... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (March 20, 2017) – Four Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP partners will be listed in Expert Guides: Patents. Jack. B. Blumenfeld, Karen Jacobs, Maryellen Noreika and Rodger D. Smith II have all been identified as leading individuals in the legal industry through Expert Guides independent client and peer research. About... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 15, 2016) – Thirty attorneys from Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP were selected for inclusion in the 2017 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 79,000 eligible attorneys. Six firm attorneys earned “Lawyer of the Year” designations (noted... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 31, 2016) – Intellectual Asset Management (“IAM”) has released the fifth edition of IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals. The 2016 guide pronounces Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP a “patent litigation powerhouse” and ranks the firm in its highest, Gold band on the Delaware rankings... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 27, 2016) – The 2016 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business again ranked Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP as a Band 1 law firm in the Delaware categories for Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Chancery, Corporate M&A & Alternative Entities, and Intellectual Property. Twenty-five Morris... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 24, 2016) – Managing Intellectual Property has once again ranked Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP as a “highly recommended” Delaware IP law firm. The firm earned the highest possible ranking in the Managing IP – IP Stars (2016) guide. The publication deemed Morris Nichols, “one of the biggest IP groups in... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 13, 2016) – Seventeen Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion to the 2016 Delaware Super Lawyers list. Jack B. Blumenfeld was named to the “Top 10” list for Delaware. In addition, attorneys Eric S. Klinger-Wilensky, D. McKinley (Mac) Measley, Curtis S. Miller, and Matthew R. Clark were recognized as... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 3, 2016) – Six partners from Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP have been included in Best Lawyers Business Edition’s list of 2016 Women in the Law. Featuring peer-nominated attorneys in 140 practice areas, the list is part of the inaugural Best Lawyers Business Edition publication, produced in collaboration with the... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (February 3, 2016) – Three Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP partners will be listed in Who’s Who Legal: Patents 2016. Jack. B. Blumenfeld, Karen Jacobs, and Rodger D. Smith II have all been identified as leaders in their field through Who’s Who Legal’s independent client and peer research. The annual guide recognizes... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (January 6, 2016) – Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP partner Karen Jacobs has been named a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. An honorary organization of attorneys, judges, law faculty, and legal scholars, the Fellows demonstrate outstanding achievements and dedication to the welfare of their communities and to the... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 17, 2015) – Thirty attorneys from Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP were selected for inclusion in the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 79,000 eligible attorneys. Jack B. Blumenfeld was named the Best Lawyers® 2016 Litigation-Intellectual... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (June 17, 2015) – Today, Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) released the fourth edition of IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals. The guide ranks Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP as a “Gold” band law firm in Delaware, noting that the firm “achieves the rare feat of making major plays on the... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (June 6, 2015) – Four Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP partners have been named in Who’s Who Legal: Patents 2015. Through client and peer research, the independent guide evaluates hundreds of attorneys worldwide to identify top patent attorneys. Morris Nichols partners Jack. B. Blumenfeld, Karen Jacobs, Maryellen... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 27, 2015) – In the 2015 edition of IP Stars, Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP has been “highly recommended” for intellectual property in Delaware, the highest possible ranking. Noting that Morris Nichols “is a highly acclaimed general practice law firm with a strong intellectual property group and a diverse... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 19, 2015) – The 2015 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business ranked Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP as a Band 1 law firm in the Delaware categories for Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Chancery, Corporate M&A & Alternative Entities, and Intellectual Property. Twenty-three Morris Nichols... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 15, 2015) – Sixteen Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion to the 2015 Delaware Super Lawyers. Jack B. Blumenfeld was named to the “Top 10” list for Delaware. In addition, attorneys Eric S. Klinger-Wilensky, Curtis S. Miller and Matthew R. Clark were recognized as 2015 Delaware Rising Stars. Morris... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (March 1, 2015) – Patents Expert Guide has released its 2015 international guide to the top legal practitioners advising on patent law. Morris Nichols partners Jack B. Blumenfeld, Karen Jacobs, and Rodger D. Smith II are recognized in the United States listing. The 2015 Patents Expert Guide covers 62 jurisdictions... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 18, 2014) – Twenty-eight attorneys from Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell were selected for inclusion in the 2015 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The results are based on peer-review evaluations from more than 50,000 attorneys. Two partners received special recognition as 2015 Delaware Lawyer of the Year: Jack... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (June 13, 2014) – Four Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell lawyers have been named in the Who’s Who Legal: Patents 2014, an independent research guide on the world’s leading patent lawyers. Jack B. Blumenfeld, Karen Jacobs, Maryellen Noreika, and Rodger D. Smith, II are among 670 experts in 57 worldwide jurisdictions revealed... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (June 2, 2014) – The 2014 edition of IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Practitioners ranked Morris Nichols in the gold tier for Delaware, noting the firm “is a first port of call for litigators seeking local counsel in Delaware.” In addition to this top firm ranking, five Morris Nichols’ attorneys were ranked.... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 19, 2014) – 17 Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers - Delaware Edition 2013. Jack Blumenfeld and A. Gilchrist Sparks, III, were named to the Best of the Best Top 10 Delaware Super Lawyers list. In addition, attorneys Eric Klinger-Wilensky and Curtis Miller were recognized as 2014 Delaware... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 23, 2014) – The 2014 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business today ranked twenty-one Morris Nichols’ attorneys and four practice groups as best in Delaware. Chambers annually conducts in-depth interviews of commercial users of legal services to assess the strengths and reputations of US... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (March, 2014) – The Firm congratulates its 21 attorneys who will be included in the 2014 Chambers USA “Leaders in their Field” legal directory by Chambers & Partners. Several practices and lawyers are recognized in more than one area. Delaware A Gilchrist Sparks III, Chancery & Corporate /M&A Derek C Abbott,... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (January 8, 2014) – Managing Intellectual Property ("MIP") magazine has named two Morris Nichols Intellectual Property Litigation Group partners – Karen Jacobs and Julie Heaney – to its inaugural list of IP STARS – TOP 250 WOMEN IN IP. The publication is the guide to the leading female intellectual... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 21, 2013) – Morris Nichols is pleased to announce that two thirds of the firm's partnership have been selected for inclusion in the 2014 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. The firm was noted for 60 individual specialty selections, 22 "Top-Listed" practice specialties, and five individual 2014 Delaware Lawyers of the... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 23, 2013) – 22 Morris Nichols attorneys have been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers - Delaware Edition 2013. Rick Alexander and A. Gilchrist Sparks, III, were named to the Best of the Best Top 10 Delaware Super Lawyers list. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (May 24, 2013) – The 2013 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business today ranked seventeen Morris Nichols’ attorneys and four practice groups as best in Delaware. Chambers annually conducts in-depth interviews of commercial users of legal services to assess the strengths and reputations of US... Continue Reading
Wilmington, DE (August 31, 2012) – 28 Morris Nichols attorneys have been named to The Best Lawyers in America 2013 in twenty two practice areas. Morris Nichols lawyers were selected for outstanding reputations and distinguished work in their practice areas based on a confidential peer-review survey of the top attorneys in the country, according... Continue Reading
Karen Jacobs, Megan E. Dellinger, Eleanor G. Tennyson, “Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product Immunity,” Ch. 5, Patent Litigation (3rd Edition), Practising Law Institute (September 2018)
Jack B. Blumenfeld, Karen Jacobs, Jeremy A. Tigan, “Pretrial Preparation,” ANDA Litigation: Strategies and Tactics for Pharmaceutical Patent Litigators, p. 329-350, Kenneth L. Dorsney ed., ABA Publishing (2012)
Thomas C. Grimm, Julia Heaney, Karen Jacobs, “Trademarks in Cyberspace,” Delaware Lawyer, Vol. 18, No. 4 (Winter 2000-2001)
The Delaware State Bar Association hosts its 27th Women and the Law Section Retreat from March 1-2, 2019 in Rehoboth Beach, Del. Morris Nichols partner Karen Jacobs will speak on the wellness panel, “Lawyer Wellness Does Not Have to Be an Oxymoron.” This panel discusses why lawyers do not seek the help they need but also what Delaware is doing... Continue Reading
In cooperation with the American Intellectual Property Law Association, Morris Nichols is proud to host a networking event and dinner in Wilmington, Del. as part of the 2015 Women in Intellectual Property Global Networking Event on May 21, 2015. Morris Nichols partner Karen Jacobs will moderate a panel discussion on “Effective... Continue Reading
Practising Law Institute will host a two-hour CLE program on "Venue Based Patent Litigation Strategies" on July 14, 2010. Morris Nichols partner Karen Jacobs will serve as a presenter at this event spotlighting the Eastern District of Texas, the District of Delaware, and Northern and Central Districts of California. Attendees will learn how each... Continue Reading