Knobbe Martens, one of the leading intellectual property law firms in the nation, is pleased to announce the addition of two partners, Veronica Colby Devitt and Marlene J. Williams, to its San Francisco office.

“Knobbe Martens is pleased to welcome lawyers with such outstanding talent and reputation. Their history of success and expertise expands the capabilities of our San Francisco office,” said Steven Nataupsky, Managing Partner of the firm.

Both Devitt and Williams join Knobbe from Thelen LLP’s San Francisco office.

Devitt focuses her practice on trademark counseling, global trademark portfolio management, prosecution and litigation. She brings her expertise on trademark law, has practiced before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and written and spoken on trademark law before numerous bar associations including the American Bar Association, the International Trademark Association, and the American Intellectual Property Law Association. Devitt is a graduate of Marquette University (M.A. and B.A.) and received her J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law.

Williams focuses her practice on trademark portfolio management, worldwide prosecution and policing of trademarks, dispute resolution, UDPR proceedings, litigation, copyright law, licensing, Internet law and rights of publicity. She brings over ten years of experience in assisting clients in the selection, creation and protection of brands. Williams advises clients in a variety of industries ranging from medical devices and software to apparel and consumer goods and services. Williams received her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. 

The Supreme Court agreed Friday to consider reinstating a roughly $500 million settlement of asbestos-related lawsuits against the Travelers Companies Inc.

The settlement would also block any new lawsuits against Travelers arising out of the insurance company's long relationship with Johns Manville Corp., once the world's largest producer of asbestos.

Travelers has been named in dozens of lawsuits claiming that it tried to hide the dangerous health effects of asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used until the mid-1970s in insulation and fireproofing material. Exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and other ailments, according to federal health agencies.

The company has argued that asbestos-related claims should be paid out of a trust created by Johns Manville in the 1980s and approved by a federal bankruptcy judge. Money for the fund came largely from insurers.

Travelers agreed to settle with several groups of plaintiffs provided that federal courts make clear that it would not have to face any new similar lawsuits.

The 2nd U.S Circuit Court of Appeals in New York overturned lower-court approval of the settlement, saying a bankruptcy judge lacks the authority to act so broadly. The justices, at arguments in March, will consider the question of the bankruptcy court's power.

The consolidated cases are The Travelers Indemnity Co. v. Bailey, 08-295, and Common Law Settlement Counsel v. Bailey, 08-307.