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Brent A. Lorentz

Communication is the most important part of my practice.

Contact: P /612.604.6481E /[email protected]

Education

Duke University School of Law, J.D., 2006

• Duke Journal of Constitutional Law and Policy

University of North Dakota, B.S., Mechanical Engineering, summa cum laude, Tau Beta Pi, 2003

• Presidential Scholar

Bar Admissions

Minnesota, 2006

U.S. District Court, D. Minn., 2006

U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Cir., 2009

U.S. Court of Appeals, Fed. Cir., 2009

U.S. District Court, W.D. Wis., 2011

U.S. Supreme Court, 2016

U.S. District Court, E.D. Wis., 2018

My Approach

I represent clients in complex commercial litigation matters, whether it be related to intellectual property, insurance coverage, or shareholder disputes. Utilizing my background in mechanical engineering, I help clients through the process-intensive aspects of litigation – the nitty gritty of complaints, discovery and depositions – and have an eye for the creativity required to come up with a new legal theory or new way to explain my clients’ position.

I enjoy the matters where I can get involved as early as possible, where I can help clients assess risks and create a strategic plan for the course the litigation should take, to guide them to a more efficient outcome, or prevent a lawsuit before it begins.

Outside of work, I enjoy being active, a task that my three children help ensure. When I can, I still go deer hunting with my dad – which really means I stand around shivering for three hours.

Practice Areas

Practicing Intellectual Property Litigation

My Experience

I represent clients in all aspects of intellectual property litigation, including complaints, discovery, depositions, and motion practice. I work with clients to understand their businesses, so that together we can look at the cost-benefit analysis of litigation and devise a strategy that works for their goals. I work with patents, trademarks, copyrights and licensing, and I have a personal passion for representing clients in the video game, game development and gaming industry.

Representative Matters

• In the Matter of Certain Formatted Magnetic Data Storage Tapes and Cartridges Containing the Same, ITC Investigation No. 337-TA-931 – Represented a small Minnesota business, Advanced Research Corporation, in complex patent infringement litigation against IBM, Oracle, and Fujifilm before the International Trade Commission.
• Medtronic, Inc. v. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al., D. Minn. Case No. 11-cv-1650 – Represented Edward Lifesciences in patent infringement action involving bioprosthetic heart valve systems and holders.
• Inline Packaging, LLC v. Graphic Packaging International, D. Minn. Case No. 15-cv-3183 – Representing Inline Packaging in connection with antitrust and patent case involving microwave susceptor products and technology.
• Marvin Windows & Doors – Represented Marvin in connection with software licensing dispute and termination threatened by Oracle.
• Jax Ltd., Inc. – Represented longtime Minnesota game manufacturer in connection with all types of legal issues incident to the business including trademark and copyright issues, licensing disputes, sales representative and distributor agreements, and litigation.

Awards

Local Litigation Star

Benchmark Litigation, 2015-2022, 2024

40 & Under Hot List

Benchmark Litigation, 2018-2019

Practicing Coverage Litigation & Counseling

My Experience

I represent insurance companies in litigation in coverage issues involving all lines of insurance, and work closely with clients on budgeting, prioritizing and focusing on core legal and factual issues. I work to consider all available alternatives and negotiate the best solutions in mediation and settlements, focusing on serving my clients’ needs.  When tough litigation or trial is necessary, I represent clients in all litigation phases—pleadings, discovery, motions, trials and appeals.

Representative Matters

• United Health Group v. Columbia Casuatly Co., et al., D. Minn. Case. No. 05-CV-01289, Eighth Cir. Case No. 15-1076 – Represented insurers National Union and Starr in connection with liability policy coverage dispute with $70 million in coverage at issue. Successfully litigated the case before the District Court and the Court of Appeals resulting in zero liability to our clients. The case also resulted in multiple published opinions favorable to our client.
• 3M v. National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Pa., et al., D. Minn. Case No. 14-cv-1058, Eighth Cir. Case No. 15-3495 – Successfully represented insurer National Union in connection with complex fidelity bond coverage case arising from alleged Ponzi scheme losses. Successfully litigated the case before the District Court and the Court of Appeals resulting in zero liability to our clients. The case also resulted in multiple published opinions favorable to our client.
• In addition to the above, I regularly consult with and advise clients regarding the presence or absence of insurance coverage for occurrences, claims, or losses that may occur. Analysis often focuses on complex liability policy issues (such as professional liability and directors and officers liability) and first-party coverages (such as business loss insurance and fidelity/crime policies).

Awards

Local Litigation Star

Benchmark Litigation, 2015-2022, 2024

40 & Under Hot List

Benchmark Litigation, 2018-2019

Practicing Shareholder Disputes

My Experience

I represent owners of closely-held companies when shareholder disputes arise, either you are the wronged party looking to pursue a claim, or have received a threatening letter and need to understand whether you’ve been used and what the potential outs are. I guide clients to an efficient, favorable outcome.

Representative Matters

• Advanced Records Management – Represented majority owner and controlling member of records management company in dispute with brother regarding ownership and operations of company. Resulted in successful buyout.
• MEDgineering – Represented founding shareholder of medical consulting business in connection with dispute relating to distribution and fiduciary duty issues. Resulted in successful separation and buyout.

Also experienced in

Energy Litigation & Appeals

Professional Liability

Unfair Competition

Honors & Awards

The Best Lawyers in America©

Commercial Litigation, 2023-2025

Local Litigation Star

Benchmark Litigation, 2015-2022, 2024

Rising Stars

Minnesota Super Lawyers®, 2013-2020

Up & Coming Attorney in Litigation: Appellate

Chambers USA, 2013

40 & Under Hot List

Benchmark Litigation, 2018-2020

Associations & Memberships

Intellectual Property and Cyberlaw Society

Board Member

Children's Law Center

Volunteer Attorney