Phelps’ IP Practice and Lawyers Return as 2025 IP Stars
NEW ORLEANS — July 31, 2025 — Phelps’ Intellectual Property practice and practitioners earned ongoing recognition from Managing IP’s annual worldwide rankings. Three lawyers returned as IP Stars in 2025, and the practice was again recognized as “highly recommended” nationally and in Louisiana. Firm partners named IP Stars are:
David Patrón — Trademark Star
Drew Patty — Patent Star, Trademark Star
Mary Ellen Roy — Copyright Star, Trademark Star
During a six-month research process, which includes peer reviews, Managing IP conducts a yearly evaluation of global IP lawyers and practices. Phelps’ multiple recognitions reflect its comprehensive services in hard and “soft” IP, prosecution, enforcement and litigation.
About Phelps’ IP Stars
New Orleans partner David Patrón heads the firm’s litigation practice and has three decades of experience resolving disputes for leaders in technology, energy, health care, entertainment and other industries.
David has defended Google, YouTube and affiliated companies in multiple lawsuits alleging defamation, trademark infringement and copyright infringement. He has also obtained temporary restraining orders and preliminary and permanent injunctions against cybersquatters using phishing attacks and committing cybersecurity crimes. David has successfully tried and defended trade secret misappropriation claims for energy sector clients. He has received recognition from Managing IP for at least the past five years.
Working from Phelps’ Baton Rouge and Raleigh offices, Drew Patty uses his background in biochemistry and decades of experience in chemical patent practice to secure critical protections for clients’ global IP portfolios.
Drew’s current focus on the intersection of IP, AI and data privacy keeps clients and their innovations ahead of emerging laws and challenges. He also defends clients in patent, trademark and related litigation in various jurisdictions. His IP due diligence work also supports complex business deals and asset-based lenders. Drew has earned a spot as an IP Star since 2013.
A veteran First Amendment and media law advocate, Mary Ellen Roy represents national clients in music, motion pictures, publishing, sports, streaming, broadcasting and other industries.
The New Orleans-based litigator uses vital IP protections to safeguard clients’ reputations and livelihoods. Her practice spans copyright and trademark advice and counseling, licensing, prosecutions, and disputes before the U.S. Copyright Office, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and international arbitrations before the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This is Mary Ellen’s third consecutive recognition as an IP Star.
Phelps’ Intellectual Property practice earns its place as highly recommended nationally and in Louisiana for the depth and breadth of its IP law representation. From patent protections for new inventions to USPTO and international services, Phelps serves clients in such key industries as computer programming, communications, energy, cybersecurity, chemical and manufacturing, and in disputes over insurance coverage and defense obligations for IP claims.