PHILADELPHIA, PA — Seven attorneys from intellectual property law firm Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP have been recognized in the 2026 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars rankings, a designation awarded to a small percentage of attorneys statewide based on peer evaluations and independent research.
The Philadelphia-based firm’s recognition highlights continued demand for specialized intellectual property counsel as businesses increasingly seek legal protection for patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and other intangible assets that can represent significant commercial value.
Martin G. Belisario, Dennis J. Butler, Clark A. Jablon, and Stephen E. Murray were named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for intellectual property law. Keith A. Jones and John D. Simmons were recognized in the intellectual property litigation category.
Ava E. Lutz was named a Pennsylvania Rising Star for intellectual property law, a distinction reserved for younger attorneys or those in practice for 10 years or less.
According to Thomson Reuters, which administers the Super Lawyers program, no more than 5% of attorneys in a state are selected as Super Lawyers in a given year. Rising Stars designations are limited to an even smaller segment of the legal profession.
Candidates are evaluated through a process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and professional achievement indicators. Factors considered include verdicts and settlements, honors and awards, certifications, pro bono work, community involvement, and scholarly publications and presentations.
Panitch Schwarze focuses exclusively on intellectual property law and maintains offices in Philadelphia, Wilmington, Delaware, and Alexandria, Virginia. The firm advises clients on patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licensing matters, domain names, internet-related disputes, and intellectual property litigation.
The firm also works with an international network of legal associates to provide intellectual property protection and enforcement services in multiple jurisdictions worldwide.
The latest rankings come as intellectual property issues continue to grow in importance across industries ranging from technology and life sciences to manufacturing and consumer products, where patent portfolios, trademarks, and proprietary technologies increasingly influence competitive positioning and business value.
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