Merritt Westcott's practice focuses in patent litigation, including analysis of infringement, validity, and enforceability of patents, as well as in intellectual property counseling. Her cases are in a variety of industries, with a concentration is those related to biotechnology, including matters involving genetically engineered crops and food products, genetically engineered and traditional pharmaceuticals, monoclonal antibodies, and blood cell control products. In addition, she has been actively involved in litigation matters related to mass storage systems, computer software, and oil and gas exploration technology. Merritt counsels clients on intellectual property litigation strategy, licensing, and settlement negotiations. She is experienced in all aspects of case development, as well as handling indemnification issues related to intellectual property litigations. She also has experience in representing clients in patent interference proceedings, both before the USPTO's Board of Appeals and Interferences and in federal district court. Within her counseling practice, she assists clients in assessing their competitors’ patent portfolios. This includes advising clients with respect to their relative freedom to operate a given technology.
