Overview
(August 18, 2025, Washington, DC) – Steptoe has been recognized in the highest tier with an "Outstanding" firm ranking in World IP Review's (WIPR) Global Trade Secrets Rankings 2025. In addition to the firm's top-tier recognition, partner Boyd Cloern was individually ranked "Outstanding," while Bill Toth and Grace Wang were named "Recommended."
WIPR praised Steptoe's "relentlessly responsive" and "highly skilled" team, which handles trade secrets matters across multiple continents, including complex IP claims, corporate espionage, and high-stakes litigation. The firm's multidisciplinary approach – spanning IP, criminal, investigations, commercial litigation, and compliance – was especially noted for its strength in China, where Steptoe's "brilliant litigators" and "dedication" to China-based clients stand out. Associate Grace Wang was highlighted for her strategic cross-border contributions, Bill Toth for his "encyclopedic" knowledge of trade secret law, and Boyd Cloern as “the definitive go-to counsel to transform peril into triumph.” Partner Leah Quadrino was also noted as a key contact, with peers calling her and Cloern "among the best in the business."
The team’s recent successes include a $64 million jury verdict for Prague-based CODA Development against Goodyear, and its longstanding defense of Chinese company Hytera in a high-profile trade secrets dispute with Motorola. The group also secured a major win in the DOJ’s criminal case against Hytera, reducing potential fines from $900 million to $60 million and obtaining dismissal of 20 out of 21 counts.
Steptoe’s Trade Secrets team advises clients on protecting proprietary information, recovering misappropriated trade secrets, and navigating litigation and compliance challenges across jurisdictions. The firm's deep bench and international reach position it to handle the most significant and sensitive trade secrets matters.
WIPR's Global Trade Secrets Rankings spotlight firms and individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill in navigating high-value, cross-border disputes and advising on strategic trade secrets issues. The 2025 edition reflects the growing importance of trade secrets in global IP strategy and the increasing complexity of related litigation.
Learn more about Steptoe's rankings at WIPR and the firm's profile here.
About Steptoe
In more than 110 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
