Technology
In the dynamic, multifaceted sectors of technology and innovation, Downey Brand is at the forefront.
Our experienced teams of cross-disciplinary attorneys work closely with a wide array of industries and corporate practices that have unique technology needs: food and agriculture, health sciences, gaming, pharmaceuticals, automotive, aerospace, software and more. With a keen understanding of these nuanced enterprises, Downey Brand is uniquely positioned to help clients advance with the speed and technological acumen required by the innovation age.
Our attorneys oversee complex intellectual property issues involving hardware, software, mobile, and cloud-based applications. This includes registering and protecting domestic and international trademarks and copyrights, safeguarding clients through mergers and acquisitions to ensure patents are secure, and prosecuting and defending claims involving intellectual property assets. In our years of experience successfully navigating this changing landscape, we have also counseled clients in specialized matters such as domain name acquisition and enforcement, DMCA, HIPAA, and other related issues as they emerge.
Selected Experience
- Represents one of California’s largest grocery chains in business and technology transactions, including several multimillion dollar transaction involving the redesign of the client’s IT infrastructure, websites, and customer programs.
- Represents some of California’s largest healthcare companies in drafting and negotiating contracts, including multimillion dollar information technology agreements and master services agreements.
- Represented AtPac, Inc. a leading supplier of computer software used by clerk-recorder offices throughout California in a suit against its direct competitor for copyright infringement and trade secret misappropriation, which resulted in monetary sanctions against the defendants and a $1.9 million settlement for AtPac, Inc.
- Represents one of California’s largest grocery chains in business and technology transactions, including several multimillion dollar transaction involving the redesign of the client’s IT infrastructure, websites, and customer programs.
- Represents some of California’s largest healthcare companies in drafting and negotiating contracts, including multimillion dollar information technology agreements and master services agreements.
- Represented AtPac, Inc. a leading supplier of computer software used by clerk-recorder offices throughout California in a suit against its direct competitor for copyright infringement and trade secret misappropriation, which resulted in monetary sanctions against the defendants and a $1.9 million settlement for AtPac, Inc.
- Represented a leading supplier of computer software used by clerk-recorder offices throughout California in a copyright infringement and trade secret misappropriation case that resulted in extraordinary sanctions against the competing software company and a seven figure recovery for our client.
Kelly M. Breen
Kelly M. Breen
Counsel

Kelly Breen has a proven track record of helping clients navigate complex business issues with a common sense approach that achieves optimal results. She applies the right balance of aggressive advocacy, robust understanding of the law, and creative problem-solving to every case she handles.
Sacramento 916.520.5485 direct
Counsel
Sacramento 916.520.5485 direct
Anthony S. Chavez
Senior Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5436 direct
Sherry Hartel Haus
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5490 direct
Steven B. Hymas, II
Steven B. Hymas, II
Partner / Chair, Corporate, Securities and Tax Group

With over a decade of prior experience working in business and technology, Steve Hymas has a deep understanding of the legal issues clients face in relation to how their businesses work, the technical challenges they face, and how to handle those issues to best address their needs.
Sacramento 916.520.5538 direct
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5538 direct
Christopher Miles Kolkey
Senior Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5320 direct
James Robertson
James Robertson
Partner

James Robertson uses a unique combination of legal skills and business leadership experience to provide his clients with practical and efficient legal advice and to counsel his clients through complex business transactions and an increasingly burdensome regulatory environment.
Sacramento 916.520.5363 direct
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5363 direct
Reno 775.329.5900 direct
James L. Wigginton
Senior Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5332 direct
Press Releases
5 related items-
October 1, 2020Downey Brand Welcomes New Bankruptcy Litigation Associate Paul Gaus
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May 21, 2020Downey Brand Welcomes James Wigginton to its Growing Corporate Group in Sacramento
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July 1, 2019Downey Brand Welcomes New Counsel Kelly Breen
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June 28, 2019Anthony S. Chavez Joins Downey Brand’s Litigation Team
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September 17, 2018Downey Brand Welcomes Litigator Christopher Kolkey to its Sacramento Office
Legal Alerts
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April 8, 2020Sacramento County Health Officer Extends Stay at Home Order through May 1, 2020; Additional Clarifications for Essential Businesses
Downey Brand COVID-19 News and Updates Public Agency -
March 23, 2020UPDATED: Additional Guidance Provided on Critical Infrastructure Worker Designations in Wake of Statewide Order to Stay Home
Downey Brand COVID-19 News and Updates Public Agency -
March 20, 2020Statewide Order to Stay Home Prompts Questions Regarding Critical Infrastructure and Worker Classifications
Downey Brand COVID-19 News and Updates Public Agency -
February 18, 2020California Supreme Court Holds Apple Employees Must Be Compensated for Time Spent Undergoing Exit Searches
Employment Law
Publications
5 related items-
October 2017The “Wild West” of ADA Website Litigation
California Grocer, Issue 4 -
June 2017Protecting Intellectual Property Rights
California Grocer, Issue 3 -
April 24, 2017Patent Trial and Appeal Board Overturns an Examiner’s “Analogous Art” Rationale for an Obviousness Rejection
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September 9, 2014Protect Your Bottom Line by Avoiding Data Theft
Northern Nevada Business Weekly, Business Law Guide -
May 2014Data Security: Is Your Company Protected?
Association of Corporate Counsel, Nevada Chapter