Fish & Richarson client W. L. Gore & Associates isn't the only winner. Several tech giants--namely, Verizon, Google, and Intel--who had hired Paul Clement to file an amicus brief also came out on top, as the court's ruling will make it easier for alleged infringers to defend themselves.

The defendants maintain that this case is an attack on the very process by which private equity firms acquire control of public companies, and on their practice of joint bidding. But the case has not only survived a motion to dismiss, but is being expanded to include more billion-dollar deals.

Nokia's lawyers at Alston & Bird wrung what looks like a landmark deal from Apple in the the ever-expanding patent fight among smartphone manufacturers. "The lesson for the world is if you're spending a lot of money on technology, spend a little extra and get a patent on it and you'll be better off," crowed Alston partner Patrick Flinn.