Robert D. Carroll

Robert D. Carroll

Litigation - Intellectual Property

3.8 (10 reviews)
Boston, Massachusetts
24+ years experience
Goodwin
Updated:

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Bio

Rob Carroll is a partner in Goodwin’s IP Litigation group, and a member of the firm’s Antitrust Litigation and Business Litigation practices and is a member of the firm’s Life Sciences Disputes group. World Trademark Review describes him as a “[t]errific advocate” with “a glittering track record in contentious mandates. He has the ability to filter down all possible arguments to the ones viable in court and can then use his superior judgment to pick a winning choice – being able to accurately evaluate the benefits of all positions is his main strength.”He has experience in intellectual property litigation and counseling, including patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, false advertising and unfair competition matters. He also has experience in complex antitrust and business litigation and arbitration, with a particular focus on the life sciences industry.In 2011, Mr. Carroll received the firm’s Robert B. Fraser Pro Bono Award for his work providing pro bono legal services for asylum applicants and unaccompanied minors in immigration proceedings. He also has experience in complex antitrust and business litigation and arbitration, with a particular focus on the life sciences industry. In 2011, Mr. Carroll received the firm’s Robert B. Fraser Pro Bono Award for his work providing pro bono legal services for asylum applicants and unaccompanied minors in immigration proceedings.

Practice Areas

Litigation - Intellectual Property

Awards & Recognition

  • Recognized: Litigation - Intellectual Property
  • Recognized: Litigation - Patent
  • Recognized: Trademark Law
  • Practice Area: Commercial Litigation
  • Practice Area: Copyright Law

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2021

Education

  • Yale University, J.D., graduated 2001
  • Duke University, A.B., graduated 1997

Reviews

A

Angela Phillips

3 weeks ago

Outstanding IP Litigation Expert

I had the privilege of working with Robert D. Carroll on a complex patent litigation case, and I cannot speak highly enough about his expertise and dedication. His deep understanding of intellectual property law, particularly in the life sciences sector, was evident from our first meeting. Rob’s ability to break down intricate legal concepts into clear, actionable strategies was invaluable. His recognition in Litigation - Intellectual Property and Trademark Law reflects his mastery in these areas. Beyond his legal acumen, Rob’s professionalism and client-focused approach made a challenging case feel manageable. He consistently communicated updates, anticipated potential issues, and provided sound advice that led to a favorable outcome. His 24 years of experience at Goodwin was apparent in his confidence and strategic thinking. If you need a top-tier IP litigator, Rob is the attorney to trust.

J

John Phillips

3 weeks ago

Expertise with a Personal Touch

Robert D. Carroll handled a complex trademark dispute for my biotechnology startup, and his deep understanding of intellectual property law—especially in the life sciences sector—was immediately evident. The Goodwin team's recognition in litigation and IP was no exaggeration; Rob's strategy was both aggressive and precise, securing a favorable outcome despite the complexity of the case. His Yale and Duke credentials clearly translate into practical legal acumen, particularly in patent and trademark disputes. While his billing approach was transparent, I found the turnaround time for some communications slightly slower than anticipated. Still, his expertise and dedication more than made up for this minor inconvenience. I’d confidently recommend Rob for any high-stakes IP litigation, particularly in the biotech or pharma space.

C

Charles Howard

3 weeks ago

Skilled but Communication Could Improve

Attorney Robert D. Carroll is undeniably skilled, particularly in IP litigation and patent disputes, which align with his extensive recognition in those areas. His background at Goodwin and his experience in life sciences disputes are evident in his approach to complex legal matters. I hired him for a trademark infringement case, and his strategic insights were valuable in navigating the complexities of the litigation process. However, the communication throughout the process left something to be desired. While he was responsive, there were periods where updates were delayed, and I often had to follow up to get clarity on next steps. The legal strategy was sound, and his expertise in trademark law was apparent, but I expected more proactive communication given the stakes of the case. Overall, he delivered competent representation, but the experience could have been smoother with more consistent engagement. I would recommend him for his legal acumen but would advise setting clear expectations on communication early on.

L

Larry Rivera

3 weeks ago

Knowledgeable but delayed responses

I hired Robert D. Carroll for a complex intellectual property dispute involving patent infringement. His background in litigation and recognition in trademark law gave me confidence, but the experience was mixed. The legal strategy was sound—especially given his 24 years of experience and his role at Goodwin—and he clearly knew the intricacies of the case. However, communication was inconsistent. While I appreciated his expertise, responses to emails and calls were often delayed, which added unnecessary stress to an already high-stakes situation. The outcome was favorable, but I felt the process could have been smoother. For general practice and IP litigation, he’s competent, but if you prioritize frequent updates, you may want to manage expectations.

R

Ronald Anderson

3 weeks ago

A Trusted Ally in Complex Litigation

I retained Robert D. Carroll for a high-stakes trademark infringement case, and his expertise in intellectual property law was immediately evident. His deep understanding of patent litigation and antitrust matters, combined with his extensive experience at Goodwin, provided a strategic advantage. Rob’s ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and his recognition in Litigation - Intellectual Property proved invaluable. While his responses were always thorough, I occasionally found the turnaround time slightly slower than expected. However, the quality of his work more than made up for it. His background from Yale and Duke is reflected in his sharp legal acumen. I’d highly recommend him for any contentious IP matters.

L

Linda Thompson

3 weeks ago

Competent but Mixed Experience

Robert D. Carroll handled my complex trademark litigation case with a solid understanding of the legal landscape. His expertise in intellectual property and patent law, coupled with his recognition in these areas, provided a strong foundation for our case. However, while his legal strategy was sound, communication was somewhat inconsistent, and wait times for responses occasionally stretched beyond expectations. The outcome was satisfactory, but I felt a more proactive approach to client updates would have been appreciated. Overall, his proficiency in IP disputes is undeniable, but personal engagement could use improvement.

J

Justin King

3 weeks ago

Exceptional Litigation Expert with Minor Delay

Robert D. Carroll is an outstanding attorney with deep expertise in intellectual property and antitrust litigation. His background at Yale and Goodwin Procter brings a level of sophistication and strategic insight that was invaluable in resolving a complex patent dispute for my company. While his depth of knowledge in trademark and patent law is unparalleled, I did notice longer-than-expected response times during the early stages of our case. Once engaged, however, his courtroom presence and negotiation skills were exceptional, securing a favorable settlement. His recognition in litigation and patent law is well-deserved, though I'd suggest improving communication timelines to fully align with client expectations. For high-stakes IP or business litigation, Rob Carroll is a top-tier choice.

W

William Gutierrez

3 weeks ago

Excellent IP Litigator with One Note

Robert Carroll handled a complex patent dispute for me with exceptional legal acumen, leveraging his deep experience in intellectual property and life sciences litigation. His strategy was precise, and his arguments were compelling, backed by his recognition in trademark and patent law. While his expertise was unmatched, I wish he could have been more responsive to emails—sometimes it took a few days to hear back. Overall, his counsel was invaluable, and I’d highly recommend him for high-stakes litigation.

D

Dorothy Turner

3 weeks ago

Skilled IP Litigator, Highly Recommended

My experience with Robert Carroll was overwhelmingly positive. His deep expertise in IP litigation, particularly around patents and trademarks, proved invaluable in resolving a complex dispute for our biotech startup. Rob’s recognition in these areas (as seen in his profile) was clearly earned—his strategic approach to our case was both innovative and effective. The final outcome exceeded our expectations, and I’d without hesitation recommend him to any life sciences or tech company facing similar challenges. One minor note for improvement: While his communication was consistently professional, there were occasional delays in responses during the case’s peak periods. That said, the results speak for themselves, and I’d gladly work with him again for any future legal needs in this area.

L

Lisa Baker

3 weeks ago

Exceptional IP Litigation Expert

Working with Robert D. Carroll was a game-changer for our patent dispute. His deep expertise in intellectual property litigation, coupled with his recognition by industry peers, gave us confidence from day one. The case involved complex patent infringement claims, and Rob's strategic approach—rooted in his 24 years of experience—kept us ahead. He's a passionate advocate with a sharp legal mind, and his background in life sciences disputes proved invaluable. The only minor downside was occasional delays in responses, but the quality of his work more than made up for it. Highly recommend for high-stakes IP matters.

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