Overview

Elizabeth (Liz) G.H. Ranks is a litigation principal whose practice spans patent, trademark, trade secret, and commercial litigation in U.S. district courts and before the International Trade Commission. Based in Boston, Liz brings a scientist's analytical precision and a litigator's strategic instincts to every case she handles. 

Liz has first-chair trial experience in U.S. district court, representing clients that include both small businesses and Fortune 100 companies, as well as solo inventors. Her work spans a broad range of technologies — from network switches and semiconductors to medical devices and complex software systems. She is also experienced in arbitration, mediation, and Massachusetts state courts. 

Liz has developed particular depth in standard essential patent (SEP) litigation and FRAND licensing disputes, representing both implementers in matters involving complex damages methodologies and fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory licensing obligations. Her work in this area includes navigating the intersection of technical standards, portfolio valuation, and the evolving legal frameworks courts apply to determine FRAND royalty rates — experience that is increasingly critical as SEP disputes expand across wireless communications, video coding, and other standards-driven industries.

What sets Liz apart is her scientific foundation. Before law school, she worked as a biochemist researching novel gene mutations and glucose transport systems, and she later provided technical support for advanced multiplexing robotic assay systems at a medical device company. That hands-on technical background — combined with a J.D. magna cum laude from UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law and her career of learning from outstanding IP lawyers (her Fish colleagues) — gives her an edge in understanding her clients' technology and business goals. Early in her legal career, Liz worked in chambers for the Honorable Judge William G. Young of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. 

A recognized leader both inside and outside the firm, Liz serves as Fish's pro bono coordinating attorney for the Boston office. She regularly represents tenants facing eviction through the Lawyer for the Day program in Northeast, Massachusetts and has secured favorable outcomes in ERISA, unemployment benefits, and veterans' malpractice matters. In 2023, Northeast Legal Aid named her a Pro Bono Champion, and she has regularly been named to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's Pro Bono Honor Roll. Best Lawyers has also frequently recognized her in its "One to Watch" list. 

Professional associations

  • Boston Bar Association
  • ChIPs

Pro bono activities

Liz is passionate about her pro bono work. She regularly participates in the Lawyer for the Day program, where she provides legal advice and assistance to tenants facing eviction. In other pro bono work, Liz has obtained favorable settlements for her clients in cases involving ERISA retirement violations, reversal of denial of unemployment benefits for a client undergoing treatment for cancer, and settlement of malpractice claims for a veteran. She also serves as the pro bono coordinating attorney for Fish’s Boston office. In 2023, Northeast Legal Aid named Liz a Pro Bono Champion.

Named to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's Pro Bono Honor Roll for providing 50 or more pro bono hours in a single year (2019-2021, 2023-2024).

Organizations 

  • Northeast Legal Aid