Andrei Iancu

Andrei Iancu is a distinguished patent litigator with a practice that spans a wide array of technological and scientific fields. His expertise encompasses medical devices, genetic testing, therapeutics, internet technologies, telephony, television broadcasting, video game systems, computer peripherals, software, networking, and cybersecurity. With a strong technical background, holding degrees in aerospace and mechanical engineering, he brings a deep understanding to complex intellectual property disputes.

Throughout his career, Mr. Iancu has demonstrated a balanced approach to patent litigation, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. The tracked cases reflect this balance, with five appearances on the plaintiff side and four on the defendant side, in various roles including lead counsel, of counsel, and lead appellate counsel. His notable engagements include serving as Lead Appellate Counsel in Centripetal Networks, Inc. v. Keysight Technologies, Inc. et al. and Lead Counsel in Qomplx LLC v. Microsoft Corporation. He also successfully represented TiVo, securing over $1.6 billion in settlements in patent cases against major technology companies, and argued the high-profile Integra v. Merck case before the Supreme Court, achieving a victory for his client. Recent wins at Sullivan & Cromwell include the dismissal of a Roku lawsuit and a favorable outcome for Perfect Day in a patent dispute.

Mr. Iancu is currently a Partner and Co-Head of the Intellectual Property and Technology Litigation Group at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, where he joined in July 2023. Prior to this, he had a significant tenure at Irell & Manella LLP, serving as managing partner from 2012 to 2018, and returning as a partner in April 2021 after his government service. From 2018 to 2021, he served as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). His experience includes active involvement in proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), covering interferences, Inter Partes Reviews (IPRs), and Post Grant Reviews (PGRs), as evidenced by cases such as Unified Patents PTAB Data v. Security First Innovations LLC. As Director of the USPTO, he implemented changes aimed at making the PTAB more predictable for patent owners.

Andrei Iancu earned his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering (1989), M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (1990), and J.D. (1996) from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and California.