Chris Ponder

Chris Ponder is a seasoned patent litigator based in Silicon Valley, where he counsels global technology companies on patent infringement disputes and proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). His practice spans a diverse array of technology sectors, including digital media streaming, enterprise software, video games, communications, semiconductors, and medical devices. Noteworthy technical areas of his experience include VoIP, media gateways, session border controllers, satellite communications, 802.11 wireless standards, compression technology, and electronic design automation for semiconductors.

While the provided case data lists two appearances on the plaintiff side in Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. v. Credo Technology Group Ltd., Ponder frequently represents patent challengers and defendants. His firm profile highlights extensive experience as a petitioner in PTAB proceedings, boasting a 90% institution rate. He has successfully represented clients in numerous IPRs, including securing over 85 claims unpatentable for a streaming service in cases related to compression technology, winning appeals to the Federal Circuit for a game developer where challenged claims were found unpatentable, and achieving a disclaimer of challenged claims by a patent owner for a wearable device company after IPR institution. Ponder also successfully defended a leading game developer in a district court action against a non-practicing entity (NPE), which resulted in dismissal, a successful IPR upheld on appeal, and an award of attorneys' fees against the NPE.

Ponder is Special Counsel at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, joining the firm's Intellectual Property practice group in Palo Alto in September 2018. He is admitted to the California Bar (License #296546), with approximately 18 years of experience.