David J. Kappos

David J. Kappos is Co-Chair of the Intellectual Property Practice at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, recognized for his extensive experience in intellectual property management, strategy, and litigation. He advises clients on complex IP issues across various technology areas, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptoassets, fintech, cybersecurity, and data privacy. His litigation practice primarily involves defending operating companies, as evidenced by his appearances as counsel for Halozyme Inc. in all four tracked cases.

Prior to joining Cravath in 2013, Mr. Kappos served as Under Secretary of Commerce and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) from 2009 to 2013. In this role, he was instrumental in the passage and implementation of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA), marking a significant reform of the U.S. patent system. Before his government service, he spent over 25 years at IBM, where he held various executive posts, including Vice President and Chief Intellectual Property Lawyer, managing global patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters.

His patent litigation experience includes representing Halozyme Inc. as a defendant in significant proceedings, such as those brought by Unified Patents and Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. These include appearances in Post-Grant Review (PGR) proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), demonstrating his active involvement in IPR/PGR matters on behalf of patent owners.

Mr. Kappos earned his B.S. summa cum laude in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of California, Davis, in 1983, and his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1990. He is admitted to practice in New York, California, and the District of Columbia.