David R. Bennett

David R. Bennett: Patent Litigation Analyst Summary

David R. Bennett is a patent litigator and the Principal of Direction IP Law, a Chicago-based intellectual property firm. His practice encompasses a broad range of technologies, including internet and computer systems, software, electrical engineering, polymer chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Prior to founding Direction IP Law, Bennett was a partner at Jenner & Block and an attorney at the IP trial boutique Roper & Quigg. He also co-founded the patent boutique Bosy & Bennett.

The available data indicates Mr. Bennett has a significant focus on representing patent holders. The single tracked case is a plaintiff-side matter where he acted as local counsel for Modulus Systems LLC. His firm’s public case history highlights his role as lead counsel for patent assertion entities in large-scale litigation campaigns, including representing GeoTag against more than 300 defendants and Parallel Networks in a campaign involving over 120 defendants. A 2024 news report also noted his representation of Swirlate IP LLC, an entity reportedly associated with IP Edge, in a patent case in the District of Delaware. While his firm states he handles both plaintiff and defense work, his most prominent documented cases are for asserting parties.

Mr. Bennett’s firm biography notes significant trial outcomes, including a $112 million jury verdict for a chemical company in a patent dispute with Shell and a $6 million verdict against Bayer concerning gelcap technology. He has litigated in key patent venues, including the Eastern District of Texas, the District of Delaware, and the Northern District of Illinois, and has argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. While his primary focus appears to be on district court litigation, public records show his involvement in matters before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).

Mr. Bennett is a registered patent attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (1999) and is a member of the Illinois state bar (1997) and the Trial Bar for the Northern District of Illinois (2009).