Eric W. Dittmann

Eric W. Dittmann is the global co-chair of the Intellectual Property practice at Paul Hastings LLP, where he has first-chair trial experience with a distinct focus on the life sciences sector. His practice concentrates on patent litigation for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Beyond life sciences, he has also handled litigation in other technology areas, including semiconductors.

The authoritative case list shows a lead counsel role for a plaintiff, Veloxis Pharmaceuticals. However, a broader review of his practice indicates he represents both patent holders and accused infringers. His clients include major research-based pharmaceutical companies protecting drug products, as well as companies defending against infringement claims. For example, he has represented AbbVie/Allergan in enforcing its patents and has secured defense victories for companies like bluebird bio and L'Oreal.

Dittmann's career has been at Paul Hastings. His notable work includes securing a $56 million jury verdict for AbbVie/Allergan related to Botox® patents and a precedent-setting Federal Circuit win for Allergan that reshaped the doctrine of obviousness-type double patenting. He also acts as lead counsel for Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corp. in a multibillion-dollar royalty arbitration win over Novartis and has played a leading role in BioNTech's global patent disputes concerning its COVID-19 vaccine.

Dittmann has extensive experience in post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), having been involved in over 200 IPR and other post-grant matters. He regularly appears before the PTAB and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, where he once served as a law clerk to the Honorable Alan D. Lourie. He received his J.D. from Seton Hall Law School and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Rutgers University.