Ian Robert Washburn

Ian Robert Washburn, Partner, Irell & Manella LLP

Ian R. Washburn is an intellectual property and complex business litigator with a focus on high-stakes patent disputes. His practice encompasses a wide range of technologies, including semiconductors, computer networking, biomedical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Washburn has represented clients in federal courts nationwide, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), and in arbitrations before the International Chamber of Commerce. He became a partner at Irell & Manella in 2018.

The provided data shows Washburn as lead counsel for the plaintiff in Qomplx LLC v. Palo Alto Networks, Inc. This plaintiff-side focus is further evidenced by his role as a principal member of the Irell team that secured verdicts of $948 million and a separate $2.3 billion final judgment for VLSI Technology LLC against Intel Corp. in the Western District of Texas concerning microprocessor technology. While his most prominent recent results have been for patent holders, his firm biography indicates he also represents defendants, such as serving as counsel to Genentech in PTAB proceedings.

Washburn's practice includes extensive experience in post-grant proceedings. He has served as counsel in multiple inter partes review (IPR) proceedings before the PTAB, representing both patent owners and petitioners. His work also involves advising companies on the development and management of intellectual property portfolios and assisting in patent license negotiations.

Washburn is an active member of the State Bar of California. He earned his B.A., with distinction, from Yale College and his J.D. from the UC Berkeley School of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif. He has also taught courses on patent law and licensing at UC Berkeley and UC Irvine schools of law.