Krista Carter

Krista Marie Carter is an accomplished in-house counsel specializing in patent litigation, primarily defending operating companies against infringement allegations. She currently serves as in-house counsel for Tesla, Inc., where her practice focuses on protecting the company's intellectual property interests. Her tracked appearances include defending Tesla in cases such as Granite Vehicle Ventures LLC v. Tesla, Inc. and Bulletproof Property Management LLC v. Tesla Inc.

Ms. Carter's patent litigation practice encompasses a range of technology areas, particularly those relevant to the automotive sector, including vehicle technology and charging systems. While her tracked cases show a defendant-side focus, she has also appeared for Tesla as a plaintiff in district court litigation, such as in Tesla, Inc. v. Matthews International Corporation. Her experience extends to representing clients in post-grant review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and subsequent appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Notably, Ms. Carter argued for Tesla, Inc. in Tesla, Inc. v. Charge Fusion Technologies, LLC, an appeal from the PTAB where the Federal Circuit affirmed in part, reversed in part, vacated in part, and remanded the Board's decision regarding patent validity. She also represented Tesla, Inc. as an appellee in ARSUS, LLC v. Tesla, Inc., another Federal Circuit appeal originating from a PTAB decision, which was affirmed.

Prior to her role at Tesla, Ms. Carter was associated with Arnold & Porter LLP as counsel. Her consistent appearances in PTAB proceedings and related Federal Circuit appeals demonstrate significant experience in challenging and defending patent claims through administrative and appellate avenues.

Ms. Carter earned her J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2002, following a B.A. from the University of Nebraska in 1998. She was admitted to the State Bar of California in 2003, and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.