Kurt G. Calia

Kurt G. Calia is a highly experienced patent litigator with a broad practice encompassing complex intellectual property and civil litigation for life sciences and technology clients. His technological expertise spans a wide array of fields, including pharmaceutical chemistry, biotechnology, biomedical devices, nanotechnology, genetics, mechanical devices, business methods, microprocessors, software, light-emitting diodes, satellite communications equipment, and semiconductors. The single tracked case, RARE BREED TRIGGERS, INC. et al. v. RECOIL, LLC, DBA RECOIL GUN WORKS, involved intellectual property claims related to mechanical firearm components (forced reset triggers).

Calia has extensive trial experience, having led teams representing both plaintiffs and defendants in courts nationwide, including the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and the International Trade Commission. Notable representations include patent trial counsel for Samsung in light-emitting diode cases, for a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary regarding an Alzheimer's disease drug, and for Monsanto in matters concerning genetically modified crops and herbicides. He also represented Elbit Systems of America in a patent infringement case involving helmet-mounted display systems for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jet and Lundbeck and Takeda in a patent case over the antidepressant Trintellix. His appellate experience extends to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Currently a Partner in the Palo Alto office of Covington & Burling LLP, where he has practiced for over 27 years, Calia formerly co-chaired the firm's Patent Group. While one tracked case lists an appearance for Butler Snow, his extensive professional profile and numerous press recognitions consistently identify him with Covington & Burling LLP. He is also active in post-grant proceedings, with experience in Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) trials, including representing Eli Lilly, ImClone, and BMS in IPRs where challenged claims were found unpatentable, and successfully defending Biogen's TYSABRI® patents against IPR attacks.

Calia is admitted to practice in California and the District of Columbia, and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He earned his J.D. from Boston University School of Law in 1993 and his B.S. from Haverford College in 1990.