Leslie V. Payne

Analyst Summary: Leslie V. Payne
Date: 2026-05-01

Leslie "Les" V. Payne is a co-founding partner of the Houston-based intellectual property boutique Heim, Payne & Chorush, LLP. His practice focuses on high-stakes patent infringement litigation, where he has over 30 years of experience representing clients in federal courts nationwide and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. With a background in electrical engineering, his litigation work spans a broad array of technologies, including the electrical, computer, mechanical, and chemical arts. Payne has handled matters involving wireless communications, computer architecture, oil and gas equipment, and data transmission systems.

The provided data shows one tracked appearance on the defendant side for Visa USA Inc v. Cortex MCP Inc. However, publicly available biographies and case descriptions show that Mr. Payne has a balanced practice, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. He has secured numerous eight and nine-figure verdicts and settlements for patent holders and has also won dismissals for defendants. His firm represents a mix of clients, from smaller inventors to large technology and energy corporations.

Mr. Payne has a significant and active practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), where he represents both patent owners and petitioners in inter partes review (IPR) proceedings. He has successfully defended patents from invalidity challenges and has also invalidated patents on behalf of clients accused of infringement. A notable appellate success includes his role in Commil USA, LLC v. Cisco Systems, Inc., a landmark case on induced infringement that reached the U.S. Supreme Court.

He co-founded Heim, Payne & Chorush in 2006. Mr. Payne earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, magna cum laude, from The University of Tennessee. He is admitted to practice in Texas, before several federal district courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.