Matthew D. Powers

Matthew D. Powers is a seasoned patent litigation attorney known for his extensive trial experience across a wide range of technologies. His practice encompasses diverse fields including life sciences, biotechnology (e.g., DNA sequencing, medical devices), computer hardware and software, operating systems, networking, semiconductor devices, mobile phones, consumer electronics, mobile commerce, and Wi-Fi and location services. In addition to patent disputes, he also handles complex intellectual property matters involving trade secrets, antitrust, unfair competition, and contract law.

Powers primarily represents patentees in enforcement actions and has a strong background defending major technology companies. In tracked cases, he has appeared as plaintiff's counsel three times and defendant's counsel twice. His current firm, Tensegrity Law Group, where he is a founding and co-managing partner, specializes in high-value patent enforcement, defense, and appellate work. Prior to co-founding Tensegrity, he was a managing partner and co-chair of the litigation department at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.

His notable case outcomes include securing a jury verdict of over $31 million for 10x Genomics against NanoString Technologies in a patent infringement suit concerning spatial genomics technology, a case that also saw rulings and injunctions in European courts. He was also lead counsel for VirnetX Inc. in a patent infringement action against Microsoft Corporation, which resulted in a $105 million jury verdict and later a $200 million settlement for a license, followed by a subsequent $23 million settlement that included terminating IPR proceedings. Additionally, he defended Apple Inc. against Personal Audio LLC, where a jury awarded $8 million in damages for navigable playlist patents, with a subsequent court ruling limiting further damages claims across Apple's product line. Other significant results from his career include dismissing a $500 million patent claim against Oracle and a $3 billion claim against Cisco Systems, as well as a $465.4 million recovery for Lexar Media Inc. in a trade secret case against Toshiba Corp..

Powers has experience in Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) proceedings, having represented clients in all phases of litigation, including IPRs, and his firm frequently appears before the PTAB and on appeal to the Federal Circuit. He earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1982 and was admitted to practice law in California the same year.