Michael J. Newton

Michael J. Newton is a partner in Alston & Bird's Intellectual Property Litigation Group, where he is also a co-chair of the firm's IP practice. His practice focuses on complex patent infringement litigation across a range of high-technology sectors. Drawing on his academic background in theoretical physics, he has extensive experience in cases involving semiconductors, telecommunications, consumer electronics, medical devices, and security technology. His work has frequently involved technologies such as 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and CDMA wireless standards. According to his firm biography and state bar records, Mr. Newton holds bachelor's, master's, and J.D. degrees from The University of Texas and is admitted to practice in Texas and California.

The provided data indicates Mr. Newton has experience representing both patent owners and accused infringers, with two of his three tracked appearances on the defense side. His career includes work at Gardere Wynne Sewell and Jones Day prior to his current position at Alston & Bird. Representative cases include serving as lead counsel for plaintiff Ironburg Inventions Ltd. in litigation concerning video game controller technology and defending BLU Products, Inc. in the multi-defendant Fractus, S.A. litigation involving mobile phone antenna patents. Mr. Newton has significant experience litigating in various federal district courts and the U.S. International Trade Commission, with a particular emphasis on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

Mr. Newton's practice includes advising clients on strategies related to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). He has participated in educational panels on inter partes review (IPR) proceedings and has been counsel in district court litigations that run parallel to IPR challenges, such as representing Verizon in a case where related IPRs were filed. This demonstrates experience in coordinating modern patent defense strategies that integrate both district court and PTAB components. He also counsels clients on patent licensing negotiations and other intellectual property monetization efforts.