Peter A. Swanson

Peter A. Swanson is a partner in the patent litigation practice at Covington & Burling LLP, based in Washington, D.C.. His practice focuses on complex civil litigation, particularly intellectual property disputes, with a strong background in software and computer technology, making him a valuable asset to high-tech clients. He handles patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret litigation.

Swanson has experience representing prominent technology companies in significant patent disputes. In his tracked appearances, he has served as lead counsel for plaintiffs, notably representing Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. in patent infringement actions against Netlist, Inc. in the District of Delaware. Beyond this, his notable achievements include successfully appealing a jury verdict of willful patent infringement to the Federal Circuit, which reversed a $38.5 million verdict and ordered judgment for Thomson Corporation and i-Deal LLC in a case concerning electronic municipal bond auctions. He also secured a complete victory for Samsung in a copyright and trademark infringement lawsuit and successfully argued a motion to dismiss in a patent infringement case for AOL Advertising, Inc., which was affirmed on appeal.

His patent litigation experience extends to appellate work before the Federal Circuit, and his firm's practice explicitly includes Patent Office (PTAB) Trials, indicating involvement in post-grant proceedings.

Mr. Swanson earned his J.D. from The George Washington University Law School in 2004, graduating as valedictorian and summa cum laude, and holds a B.S. from The George Washington University, magna cum laude. He is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and Virginia.