Sean C. Cunningham

Sean C. Cunningham is a highly experienced first-chair patent trial lawyer at DLA Piper, where he serves as a Partner and Global Co-Chair of Intellectual Property & Technology. With nearly three decades in patent litigation, he focuses on defending global technology, medical device, and power equipment companies. His practice spans federal district courts, the International Trade Commission (ITC), and Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceedings, where he often represents clients such as Microsoft, Lenovo, Motorola, Samsung, and NXP Semiconductors.

Mr. Cunningham primarily works on the defense side, a preference evident in his sole tracked appearance for Sega of America, Inc. in Uniloc USA, Inc. v. Sega of America, Inc., where he served as of counsel. His defensive prowess is highlighted by achieving a walk-away defense victory for NXP Semiconductors in an ITC case concerning Wi-Fi chips. He also served as lead counsel for Lenovo and Motorola Mobility in multi-forum patent disputes against Maxell, successfully obtaining a dismissal of litigation for improper venue in the Western District of Texas.

His notable case experience includes the jury trial of Cornell v. Hewlett-Packard, which resulted in a landmark post-trial ruling on patent damages in his client's favor, a case cited on the U.S. Senate floor for its impact on patent damages reform. He is actively involved in IPR proceedings, frequently managing such matters in conjunction with district court and ITC cases.

Mr. Cunningham is admitted to the California and District of Columbia bars. He earned his B.A. from the University of Kansas in 1991 and his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1994.