Shawn L. Blackburn

Shawn L. Blackburn is a partner at Susman Godfrey LLP with a broad commercial litigation practice that includes a significant focus on high-stakes patent litigation. His experience encompasses representing both plaintiffs and defendants in complex technology disputes. Mr. Blackburn’s work in the patent field covers technologies such as search-related advertising and mobile device features. He was recognized by the National Law Journal as an "Intellectual Property Trailblazer" in 2017 for his significant IP litigation work.

The authoritative case data shows Mr. Blackburn serving as lead counsel on the defense side for K. Mizra LLC in a case brought by Google. However, his broader practice profile demonstrates a balanced approach, representing both patent holders and accused infringers. Notably, he was a key member of the plaintiff's counsel team for Rockstar Consortium in its patent suit against Google concerning search-related advertising patents, which resulted in a favorable settlement and a $900 million sale of the patent portfolio. In another prominent matter, he successfully represented Queen's University against Samsung, securing a landmark Federal Circuit ruling that established a privilege for communications with patent agents.

Mr. Blackburn has been with Susman Godfrey for his entire career in private practice. His experience includes proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), as he has handled appeals from PTAB decisions to the Federal Circuit. Prior to joining his firm, he gained specialized experience in patent law by clerking for the Honorable Sharon Prost at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Mr. Blackburn earned his J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2011.