Steven Pepe

Steven Pepe is an accomplished patent litigator with over 25 years of experience, specializing in complex infringement cases across a broad spectrum of technology sectors. His practice focuses on areas such as computer technology, semiconductors, telecommunications (including 3G, 4G LTE, 5G, wireless communications, and video compression standards), consumer products, and mechanical systems. He is experienced in managing multi-jurisdictional disputes in venues including U.S. district courts, the International Trade Commission (ITC), and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Mr. Pepe joined Sheppard Mullin as a partner in its Intellectual Property Practice Group in September 2025. Prior to this, he was the Chair of Ropes & Gray's Intellectual Property Litigation Practice. While his tracked appearance was defendant-side counsel with Ropes & Gray, his broader practice involves representing both complainants and respondents, ranging from high-profile Fortune 500 companies to rapidly growing start-up technology firms. He also provides counsel on licensing and FRAND (fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory) issues.

Mr. Pepe has achieved significant outcomes in high-stakes patent litigations. These include securing a favorable settlement for LG Electronics in a dispute concerning cell phone technology and standard essential patents, a series of wins for Emerson in an international dispute over mesh networking technology, and a $23 million jury verdict for Collision Communications against Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy. He has also managed and co-led a global technology company's team in litigations against a major software company, involving over 30 patents essential to industry standards. His experience extends to post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), where he represents both patent owners and petitioners, often in parallel with ITC proceedings.

Mr. Pepe's professional achievements have been recognized, including being named a "Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation – Patent by Best Lawyers in America in 2023, and consistently being listed as a Super Lawyer since 2013. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law, teaching patent law.