Tharan Gregory Lanier

Tharan Gregory Lanier is a highly experienced patent litigator and trial lawyer based in Jones Day's Silicon Valley office, with over 35 years of experience handling intellectual property and business disputes globally. His practice encompasses a wide range of technologies, including software, communications, semiconductors, optical lens systems, and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, as well as life sciences areas such as enzymes, proteins, insulins, and drug delivery systems.

Lanier primarily represents major technology companies, often in defensive capacities against patent infringement claims. While one tracked case, Google LLC v. K. Mizra LLC, lists him as lead counsel for plaintiff Google LLC, his firm profile highlights significant wins defending companies like Google and NXP Semiconductors against assertions. He has a strong record of success in jury and bench trials, arbitrations, and appellate arguments, including before the Federal, Fifth, and Ninth Circuits.

Among his notable achievements, Lanier secured a trial victory for Google LLC against WSOU Investments LLC in the Western District of Texas, which was subsequently affirmed by the Federal Circuit. He has also defended NXP USA, Inc. in multi-jurisdiction patent infringement lawsuits involving RFID technology, successfully reducing a 26-patent infringement suit to four patents. His experience extends to representing defendants in complex software-related disputes, as evidenced by his involvement in Oracle Corporation et al v. SAP AG et al. Lanier also possesses experience in administrative tribunals, including IPR proceedings, where he has represented Google LLC.

Mr. Lanier earned his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1988 and a B.A. cum laude from Santa Clara University in 1985. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1988 and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth, Ninth, and Federal Circuits, as well as various U.S. District Courts.