Covington & Burling

Covington & Burling is a prominent multinational law firm, recognized as a BigLaw entity with its headquarters in Washington, D.C.. As of 2025, it was ranked #36 on the AmLaw Global 200 list by revenue, with over 1,200 lawyers globally. The firm maintains an extensive office footprint across the United States, including key locations like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Boston, alongside a strong international presence in cities such as London, Brussels, Frankfurt, Seoul, and Shanghai. Chambers USA consistently recognizes Covington & Burling for its intellectual property practice, particularly in patent litigation.

Covington's patent litigation practice is highly regarded for its deep technical expertise and appellate talent. The firm's attorneys collectively have experience in over 700 patent cases, encompassing a wide range of technologies including computer and electronics, software, telecommunications, financial services, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology. Chambers also highlights the firm's strength in handling high-stakes disputes for technology and pharmaceutical giants, often involving complex international IP litigations. The firm's IP litigation group, comprising over 130 attorneys, is equipped with extensive technical degrees, enhancing its ability to handle sophisticated technological matters.

The firm demonstrates a balanced approach in its patent litigation roles, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. While its tracked appearances show a slight inclination towards defendant-side work (3 defendant, 2 plaintiff), Covington frequently defends major operating companies, including technology leaders like Samsung, against infringement actions. For instance, the firm represented Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. as plaintiff in a case where the Federal Circuit affirmed the cancellation of a Netlist, Inc. memory patent, marking a significant appellate victory for Samsung. Additionally, Covington acted as lead counsel for DISH Technologies, LLC in a patent infringement suit concerning streaming technology, which concluded in a voluntary dismissal following a settlement.

Covington also possesses a robust Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) practice, having handled over 200 America Invents Act (AIA) proceedings for both petitioners and patent owners. The PTAB practice is notably bolstered by the expertise of former high-ranking Administrative Patent Judges, enabling the firm to advise clients on integrated litigation and PTAB strategies. Key partners in the firm's patent litigation practice include Christopher Sipes, co-chair of the patent litigation practice group, known for his work in Hatch-Waxman cases and trade secrets, and Robert Haslam, recognized for substantial experience in high-stakes IP, patent, and trade secrets disputes within the technology and life sciences sectors. Brian Nester and George Pappas are also prominent figures, with Nester maintaining a respected patent and trade secrets practice, particularly before the ITC and PTAB, and Pappas being an esteemed litigator in bet-the-company IP disputes, especially within the pharmaceutical sector.