DLA Piper

DLA Piper is a prominent global BigLaw firm, recognized as one of the largest by both headcount and revenue, holding the #3 position on The American Lawyer Am Law 200 for 2025 and the 2024 Global 200. With approximately 4,800 attorneys across more than 90 offices in over 40 countries, the firm boasts a significant international footprint. DLA Piper's Intellectual Property practice is frequently acknowledged in rankings such as Chambers Global and USA, highlighting its comprehensive capabilities in a competitive and global market.

The firm's patent litigation practice demonstrates a strong focus on high-tech sectors, including software, data analytics, cybersecurity, and networking. While the firm has engaged in plaintiff-side representation, such as for Google LLC against Virtamove, Corp. in a software patent dispute, its practice primarily centers on defending operating companies. DLA Piper was ranked as the #2 most active firm representing defendants and the #1 full-service firm in the defense of U.S. District Court patent cases by Lex Machina in 2024. This defensive orientation is evident in its representation of major technology clients like Microsoft Corporation against Qomplx LLC in a dispute over large-scale data analysis and cybersecurity patents, and Subaru Corporation against Mimzi, LLC concerning photographic memory technology.

DLA Piper has successfully defended clients in notable patent disputes, securing favorable outcomes. For instance, the firm represented Sega of America, Inc. against Uniloc USA, Inc., where the Federal Circuit affirmed the Patent Trial and Appeal Board's (PTAB) decision finding Uniloc's software registration patent unpatentable. Similarly, in MPHJ Technology Investments, LLC v. Lexmark International, Inc., DLA Piper's defense for Lexmark led to the Federal Circuit affirming the PTAB's invalidation of MPHJ's document management patent. The firm possesses extensive experience with PTAB proceedings, including inter partes reviews and post-grant reviews, and is recognized for its ability to handle complex matters before the Patent Office.

Key leaders in DLA Piper's patent litigation practice include Matthew Satchwell, the U.S. Chair of Patent Litigation, known for his Chambers-ranked practice in high-tech fields. John Guaragna, Texas Chair of Intellectual Property and Technology, was recognized by Patexia as the #1 patent litigator for defendants. Sean Cunningham serves as Global Co-Chair and U.S. Chair of the Intellectual Property and Technology practice, while Erin P. Gibson is a leading trial lawyer frequently sought by tech companies for high-stakes litigation, particularly in International Trade Commission (ITC) proceedings.