Samsung Electronics America

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA) manages the patent litigation and intellectual property strategy for Samsung's extensive U.S. operations. Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, SEA functions as the domestic legal arm of a global technology leader in consumer electronics, mobile devices, and enterprise solutions. Its in-house legal department is a critical component of Samsung's worldwide IP strategy, which encompasses proactive patent filings and robust litigation to protect its innovations and market position.

The company's IP litigation practice specializes in a broad array of advanced technologies, reflecting Samsung's diverse product portfolio. This includes areas such as semiconductors, mobile communications (e.g., 5G, eSIM technology), wireless communication, consumer electronics, and high-bandwidth memory (HBM). While the firm's tracked appearance, Headwater Research LLC v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. et al., shows a defendant-side role, this aligns with Samsung's overall strategy of defending against infringement claims, often from non-practicing entities (NPEs). However, Samsung also proactively initiates patent litigation, such as against Netlist concerning HBM technology, and challenges competitor patents.

Samsung is notably active in post-grant proceedings at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The company frequently leverages Inter Partes Reviews (IPRs) and Post-Grant Reviews (PGRs) to challenge competitor patents, having been identified as a top PTAB petitioner between 2019 and 2024. Samsung Electronics America, Inc. has also been a petitioner in PTAB cases and has joined legal challenges against the USPTO's discretionary denial regime for IPRs.

Key in-house counsel guiding Samsung Electronics America's patent litigation efforts include Tim Jezek, Principal Legal Counsel, who focuses on IP litigation and related policy issues. Phillip Lee, also a Principal Legal Counsel, is a veteran litigator with experience across patent litigation, prosecution, and licensing, managing dockets with outside counsel. Matthew Bathon, another Principal Legal Counsel, coordinates Samsung's International Trade Commission (ITC) and district court dockets. Recent notable outcomes include successfully fending off a permanent injunction request in Collision Communications, Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. in May 2026, despite a jury finding of willful infringement and a $445 million running royalty award. The company has also been involved in high-profile, protracted litigation, such as the historic design and utility patent disputes with Apple.