Whitestone Law

Whitestone Law, PLLC is a specialized intellectual property and commercial litigation firm headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, serving clients globally from its Washington, D.C. region offices. The firm positions itself as providing the "global reach of a top-tier firm with the efficiency of a smaller team," suggesting a boutique structure rather than a large "BigLaw" presence. No specific AmLaw or Chambers rankings were reliably sourced for Whitestone Law, PLLC.

The firm's IP litigation practice spans a broad array of technologies, including pharmaceuticals, software, semiconductor structures, computers, telecommunications, VOIP, electronic and electro-mechanical devices, mechanical components, chemicals, optical devices, wireless technology, and robotics. This diverse technical expertise enables them to handle complex patent disputes across various industries. Whitestone Law, PLLC also specializes in intellectual property related transactional matters.

Whitestone Law, PLLC demonstrates a balanced approach to patent litigation, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. In its tracked cases, the firm has acted as plaintiff's counsel in two matters and defendant's counsel in one. This includes representing operating companies such as American Airlines, Inc. in challenging patents from non-practicing entities (NPEs) and defending Toyota Motor Corporation against infringement claims. The firm's work on the plaintiff side often involves proactive patent challenges, such as Inter Partes Reviews (IPRs) filed by entities like Unified Patents, or declaratory judgment actions.

Notable cases highlight the firm's capabilities. In American Airlines, Inc. v. Intellectual Ventures I LLC, Whitestone Law represented American Airlines as a plaintiff, resisting attempts to stay the litigation in the Eastern District of Texas concerning in-flight connectivity patents. Additionally, an associated IPR (IPR2025-00785) against Intellectual Ventures I LLC, though ultimately denied institution, showcases the firm's engagement in challenging asserted patents. In AutoConnect Holdings LLC v. Toyota Motor Corporation, the firm served as lead counsel for Toyota, securing an order adopting a favorable report and recommendations that terminated motions for judgment on the pleadings in March 2026. A related Post-Grant Review (PGR2025-00041) filed by Toyota against AutoConnect Holdings LLC was not discretionarily denied, indicating its likely institution to challenge the patent.

The firm possesses a robust Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) practice, explicitly listing "PTAB Litigation" among its services. Its involvement in cases like Unified Patents v. Evolution Malta Ltd., where Joseph J. Zito served as counsel, and the PTAB proceedings related to American Airlines and Toyota, underscore its experience with IPRs and Post-Grant Reviews. Key partners, including Joseph J. Zito, possess extensive experience in intellectual property litigation across federal district and appellate courts, the ITC, and the USPTO, including PTAB proceedings. Joseph J. Zito, with over three decades of IP experience, and founding partners Erik N. Lund and Andrew J. Stewart, lead the firm's litigation efforts.