Sean Cunningham > DLA Piper LLP (US) > San Diego (Downtown), United States > Lawyer Profile

DLA Piper LLP (US)’s practice is renowned for defending technology, semiconductor and medical device companies in high-stakes, multi-patent litigation. The team’s stellar client roster includes several of the market-leading global technology giants, including Toyota, Panasonic and Sony. In Washington DC, Sean Cunningham is sought after for his expertise in handling technology patents in all major trial venues, spanning both federal courts and the ITC. Cunningham co-leads the department with three patent trial specialists: Kathryn Riley Grasso, in San Diego, who has significant experience trying medical device and technology patent disputes; Chicago-based Matthew Satchwell, a specialist in semiconductors, automotive and communications patents; and Gina Durham, based in San Francisco. In Washington DC, Erin P. Gibson is another key asset to the team and is well-regarded for her success in jury trials. Finally, in Palo Alto, Mark Fowler is a seasoned litigator who typically represents international technology companies.

DLA Piper LLP (US) maintains its reputation as ‘a top choice in the market’, with strong technical and procedural experience with Section 337 actions. With a particular strength in tech, the team recently achieved walk-away defense victories for both NCP Semiconductors and FirePro. Seasoned ITC litigator Erin P. Gibson co-heads the team and is a go-to choice for global tech companies. With great experience at the ITC, fellow co-head Sean Cunningham is a key attorney for technology, medical device and power equipment companies. Helena Kiepura also co-chairs the team and is renowned for her offensive ITC work. The team’s leadership is rounded out by Matthew Satchwell, based in Chicago, and Gina Durham, who practices in San Francisco. In Silicon Valley, Mark Fowler is lead trial counsel for significant technology and medical device companies, such as Samsung and Toshiba. Daniel Valencia further bolsters the team, with clients describing him as an ‘excellent ITC litigator’.

The practice at DLA Piper LLP (US) is ‘exceptionally business-minded’ and is well equipped to represent its well-known, sector-spanning clients in trade secret litigation. The team is helmed by a host of practitioners, namely experienced trial attorneys Paul Steadman and Matthew Satchwell who both work in Chicago; commercial disputes practitioners Leon Medzhibovsky and Tamar Duvdevani who are based in the New York hub, Washington DC-based Sean Cunningham and San Francisco-based Gina Durham. Former co-head Rajiv Dharnidharka left the team in September 2024 along with Jeanette Barzelay.

Noted for its ‘deep understanding’ of clients’, DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s sector experience ranges from molecular biology and physics, to electrical engineering and AI. Heading the team are San Diego-based Sean Cunningham, San Francisco-based Gina Durham, and Boston-based Larissa Bifano, who has expertise handling the full scope of patent matters, from advising on diligence and strategic aspects, to prosecuting and litigating. Christopher Eide in Palo Alto is experienced in handling patent prosecution in both domestic and global contexts. Patent protection and handling transactional IP are specialist areas for San Diego-based Lisa Haile, and Peter Yim has notable post-grant proceedings expertise. In San Francisco, Brian Ho is also a key attorney, while in Philadelphia, Joseph Wolfe has a specialty in AI-related cases.