Clients praise the ITC practice at DLA Piper LLP (US) for its ability to ‘understand business needs’ and align them with litigation aims, whether the goal is to defend from claims of infringement or to exclude competitors from the US market. The members have a breadth of experience representing both applicants and respondents within Section 337 investigations, defending from exclusion orders and filings by non-practising entities, and handling contemporaneous District court actions. At the forefront of the practice are Erin Gibson and Sean Cunningham from Washington DC, proficient in domestic industry cases and trials, respectively; Helena Kiepura, also based in DC, prolific as ITC defence counsel; and Matthew Satchwell in Chicago, experienced in bet-the-company litigation. High-tech matters specialist Mark Fowler, in Palo Alto, is also a core member of the practice, along with Daniel Valencia, who operates out of DC and is recommended for offensive actions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The DLA team is strong from top to bottom in technology, procedures, and trials. They are incredibly efficient, continuously coming in below estimates, which is greatly appreciated. They are incredibly responsive and willing to understand the nature of our business and business needs versus focusing on just the matter they have in front of them.’
‘Dan Valencia is incredibly responsive and a team player. Anticipates likely problems and provides potential solutions quickly.'
'Helena Kiepura is very detail-oriented and very strong on procedure. One of the best attorneys I have worked with in preparing a witness for a difficult deposition. Will put the time in and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.’
Key clients
- Microsoft Corporation
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise
- HP Inc.
- Lenovo Group Ltd.
- NXP Semiconductors N.V. and NXP USA Inc.
- Motorola Mobility, LLC
- Dell, Inc.
- Honeywell International, Inc.
- FirePro Systems Limited
- Mazda Motor Corporation
Work highlights
Defended Lenovo in multi-jurisdiction patent infringement litigation filed by Philips in both the International Trade Commission and Delaware District Court, securing a finding of no infringement at the ITC and favourable claim construction in Delaware.
Defended HP Inc. in an ITC investigation brought by International Semiconductor Group, securing a favourable settlement that protected HP's ability to sell laptop computers and Wi-Fi-enabled products in the United States.
Representing Lenovo in responding to a subpoena from Maxell Ltd. in a Section 337 investigation against Chinese electronics companies regarding smart television patents.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Erin Gibson; Sean Cunningham; Gina Durham; Matthew Satchwell; Helena Kiepura
Other key lawyers
Mark Fowler; Daniel Valencia