Practices

Intellectual Property Litigation

Trial-ready litigators for high-stakes patent disputes across district courts, the ITC, PTAB and Federal Circuit.

Why Cooley

  • Litigation strategy for technology and life sciences innovators

    We represent companies in protecting and defending transformative technologies, from biotechnology and pharmaceuticals to software, semiconductors and AI. Our lawyers bring the technical fluency needed to engage deeply with both the facts and industry context.

  • Trial-ready patent litigators

    We prepare every case for trial from day one, aligning arguments, evidence and experts around what will matter most in the courtroom. Our trial-focused approach drives leverage early and positions clients for stronger outcomes at every stage.

  • Patent litigation in every venue, through every stage of a dispute

    We represent clients throughout the entire patent dispute life cycle, from pre-suit investigations to trial and Federal Circuit appeals. We also have experience in every venue, including federal district courts, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and International Trade Commission (ITC). Our cohesive strategy across venues keeps arguments aligned, sharpens decision-making and keeps business objectives at the center of the dispute.

  • Patent litigation aligned to business goals

    We connect litigation decisions to what matters most outside the courtroom – whether protecting market position, enabling a transaction or managing long-term risk – so clients can make informed trade-offs throughout a dispute.

Cooley stands out through their combination of deep technical expertise and genuine collaboration.

Chambers USA 2026, Intellectual Property: Litigation (District of Columbia)

Recognition

  • Chambers USA: Intellectual Property – Nationwide (2026)
  • Chambers USA: California Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation (2026)
  • Life Sciences Patent Network: Life Sciences IP Litigation Firm of the Year finalist (2026)
  • The Legal 500 US: Patents: litigation (full coverage) (2026)
  • The American Lawyer: Technology Industry, Department of the Year (2026)
  • The American Lawyer: Best Law Firm of the Year (2025)
  • The American Lawyer: IP Litigation Department of the Year finalist (2023, 2025)
  • Managing IP: Patent Disputes and PTAB Litigation “IP Star” (2025)
  • LMG Life Sciences: General Patent Litigation Firm of the Year finalist (2024)
  • LMG Life Sciences: Hatch-Waxman Litigation Firm of the Year – Branded (2024)

Cooley attorneys are practical, thoughtful and will provide an understanding of the risks and implications. They have a wealth of experience and can tackle almost all situations.

Chambers USA 2026

Patent disputes at the intersection of technology, science and competition

Cooley’s patent litigators focus on disputes where technology, science and market competition converge, bringing legal, technical and industry contexts together in a single litigation strategy, including in high-stakes competitor versus competitor patent disputes.

  • Life sciences and pharma: We handle life sciences patent disputes involving biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, including abbreviated new drug application (ANDA), Hatch-Waxman and Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) litigation. Our approach reflects how therapies are developed, approved and brought to market – helping clients protect critical products at every stage.
  • Technology and software: We represent tech companies in disputes involving software, semiconductors, AI and emerging technologies. Our teams engage directly with the underlying systems to develop arguments that reflect how the technology functions in practice relevant to the issues in dispute.
  • ITC Section 337 litigation: We advocate for our clients in fast-moving ITC investigations involving imported goods and competitive market stakes.
  • Post-grant proceedings: We defend and challenge patents in post-grant proceedings before the PTAB, including as part of a comprehensive district court litigation strategy.
  • Trial and appellate advocacy: We deploy a comprehensive litigation and appeal strategy, building a record that supports strong advocacy through trial and appeal. That discipline ensures consistency from early case strategy through final resolution.

Frequently asked questions


When should I hire a patent litigation lawyer?

Early – before a dispute escalates. Cooley helps clients build strategy around business priorities, competitive realities and practical resolutions, not just legal arguments.

What makes Cooley’s patent litigation team different?

Cooley’s teams combine deep patent litigation experience with an understanding of how innovative companies build, protect and commercialize technology. We scale teams to fit the case and stay focused on what matters most as the dispute evolves.

How are patent litigation matters handled?

Patent litigation can involve multiple proceedings running at the same time, including district court cases, ITC investigations and PTAB challenges. Cooley’s approach is a coordinated dispute strategy across these venues and through appeal, helping clients protect key innovations while keeping litigation aligned with broader business priorities.

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