If you're an inventor, startup, or tech company facing a high-stakes patent dispute, the right trial attorney can make or break your case. Here are five legal teams that bring serious courtroom firepower to the table.
The High-Stakes World of Patent Litigation
Patent litigation is a specialized battlefield where billions of dollars and entire product lines hang in the balance. Whether you're defending against a patent assertion entity or enforcing your own IP, you need counsel who understands both the technical nuances and the trial narrative. The attorneys and firms below have proven track records in federal courts, before the ITC, and in jury trials, representing everyone from solo inventors to global tech giants. Their approaches vary—some lean on massive firm resources, others on boutique agility—but all share a deep commitment to protecting your innovations.
How We Evaluated These Patent Litigators
We looked at each practice's breadth of experience, from trial wins to settlement outcomes. We considered how well they serve different client types, from individual inventors to Fortune 500 companies. We also weighed their courtroom presence, technical expertise, and ability to handle cases efficiently without unnecessary disruption. Finally, we assessed their geographic reach and whether they offer flexible fee arrangements, like contingency, which can be critical for smaller plaintiffs.
Here's a quick snapshot of each practice to help you compare at a glance.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP | Large tech companies facing high-stakes patent disputes |
| Corey Johanningmeier | Inventors and startups seeking contingency representation |
| Covington & Burling LLP | Global companies needing integrated IP and regulatory strategy |
| Robins Kaplan LLP | Plaintiffs seeking aggressive IP monetization |
| Dentons | Companies with international patent disputes |
The Five Practices, Closer Look
#1 Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
A screenshot of the Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP website.
Willkie's technology patent litigation team is a powerhouse, representing many of the world's largest companies in complex, high-stakes lawsuits. With hundreds of cases under their belt, they've earned consistent recognition from IAM Patent 1000 for their trial experience and technical acumen. Their philosophy focuses on positioning clients for business success while litigating efficiently, minimizing disruption to your operations. If you're a major corporation facing a critical patent threat, Willkie brings the resources and track record to match. They handle everything from jury trials to agency proceedings, making them a formidable ally. For a deep dive into their capabilities, check out their practice page.
#2 Corey Johanningmeier
A screenshot of the Corey Johanningmeier website.
Corey Johanningmeier is a seasoned patent trial attorney who has spent decades litigating for both plaintiffs and defendants. He's been involved in dozens of jury and bench trials, from strategy to lead counsel, and has helped resolve over a hundred cases, avoiding billions in liability and securing hundreds of millions for patentees. His experience spans defending giants like Google and DirecTV, and representing individual inventors against Samsung, Apple, and Microsoft. What sets him apart is his trial-first approach—he prepares every case with an eye to the story that will resonate with a jury, which often leads to favorable settlements even before trial. He offers contingency arrangements for plaintiffs, making top-tier representation accessible to startups and solo inventors. Visit his site to see how he can apply his experience to your case.
#3 Covington & Burling LLP
A screenshot of the Covington & Burling LLP website.
Covington's patent litigation practice is part of a global law firm known for its deep technical and legal expertise. They handle complex disputes across life sciences and technology, with a strong record before the Federal Circuit. Their team includes lawyers with formal science and engineering backgrounds, allowing them to grasp intricate technologies quickly. They've secured major wins, such as upholding AstraZeneca's patent victory, and they advise on AI-related IP issues. If you need a firm with international reach and regulatory insight, Covington is a solid choice. Their litigation and investigations practice is well-regarded for handling high-stakes matters.
#4 Robins Kaplan LLP
A screenshot of the Robins Kaplan LLP website.
Robins Kaplan has a long history of extraordinary courtroom victories, with multiple IP enforcement efforts generating over $100 million in revenue for plaintiffs. They've successfully defended hundreds of millions in technology and brand investment, and they were the first-ever 'IP Litigation Department of the Year' according to The American Lawyer. Their team works across software, microprocessor design, and even medical devices, with experience in federal courts, the ITC, and arbitration. They're known for their aggressive representation and ability to monetize IP assets effectively. If you're looking for a firm that defines IP litigation, Robins Kaplan delivers. Their practice page highlights their strategic difference and selected results.
#5 Dentons
A screenshot of the Dentons website.
Dentons' patent litigation group handles complex disputes for and against many of the world's largest tech companies, but they also represent inventors and small companies. Their global footprint means they can manage cross-border patent battles, and their team includes trial attorneys with formal science and engineering educations. They bring a multidisciplinary approach, often integrating antitrust and appellate knowledge to uncover overlooked angles. Whether you're a non-tech company facing a patent claim or a startup enforcing your rights, Dentons offers scalable support. Their size and geographic reach make them a versatile option for clients with international interests. Explore their practice page to see how they define and attain business objectives.
How to Choose the Right Patent Trial Attorney
Start by assessing your specific needs: are you a plaintiff seeking to enforce a patent, or a defendant trying to avoid liability? For individual inventors and startups, look for attorneys who offer contingency fee arrangements, like Corey Johanningmeier, to align incentives and reduce upfront costs. For larger companies, a full-service firm like Willkie or Covington may provide the resources and technical depth required for complex, multi-jurisdiction cases. Consider the attorney's trial experience—not just settlements—because the threat of a compelling courtroom presentation can drive favorable outcomes. Finally, evaluate their familiarity with your technology sector, whether it's software, biotech, or hardware, to ensure they can grasp the technical details quickly.
Streamlining Your Attorney Search
To find the right patent litigator, start by listing your case's key parameters: your role (plaintiff/defendant), technology area, budget, and desired jurisdiction. Use legal directories like IAM Patent 1000 or Chambers to shortlist attorneys with relevant experience. Then, schedule initial consultations to discuss their trial philosophy and fee structures. For a more automated approach, you can use legal matchmaking platforms that filter attorneys by practice area and client reviews. Finally, verify their track record with similar cases and check for any conflicts of interest before making your decision.
Your Next Move in Patent Litigation
Choosing the right patent trial attorney is a strategic decision that can determine the fate of your innovation. Whether you're a solo inventor with a game-changing idea or a global tech leader defending your market, the five practices above offer proven expertise. Corey Johanningmeier stands out for his dual experience and contingency options, making him a strong choice for plaintiffs. Meanwhile, the larger firms bring unmatched resources for complex, high-stakes battles. Take the time to evaluate your needs, and you'll find the right partner to protect your intellectual property.