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- Sturgis M. Sobin
Sturgis Sobin has represented clients in more than 65 intellectual property cases, including 25 trials, before the U.S. International Trade Commission under Section 337, as well as in related U.S. District Court litigation. This fast-paced litigation has involved patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret issues, and has often required the development and implementation of complex worldwide litigation strategies.
Mr. Sobin has served as lead trial counsel in multiple large and complex trials covering a range of technologies and commercially valuable IP rights. He has also served as lead global managing counsel for multinational intellectual property and commercial disputes. He is recognized as a leading ITC Section 337 practitioner by Chambers USA, with sources noting he is an “excellent lawyer” and "very perceptive in identifying the key issues in matters and developing winning approaches."
Mr. Sobin is a co-author of a leading treatise on Section 337 and his section 337 practice has been noted in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, The American Lawyer, The Recorder, The National Law Journal, and Legal Times.
He has been invited to speak on Section 337 and international IP enforcement issues before professional and business groups, including the California, District of Columbia, Federal Circuit, ITC Trial Lawyers, and American Bar Associations, as well as intellectual property law professionals in Korea, China, and Taiwan.
- WiFi Enabled Electronic Devices, Inv. No. 337-TA-1072 (Sharp v. Hisense)
- Audio Processing Hardware, Inv. No. 337-TA-1026 (Andrea Electronics v. Samsung)
- Semiconductor Devices, Inv. No. 337-TA-1010 (Tessera v. Broadcom)
- Carbon and Alloy Steel Products, 337-TA-1002 (U.S. Steel v. Baosteel et al.)
- Computing or Graphics Systems, Inv. No. 337-TA-984 (Advanced Silicon Technologies v. Texas Instruments et al.)
- Communications or Computing Devices and Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-925 (Enterprise v. Samsung)
- MEMS Devices and Products Containing Same, Inv. No. 337-TA-825 (Knowles v. ADI)
- Wireless Devices with 3G Capabilities and Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-800 (InterDigital v. Huawei et al.)
- Light-Emitting Diodes and Products Containing Same, Inv. No. 337-TA-785 (OSRAM v. Samsung)
- Vaginal Ring Birth Control Devices, Inv. No. 337-TA-768 (Femina Pharma v. Merck)
- Wireless Communication Devices and Systems, Components Thereof, and Products Containing Same, Inv. No. 337-TA-775 (Linex v. Apple, HP et al.)
- MLC Flash Memory Devices and Products Containing Same, Inv. No. 337-TA-683 (BTG v. Samsung et al.)
- Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Using Tungsten Metallization, Inv. No. 337-TA-648 (LSI/Agere v. UMC, ProMOS, et al.)
- Hard Disk Drives, Inv. No. 337-TA-616 (Reiber v. Seagate)
- Flash Memory Devices, Inv. No. 337-TA-619 (SanDisk v. multiple respondents)
- Systems for Detecting and Removing Computer Viruses or Worms, Inv. No. 337-TA-510 (Trend v. Fortinet)
- Automated Mechanical Truck Transmission Systems, 337-TA-503 (Eaton v. ZF Meritor, et al.)
- Set Top Boxes, Inv. No. 337-TA-454 (GemStar v. Echostar (Dish TV))
- Excimer Lasers, Inv. No. 337-TA- 419 (VISX v. Nidek)
- Human Growth Hormone, 337-TA-358 (Genentech v. Novo Nordisk et al.)
- Cell Phones, 337-TA-297 (Motorola v. Nokia)
- DRAMs, 337-TA-242 (Texas Instruments v. NEC et al.)
- Optical Waveguide Fibers, Inv. No. 337-TA- 189 (Corning v. Sumitomo Electric)
Shutdown Could Disrupt A Number Of ITC Patent Cases
January 24, 2019, Law360
Sturgis Sobin is quoted in Law360 regarding the government shutdown’s effect on U.S. International Trade Commission cases. Mr. Sobin says, “It’s unfortunate for a complainant that has worked hard to keep its case moving forward and came to the ITC because of the speed of the process, but it is the reality that we are looking at right now.” He adds, Overall, for ...
International Trade Commission Drops US Steel's Antitrust Claims Against Chinese Steelmakers
March 23, 2018, The American Lawyer
Derek Ludwin and James O'Connell are quoted by The American Lawyer in an article examining a decision by the ITC stating that United States Steel cannot bring antitrust claims against 40 Chinese steel manufacturers over alleged price-fixing. Ludwin, who represents Baosteel America with O'Connell and Sturgis Sobin, says that even though Section 337 is not often ...
January 19, 2018, Law360
Covington was named a 2017 International Trade Group of the Year by Law360. According to Peter Lichtenbaum, the Bombardier trade remedies case, which "presents very significant economic, legal, and political issues," was one of the group's biggest from the past year. "The company remains confident that the ITC will conclude that Boeing will not be harmed by the ...
July 5, 2017, The National Law Journal
The National Law Journal highlights Covington's successful representation of Tessera at the ITC regarding a patent infringement dispute with Broadcom over semiconductor chips. According to Sturgis Sobin, who led the Covington team, "They tried for more than two years to work out a deal, but were unsuccessful."
November 18, 2016, The Litigation Daily
Sturgis Sobin, Derek Ludwin, and James O’Connell were named “Litigators of the Week” by The Litigation Daily for an initial determination at the ITC on behalf of Baosteel in the first price-fixing case in almost 40 years at the agency, terminating U.S. Steel’s antitrust claim. According to Sobin, the argument was as much about educating the judge about the ...
May 31, 2016
WASHINGTON—Chambers USA has selected Covington for its 2016 Award for Excellence in International Trade. The Award for Excellence in International Trade is presented at Chambers USA’s annual awards dinner and awarded to one law firm. The award coincides with the release of the Chambers USA 2016 guidebook, in which Covington received a top-tier ranking nationally ...
Covington Receives Top Tier Rankings from Legal 500 U.S.
June 9, 2015
WASHINGTON, DC, June 9, 2015 — The Legal 500 U.S. has ranked Covington as a top tier firm in nine practice areas and recognized 25 individual attorneys as “Leading Lawyers” in the directory’s 2015 edition. Additionally, Legal 500 recommended 36 Covington practice areas and 156 Covington lawyers. Top tier rankings include: Antitrust - Cartel Antitrust ...
Perspectives on the New Normal in U.S. Patent Litigation
May 11, 2015, Global Series, Federal Circuit Bar Assn.
Covington Adds Leading IP Lawyer Ruixue Ran in Beijing
January 7, 2015
Beijing, January 7, 2015 — Covington & Burling is pleased to announce that Ruixue Ran, one of Asia’s leading intellectual property lawyers, is joining the firm’s Beijing office as a partner. Ms. Ran is expected to further expand Covington’s ability to assist its multinational clients with their cross-border intellectual property issues involving China. With ...
Knowles Wins ITC Suit Over Microphone Patents
October 16, 2014, Law360
Sturgis Sobin, Alexander Chinoy, Brian Bieluch, Jeffrey Lerner, David Garr, Jay Alexander and Robert Haslam are mentioned in this article regarding their representation of Knowles Corporation in their patent infringement victory before the U.S. International Trade Commission.
September 3, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC, September 3, 2014 — Covington & Burling has secured an important patent infringement victory before the U.S. International Trade Commission on behalf of Knowles Corporation. On August 29, Administrative Law Judge Judge E. James Gildea ruled that GoerTek, Inc. and GoerTek Electronics, Inc. violated Section 337 of the Tariff Act as a result of ...
August 18, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC, August 18, 2014 — Best Lawyers named Covington & Burling’s Stuart Eizenstat and Gregg Levy each a 2015 “Lawyer of the Year” in international trade and sports law, respectively, citing their “abilities, professionalism and integrity.” Overall, Covington lawyers received 217 individual mentions in 58 areas of law in the newly released annual survey ...
7/16/2014
WASHINGTON, DC, July 16, 2014 — Covington & Burling secured a victory on July 7, 2014 when an administrative law judge of the U.S. International Trade Commission determined that Samsung, LG and Toshiba did not violate Section 337 of the Tariff Act, a U.S. trade law frequently used by patent owners to target imports. Black Hills Media LLC, based in Delaware, ...
Covington Receives Top Tier Nods in Legal 500 U.S.
June 26, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC, June 26, 2014 — The Legal 500 U.S. has ranked Covington & Burling in its top tier in eight practice areas and recognized 23 individual attorneys as “Leading Lawyers” in the directory’s 2014 edition. Additionally, Legal 500 “recommended” 42 Covington practice areas and 153 Covington lawyers. The eight Covington practices given the top tier ranking ...
Recent Developments at the ITC: Domestic Industry & Standard Essential Patents
October 2013, International Series Seoul Conference, Federal Circuit Bar Assn.
Covington Receives Top Tier Nods in Legal 500 U.S.
June 7, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC, June 7, 2013 — The Legal 500 U.S. has ranked Covington & Burling as a top tier firm in six practice areas and recognized 21 individual attorneys as “Leading Lawyers” in the directory’s 2013 edition. Additionally, Legal 500 “recommended” 38 Covington practice areas and 148 Covington lawyers. The six Covington practices given the top tier ranking ...
10/24/12
WASHINGTON, DC, October 24, 2012 — Jay Alexander has joined Covington & Burling’s intellectual property group as of counsel, resident in the firm’s Washington office. He will focus on patent infringement cases before the U.S. International Trade Commission and the federal courts. An intellectual property litigator with more than 20 years of experience, Mr. ...
Evolution of Section 337
October 24, 2012, Symposium on US & China Legal Practice with Respect to IPR Protection and Trade Remedies in the Context of Technical Innovation and Globalization, Beijing University School of Law
Covington Receives Top Tier Nods in Legal 500 US
August 14, 2012
WASHINGTON, DC, August 14, 2012 — Covington & Burling LLP has received a top tier ranking in six practice areas and 18 individual attorneys are named “Leading Lawyers” in the recently released Legal 500 US 2012 edition. Additionally, Legal 500 US also “recommended” 36 Covington practice areas and 123 Covington lawyers. The six Covington practices given the top ...
March 19, 2012
LONDON, 19 March, 2012 — Covington & Burling LLP received 46 individual mentions and 20 practice mentions in the Chambers Global 2012 edition. The guidebook, which ranks lawyers globally by pan-regional and country practice area, is designed to identify the most skilled legal practitioners based on the qualities most valued by clients. The Covington lawyers ...
6/10/2011
WASHINGTON, DC, June 10, 2011 — In presenting Covington & Burling LLP with the Chambers USA Award for Excellence in International Trade on June 9th, Chambers noted how the firm’s “comprehensive team covers the complete spectrum of international trade matters and clients benefit from the close-knit and interdisciplinary approach of the department's various ...
June 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, DC, June 10, 2011 — Covington & Burling LLP received 123 individual mentions and 45 practice mentions in Chambers USA 2011. The guidebook, which ranks lawyers by state and national practice area, is designed to identify the most skilled legal practitioners based on the qualities most valued by clients. Here are the Covington lawyers and practices ...
June 9, 2011
WASHINGTON, DC, June 10, 2011 — Covington & Burling LLP received 92 individual mentions and 32 practice mentions in the Legal 500 US 2011 edition. Legal 500 reviews the strengths and strategies of law firms in more than 90 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North and South America, and the Caribbean. Here are the Covington lawyers and practices ...
June 16, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC, June 16, 2010 — Covington & Burling LLP received 112 individual mentions and 44 practice mentions in Chambers USA 2010. The guidebook, which ranks lawyers by state and national practice area, is designed to identify the most skilled legal practitioners based on the qualities most valued by clients. Here are the Covington lawyers and practices ...
Covington Named ‘ITC Litigation Firm of the Year’
April 16, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC, April 16, 2010 — Covington & Burling LLP has been named “ITC Litigation Firm of the Year” by Managing Intellectual Property in recognition of the firm’s IP litigation work in the US. The award was presented last night at the Managing Intellectual Property 2010 North American Awards Ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, ...
June 12, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC, June 12, 2009 — Covington & Burling LLP received 100 individual mentions and 40 practice mentions in Chambers USA 2009. The guidebook, which ranks lawyers by state and national practice area, is designed to identify the most skilled legal practitioners based on the qualities most valued by clients. Here are the Covington lawyers and practices ...
Covington Announces Major Expansion of its Patent Litigation Practice and West Coast Presence
10/6/2008
WASHINGTON, DC, October 6, 2008 — Covington & Burling LLP is significantly expanding its national intellectual property litigation practice with the addition of approximately 50 lawyers in California and Washington, DC. Covington is also opening new offices in Silicon Valley, where it already has a large client base, and San Diego, which presents significant ...
Implementing Proactive Strategies to Protect Intellectual Property at the Border
September 23, 2008, American Conference Institute
Amicus Briefs—What Would Help the Bar Help the Court
06/27/2002-06/29/2002, Federal Circuit Bar Association, Forth Bench and Bar Conference
Using Section 337 Proceedings for Effective Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights at the Border
February 22, 2005, District of Columbia Bar
IP Practice Before the International Trade Commission
11/05/06-11/06/2004, 29th Annual Intellectual Property Institute, State Bar of California
Hold On To Your Hat: Trying A Case At The International Trade Commission Can Blow The Unwary Away
March 22, 2004, Legal Times
Donald K. Duvall Annual Review Of Noteworthy Section 337 Decisions In The Past Year
November 6, 2002, TC Trial Lawyers Association Annual Meeting
Summer 1996, 9 Harvard Journal of Law and Technology 2
- Recognized by The Am Law Litigation Daily as one of the "Litigators of the Week" (11/18/2016)
- Chambers USA - America's Leading Business Lawyers, International Trade/IP - Section 337 (2009-2018)
- Chambers Global, International Trade - Intellectual Property (Section 337) (U.S.) (2014-2018)
- Legal 500 US, "Leading Lawyer" - Patent Litigation: International Trade Commission (2014-2017)
- IAM Patent 1000 - “Highly Recommended” International Trade Commission, The World’s Leading Patent Practitioners (2015-2016)
- Washington DC Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property (2014-2015, 2017-2018)