John R. Lanham
John Lanham is a partner in the firm’s Intellectual Property Group who represents companies in high-stakes business and technology disputes, including patent, trade secret, copyright, and complex commercial litigation matters. He brings broad-based business litigation experience to his clients’ most significant disputes and advises on litigation strategy, risk mitigation, and strategic decision-making as issues develop and before disputes arise.
John works closely with his clients to translate complex legal issues into practical business decisions. He represents clients across a range of industries, including artificial intelligence, software, semiconductors, aviation, life sciences, and manufacturing. His clients range from emerging companies to global enterprises.
He also maintains an active pro bono practice focused on children’s rights and constitutional issues. John is a past president and board member of the San Diego Intellectual Property Law Association.
John received his J.D. cum laude from Northwestern University School of Law. While at Northwestern, John served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Joan Humphrey Lefkow of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and as a member of the Northwestern University Law Review. John received his B.A. magna cum laude with distinction from the Colorado College. At Colorado College, John was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
Experience
WalkMe Ltd. v. Whatfix, Inc.
(Northern District of California, Delaware) Represented a SaaS company in trade secret, breach of contract, patent infringement, and false advertising litigation brought by a competitor. Successfully defeated a motion for preliminary injunction. The litigation ultimately resulted in a stipulated dismissal with prejudice.
Snap-on Inc. v. Autel US Inc.
(Southern District of California) Represented Snap-on and Mitchell Repair Information Company in connection with trade secret and data theft claims against a foreign competitor. Secured preliminary and permanent injunctive relief.
Wagner Aeronautical, Inc. et al. v. Dotzenroth
(Southern District of California) Represented the National Institute of Aviation Research at Wichita State University (NIAR) in a trade secret case related to programs for converting passenger jets from passenger use to cargo use. After a year of litigation, the plaintiffs dismissed the case, with prejudice, without any concessions or payment by NIAR.
Nevro Corp. v. Stimwave Technologies Inc.
(District of Delaware) Represented Nevro Corp., a public global medical device company, in its patent battle against competitor Stimwave Technologies, Inc. Secured a preliminary injunction for Nevro, after an all-day evidentiary hearing. The case subsequently settled after Stimwave stipulated to a permanent injunction agreeing not to infringe the patents.
Analog Devices v. Xilinx Inc.
(District of Delaware) Represented Xilinx in a 16-patent case, including a counterclaim by Xilinx against ADI.
DNA Genotek, Inc. v. Ancestry.com DNA LLC
(District of Delaware). Represented DNA Genotek in litigation asserting patent involving DNA sample collection devices. Obtained eight-figure settlement and ongoing royalty following favorable IPR and claim construction proceedings.
Lawrence Livermore National Security LLC et al. v. Alcon Laboratories, Inc. et al.
(Central District of California). Represented several Alcon entities in patent litigation regarding femtosecond lasers for eye surgery. Prevailed on summary judgment that the three asserted patents were not infringed by the accused devices.
Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. Sandoz Inc.
(District of Nevada). Represented Sandoz in Hatch-Waxman litigation regarding the company’s application to sell an injectable oncology drug. Of the 14 claims originally asserted by Spectrum against Sandoz’s proposed generic version of levoleucovorin, successfully eliminated all but two claims before trial. After a five-day bench trial, the court found clear and convincing evidence of obviousness and invalidated the remaining two claims.
International Chamber of Commerce Arbitration
Represented international corporations in a multi-year arbitration in connection with the operation of an open-pit mine. Obtained a favorable award for the clients, along with the rejection of the respondent’s counterclaims, and subsequently obtained confirmation and judgment on the entire award.
Television Distribution and Video Services Technology Patent Litigation
Represented communications companies in connection with patent litigation regarding television distribution and video services technology.
Securities Exchange Act and Colorado Securities Act Shareholder Action
Represented a healthcare firm and certain of its officers and directors in connection with a shareholder action brought under the federal Securities Exchange Act and the Colorado Securities Act.
Securities and Exchange Commission Investigation
Represented members of a public company’s audit committee in connection with a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation regarding executive compensation.
Rankings
Recommended for Intellectual Property: Trade Secrets
The Legal 500 US 2022-2025
Ones to Watch: Intellectual Property
Best Lawyers 2024