Tom Broughan is a partner in the firm’s IP Litigation practice, based in Washington, D.C.

His practice focuses on intellectual property, including litigation in district courts involving high-stakes patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation claims. He also has extensive experience in various forums, including the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, the International Trade Commission, and arbitration tribunals. 

Tom is an experienced litigator who frequently presents arguments to courts and tribunals as well as examines witnesses before judges and juries. He also regularly serves as lead counsel in inter partes reviews. Tom is recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America® for Litigation — Intellectual Property and Patent Law (2026) and by The Legal 500 United States for Trade Secrets Litigation (2025). In 2022, a case Tom argued at the Federal Circuit was part of a trio of cases argued on the same day all resulting in a successful result for the same client. The cases received the 2022 LMG Life Sciences Award for Patent Impact Case of the Year. 

With a degree in computer science and prior experience as a software developer, Tom brings a practical understanding of how complex systems are designed and implemented. He also has a broad technical and scientific background that enables him to quickly engage with and understand many technologies. Tom frequently works with engineers, scientists, and doctors to analyze complex technical issues and translate them into simple but technically sound concepts that are accessible by judges and juries. 

His work covers a wide range of sophisticated technologies, including software and algorithms, signal processing, artificial intelligence, medical devices, gaming, and financial systems. He is particularly experienced in contentious disputes involving data-centric systems, algorithmic tools, and next-generation digital platforms, where legal arguments must align closely with underlying technical architecture. He works closely with technical teams and expert witnesses to develop arguments that are both technically rigorous and strategically effective in litigation settings.

Before entering private practice, Tom served as a law clerk to Judge Edward Damich of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and to Special Master Dee Lord, where he worked on matters involving complex scientific and medical issues.

He received his J.D., with honors, from The George Washington University Law School and holds dual bachelor’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University in computer science and business administration and economics.