Christopher Abernethy

Christopher Abernethy is an intellectual property lawyer whose work centers on litigation, strategic counseling, and technology-driven patent matters. His practice focuses heavily on patent disputes, where he represents clients in complex legal proceedings while helping organizations protect innovations and strengthen the commercial value of their intellectual property assets.

Chris earned a B.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of California, Irvine in 2007, graduating cum laude. He later received his J.D. from Stanford Law School in 2010 and contributed to the Stanford Law Review. His technical education supports his ability to analyze sophisticated technologies involved in patent disputes.

Chris works on patent litigation, intellectual property counseling, licensing matters, and portfolio management. His experience includes handling cases in federal courts, the U.S. International Trade Commission, and proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. His work also involves advising companies on transactions and strategies designed to maximize the value of patent portfolios.

Chris’s legal work spans many technology sectors, including computer microprocessor architectures, wireless communications, digital video encoding technologies such as AVC, HEVC, VP9, and AV1, and display technologies, including LCD and OLED systems. He has also handled matters involving LED technology, battery charging systems, hoverboards, risk analysis software, and treatments related to the hepatitis C virus.

Chris has represented clients in high-stakes patent cases involving major technology companies and complex technical evidence. His litigation experience includes major federal court trials and appeals involving patent validity, infringement, and technology licensing disputes. Through these matters, he helps clients protect innovation while supporting broader business strategies.

Christopher Abernethy also contributes to the legal and academic community by writing and speaking about intellectual property law. He has taught a semester-long patent law course at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and has delivered guest lectures at Stanford Law School, the UC Berkeley School of Law, the UCLA School of Law, and the University of California, Irvine School of Law.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Irell & Manella LLP
• Member, State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Stanford Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges