Sean C. Cunningham

Sean C. Cunningham is a senior patent litigation attorney who represents global technology and medical device companies in complex intellectual property disputes. He focuses on high-stakes patent matters in federal district courts and before the International Trade Commission, where outcomes often carry significant commercial consequences. His practice centers on trial strategy, coordinated multi-forum litigation, and decisive advocacy in cases involving cutting-edge technology.

Sean earned his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law, graduating with Order of the Coif honors and serving as an editor of the Kansas Law Review. He completed his B.A. in English at the University of Kansas, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. His academic background supports clear written advocacy, persuasive oral presentation, and the ability to distill complex technical issues for judges and juries.

Over nearly three decades, Sean has served as first-chair trial counsel in more than twenty-five patent trials across jurisdictions, including Delaware, Texas, California, New York, Virginia, Illinois, Arizona, and the ITC. He has led coordinated defenses involving parallel district court cases, ITC investigations, and inter partes review proceedings. His experience includes matters that influenced national discussion on patent damages and trial practice.

Sean C. Cunningham is consistently recognized by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, and The Legal 500 for excellence in patent litigation. Clients describe him as an effective communicator with a strong courtroom presence and practical judgment. As Global Co-Chair and U.S. Chair of Intellectual Property and Technology, Sean provides strategic leadership on the most consequential disputes, combining preparation, credibility, and disciplined execution to achieve favorable outcomes in complex patent litigation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, DLA Piper LLP (US)
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of California
• Member, Federal Circuit Bar Association
• Member, American Intellectual Property Law Association
• Member, California Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• California

Education

• University of Kansas School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Kansas
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges