Michael D. Saunders

• Texas Super Lawyers®
  • "Rising Stars," Intellectual Litigation Property Law, 2013-2017, 2021-2022
• Thomson Reuters, 2013-2017

Eastern District of Texas: Defended a major computer and information technology company against claims of patent infringement, trade secret misappropriation, and breach of contract in suit relating to computer configuration software. Obtained complete defense jury verdict in favor of client on all issues.

Eastern District of Texas, Southern District of New York, Federal Circuit: Defended several investment banking institutions in patent infringement suits relating to data compression technology and financial data streams. Successfully obtained writ of mandamus from Federal Circuit, resulting in the transfer of the cases to the Southern District of New York. Subsequently obtained summary judgment of noninfringement and invalidity, which was affirmed on appeal.

Eastern District of Texas, Northern District of California: Defended a major information technology company in a patent infringement suit related to wireless technology. Obtained transfer to Northern District of California. After argument at Markman hearing, obtained a favorable claim construction ruling, resulting in settlement.

Eastern District of Wisconsin: Represented a food processing equipment manufacturer in both offensive and defensive patent suits relating to food forming machines. Advised the client in successfully defeating reexamination of its patents. After argument at summary judgment hearing, obtained a favorable claim construction ruling and partial summary judgment of non-infringement in defensive case. Cases subsequently settled.

Second chair counsel for respondent in U.S. International Trade Commission case related to Bluetooth headsets. Won summary determination of invalidity on all asserted patents. In the Matter of Certain Wireless Headsets, Inv. No. 337-TA-943.  
 
Second chair counsel for patent owner in U.S. International Trade Commission case for infringement of patents related to graphical user interfaces for portable electronic devices.  In the Matter of Certain Portable Electronic Devices and Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-994.

Northern District of Illinois: Defended a consumer electronics company and a retailer in patent infringement suit relating to audio electronics. Obtained complete dismissal on summary judgment, and award of attorneys’ fees to client.

Transaction: Advised a major consumer media company as to patent issues in its acquisition of privately held film and television production company.

Transaction: Advised a major consumer electronics company as to intellectual property issues in potential acquisition of a competitor.

• United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
• United States District Court for the Northern District of California
• United States District Court for the Central District of California
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin