A big-picture strategist and analytical thinker, Steffen Lake helps clients chart a course through complex intellectual property litigation in state and federal courts across the U.S., as well as post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
Steffen has played a key role in litigation matters for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies, including international clients in Korea, Europe, and Canada. His notable work includes helping obtain a defense verdict of non-infringement for Samsung in the face of a $2 billion demand — the largest ever patent damages demand tried to verdict in the Eastern District of Texas. Steffen’s background in physics and analytical problem-solving allows him to swiftly grasp the complex technical issues at stake, and he draws on his keen interest in litigation psychology to develop, distill, and deliver strategic arguments designed to anticipate and resonate with how juries think. His litigation experience spans fact and expert discovery, witness preparation, taking and defending depositions, claim construction, motion practice, jury trials, and post-trial motions.
Steffen has earned a reputation as a collaborative and personable advisor who makes it a priority to cultivate a deep familiarity with his clients’ business needs. In addition to his litigation practice, he advises clients on aligning their IP strategy with business directives, as well as on IP due diligence, portfolio management, potential assertion, and freedom-to-operate analyses. His practice covers a broad spectrum of technologies, including mobile devices, wearable technology, telecommunications, internet and 5G technology, power management, agrochemicals, videoconferencing devices, automobile parts, optics, medical imaging devices, logistics and supply chain management software, and image processing software.
In his free time, Steffen loves golfing with his family. When he’s not helping develop his toddler’s golf swing, he can often be found at the piano or acoustic guitar, or cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
Experience
Headwater Research LLC v. Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd., et al. (E.D. Tex.): Represented Samsung in patent infringement cases concerning data and power saving software for wireless communication devices.
Solaborate Inc. v. Avaya Inc. (Cal. Super. Ct.) (San Bernardino County; Alvarez, J): Represented Avaya in litigation concerning alleged misappropriation of trade secrets and contractual breaches.
Wireless Discovery LLC v. Bumble Trading LLC, et al. (W.D. Tex.) (Albright, J.): Represented Bumble in patent infringement case related to online dating applications and location-based social networking technology.
UPL v. Tide International (USA) et al. (C.D. Cal.): Represented Tide in defense of chemical patent asserted by UPL; case dismissed after successful inter partes review.
Clear Imaging Research, LLC v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., et al. (E.D. Tex.) (Gilstrap, J.): Represented Samsung in patent infringement case concerning digital photography software.
Pro bono activities
In his pro bono practice, Steffen works alongside organizations including Kids in Need of Defense, Georgia Lawyers for the Arts, and the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyer Foundation’s Safe Families office.
