Vinson & Elkins
Firm overview:
Vinson & Elkins is one of the oldest law firms in Houston, where its headquarters are located. The firm’s patent prosecution team works closely with patent litigator colleagues to ensure a multi-faceted approach to protecting clients’ assets. The firm also has a dedicated IP Counseling practice that develops comprehensive protection strategies and advises on licensing and other aspects of maximising clients’ inventions.
V&E has prosecuted patents in a wide range of industries including life sciences, medical devices, food and consumer goods, aerospace, computer software, plastics, scientific instruments, sports, energy and high tech. Representative experience includes prosecuting patents for a major manufacturer of offshore drilling rigs, as well as patents relating to robotics, touch panels, computer hardware and software, and scientific instrumentation.
The firm’s patent litigators practice throughout the US, including before federal courts, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and the International Trade Commission. Highlights for the team include the successful defence of a leading smartphone maker in patent litigation, and a win for a major sports league and sports media company in a patent dispute over streaming technology.
Team overview:
A key contact for non-contentious patent work is technology and IP counsel Rajesh Patel, who counsels clients on transactional issues regarding IP assets. Patel’s experience includes patent preparation and prosecution, license agreements and the IP aspects of mergers and acquisitions.
On the contentious side, co-head of the IP & Technology Litigation practice Hilary Preston represents clients in IP litigation and commercial disputes in trial and appellate courts across the country. Preston’s experience includes representing a global leader in solar cell technology in patent infringement litigation regarding innovations in solar panel modules.
In January 2026, the firm announced that Steven Moore had joined as co-head of the IP & Technology Litigation practice. Moore, who spent nearly 25 years at Kilpatrick prior to the move, is highly experienced in handling patent infringement disputes and has led cases involving a wide range of technologies, from wireless communications to industrial cutting tools.
Jeffrey Han also focuses on patent litigation, representing clients before numerous federal district courts, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the US International Trade Commission, and the US Patent and Trademark Office. He also has experience in AAA arbitration proceedings.
Key matters:
- Maxell v Amperex Technology
Vinson & Elkins represented Maxell in a dispute over patents directed to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Amperex petitioned the PTAB for inter partes review, and the board held the claims unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103.
Maxell appealed, and in January 2025, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the invalidation. Vinson & Elkins’ Erik Shallman argued for Maxell.
Clients:
Maxell
