Steven Pepe is a trusted advisor for technology companies and intellectual property owners in high-stakes patent disputes, helping them resolve complex, multi-patent conflicts by preparing cases for trial and positioning them to achieve business-driven outcomes, whether through verdict or strategic resolution.
Trial readiness defines Steve’s approach. An accomplished trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience and more than a dozen trials across district courts and the International Trade Commission, he serves as lead or co-lead counsel in matters where outcomes depend on being prepared to take a case through trial.
Steve distinguishes his approach by preparing cases to be tried, not simply positioned for settlement. He and his team develop the factual and technical record needed to present at trial, creating leverage that often drives favorable resolutions at key inflection points, including on the courthouse steps.
Standards-essential patent disputes are a core pillar of his practice. Steve has handled SEP matters since 2007 and has helped shape the law governing damages in these cases, including work adopted by a federal court in early FRAND decisions involving telecommunications standards.
Working across district courts, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and international jurisdictions, Steve coordinates multi-forum strategies in disputes spanning the United States, Europe and Asia, aligning timing, claims and defenses to support global resolution.
Having represented both operating companies, ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, and patent holders, Steve brings insight into how each side evaluates risk and leverage, allowing him to anticipate opposing strategies and align litigation with clients’ broader business objectives related to their telecommunications, consumer electronics and imaging technologies.
Outside the office, Steve is a devoted baseball fan who follows fantasy sports and enjoys spending time with his family.