Thomas Millikan is a first-chair trial lawyer who represents technology companies in high-stakes patent disputes involving standard essential patents (SEPs), FRAND issues and other technically complex intellectual property matters.
Frequently brought into business-critical disputes requiring sophisticated trial execution, coordinated global strategy and persuasive presentation of highly technical concepts, Thomas has taken more than 20 patent and technology disputes to verdict or decision across federal district courts, the International Trade Commission, arbitration proceedings and other forums.
Centering his practice on SEP and FRAND disputes involving global licensing programs and parallel proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, Thomas represents implementers in litigation, licensing negotiations and strategic counseling involving standards-driven technologies. Clients regularly engage him early in disputes to help shape worldwide litigation strategy, assess licensing exposure, evaluate portfolios and position matters for favorable commercial outcomes.
Drawing on his prior experience as a digital signal processing engineer and inventor, Thomas brings unusual technical fluency to expert-intensive patent litigation. He is known for digging deeply into technical issues, managing complex expert presentations and dismantling technical expert testimony through cross-examination involving streaming media, video compression, audio compression, telecommunications, semiconductors, consumer electronics and related technologies. Clients rely on Thomas not only for trial advocacy, but also for the ability to integrate technical, strategic and business considerations into cohesive global litigation strategies.
In addition to leading trials, Thomas regularly handles claim construction proceedings, dispositive motions, expert discovery and coordinated global litigation efforts involving counsel across the United States, Europe and South America. He also advises clients on pre-litigation risk assessment, SEP licensing negotiations, design-around strategies and broader intellectual property positioning matters.
Prior to practicing law, Thomas worked at Texas Instruments as a digital signal processing engineer, where he designed software and systems for MP3 players, mobile phones, GPS systems and video players. He is named as an inventor on more than a dozen patents.
Outside the office, Thomas enjoys skiing, soccer and motorsports.