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  1. Professionals

Robert T. Vlasis III

Partner

Washington, DC

+1 202-282-5644

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  • Overview
  • Experience
  • Credentials
  • Insights & News

Robert co-leads the firm’s ITC – Section 337 practice. With nearly two decades of experience managing high-stakes, competitor litigation, Robert has first-chair ITC trial experience and has counseled clients in 28 ITC investigations. Robert has a deep working knowledge of the ITC’s unique procedures and jurisprudence and is frequently called upon to litigate complex issues of first impression or with scarce precedent.

Robert is also experienced with the other major patent law venues, having second chaired a number of jury and bench trials in the district courts. His technical experience includes wireless communications, semiconductors, various consumer devices and electronics, wind turbines, chemicals, and the life sciences, including medical and fitness devices, genomics, and pharmaceuticals.

Robert consistently plays a lead role in all phases of complex, multi‑party, multi-jurisdictional patent litigations, from pre-suit investigation and counseling, to case management, trial strategy, witness presentation and cross-examination, oral argument, mediation, settlement, and briefing on appeal.

Prior to joining the firm, Robert practiced in the patent litigation department at a global law firm for over 15 years, and prior to law school, worked as an analyst for Exxon Mobil Corp.

 

Key Matters

Some of the experience represented below may have been handled at a previous firm.

Some of Robert’s recent district court wins include:
  • Altria Client Services LLC v. RJ Reynolds Vapor Co., Case No. 1:20-cv-00472 (D.N.C.) – Created and led damages strategy for plaintiff, resulting in $95 million jury verdict on patents directed to pod-style vaping devices.
  • Verinata Health, Inc. v. Ariosa Diagnostics, Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-05501-SI (N.D. Cal.) – Obtained $27 million jury verdict and dismissal of $100 million counterclaims on patents directed to prenatal testing for the early diagnosis of fetal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome; affirmed by the Federal Circuit.
  • Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. v. 10X Genomics Inc., Case No. 1:15-cv-00152-RGA (D. Del.) – Obtained $24 million jury verdict and permanent injunction on patents directed to foundational technology that allows thousands of microscopic “droplets” to serve as test tubes for chemical reactions with genetic material; affirmed by the Federal Circuit.
Some of Robert’s representative ITC experience includes: 
  • Certain Pre-Filled Syringes for Intravitreal Injection and Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-1207 – Obtained rare finding by the Office of Unfair Import Investigations (OUII) that the public interest record supported no relief even if a Section 337 violation were found, leading to complete withdrawal of complaint.
  • Certain Laparoscopic Surgical Staplers, Reload Cartridges, and Components Thereof, Inv. No.337-TA-1167 – Obtained Commission finding of a Section 337 violation on certain claims.
  • Certain Variable Speed Wind Turbine Generators and Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-1218 – Obtained Commission finding of a Section 337 violation on certain claims.
  •  Certain IoT Devices and Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-1094 – Obtained termination of investigation on an early motion to dismiss.
  • Certain RF Capable Integrated Circuits and Products Containing the Same, Inv. No. 337-TA-982 – Obtained favorable motion in limine ruling leading to complete withdrawal of complaint.
  • Certain Wireless Communication Devices, Portable Music and Data Processing Devices, Computers and Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-745 – Obtained no violation finding on all six asserted patents.
  • Certain Electronic Devices with Multi-Touch Enabled Touchpads and Touchscreens, Inv. No.337-TA-714 – Obtained no violation finding on single asserted patent.
  • Certain Mobile Telephones and Wireless Communication Devices Featuring Digital Cameras, and Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-703 – Obtained no violation finding on single asserted patent.
Recent Experience
ITC ALJ Issues Win for AMD

Robert is ranked in the 2024 edition of IAM Patent 1000. He is also recognized as a “Key Lawyer” in the areas of Intellectual Property: Copyright and Intellectual Property: Patents Litigation in the 2023 edition of The Legal 500 U.S. Robert is dedicated to pro bono matters and has been recognized for his work, having received the HIV Law Project’s Distinguished Pro Bono Legal Service Award.

  • Editorial Board Member, ITC Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member, ITC Section, American Bar Association
  • Advisory Board Member, District of Columbia LGBTQ+ Bar Association
  • Member, National LBGTQ Bar Association
  • Past Chair, Eastern Caucus Campaign Board, LGBTQ Victory Fund
  • Past Member, Levine School of Music Virtuoso Society Steering Committee
  • Past Member, Human Rights Campaign Federal Club
  • Past Member, Lambda Legal Liberty Circle
  • Past Chair, Milby High School Leadership 2000 Mentoring Program

[Robert] can be looked to for seasoned advice on Section 337 investigations, as well as adroit counsel in all major patent arenas.

 

IAM Patent 1000

Capabilities

ITC – Section 337
Patent Litigation
IP Licensing & Due Diligence
Antitrust/Competition
Commercial Litigation & Disputes
Government Investigations, Enforcement & Compliance
Intellectual Property
Public Companies
Medical Devices
Health Care
Technology, Media & Telecommunications
Life Sciences

Key Matters

Some of the experience represented below may have been handled at a previous firm.

Some of Robert’s recent district court wins include:
  • Altria Client Services LLC v. RJ Reynolds Vapor Co., Case No. 1:20-cv-00472 (D.N.C.) – Created and led damages strategy for plaintiff, resulting in $95 million jury verdict on patents directed to pod-style vaping devices.
  • Verinata Health, Inc. v. Ariosa Diagnostics, Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-05501-SI (N.D. Cal.) – Obtained $27 million jury verdict and dismissal of $100 million counterclaims on patents directed to prenatal testing for the early diagnosis of fetal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome; affirmed by the Federal Circuit.
  • Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. v. 10X Genomics Inc., Case No. 1:15-cv-00152-RGA (D. Del.) – Obtained $24 million jury verdict and permanent injunction on patents directed to foundational technology that allows thousands of microscopic “droplets” to serve as test tubes for chemical reactions with genetic material; affirmed by the Federal Circuit.
Some of Robert’s representative ITC experience includes: 
  • Certain Pre-Filled Syringes for Intravitreal Injection and Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-1207 – Obtained rare finding by the Office of Unfair Import Investigations (OUII) that the public interest record supported no relief even if a Section 337 violation were found, leading to complete withdrawal of complaint.
  • Certain Laparoscopic Surgical Staplers, Reload Cartridges, and Components Thereof, Inv. No.337-TA-1167 – Obtained Commission finding of a Section 337 violation on certain claims.
  • Certain Variable Speed Wind Turbine Generators and Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-1218 – Obtained Commission finding of a Section 337 violation on certain claims.
  •  Certain IoT Devices and Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-1094 – Obtained termination of investigation on an early motion to dismiss.
  • Certain RF Capable Integrated Circuits and Products Containing the Same, Inv. No. 337-TA-982 – Obtained favorable motion in limine ruling leading to complete withdrawal of complaint.
  • Certain Wireless Communication Devices, Portable Music and Data Processing Devices, Computers and Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-745 – Obtained no violation finding on all six asserted patents.
  • Certain Electronic Devices with Multi-Touch Enabled Touchpads and Touchscreens, Inv. No.337-TA-714 – Obtained no violation finding on single asserted patent.
  • Certain Mobile Telephones and Wireless Communication Devices Featuring Digital Cameras, and Components Thereof, Inv. No. 337-TA-703 – Obtained no violation finding on single asserted patent.
Recent Experience
ITC ALJ Issues Win for AMD

Credentials

Education

Robert received his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 2006. He received his BBA from Baylor University in 2000.

    Admissions
    • District of Columbia
    • Texas

    Related Insights & News

    Robert has served as the editor of the ABA Chapter on Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product Immunity in Patent Litigation. He is also the author of numerous articles on patent litigation.

    Client Alert
    ITC Clarifies Scope of the Economic Prong of the Domestic Industry Requirement, Allowing Investments That Predate the Asserted Patent Issue Date

    May 20, 2025

    Recognitions
    Winston & Strawn Named “Inclusive Law Firm of the Year” at LSPN Awards 2025

    May 8, 2025

    In the Media

    Robert Vlasis Discusses Federal Circuit Opinion Discarding ITC Limits on Qualifying Domestic Expenses with Law360 

    March 14, 2025

    Client Alert
    Federal Circuit’s Lashify Opinion Significantly Expands Cognizable Investments Under the ITC’s Domestic Industry “Economic Prong” Requirement

    March 6, 2025

    Client Alert
    ITC Adopts First Significant Rule Changes Since 2018

    January 16, 2025

    Client Alert
    District Court Awards Enhanced Damages to Winner in ITC Dispute

    September 24, 2024

    Pro Bono In Action
    Winston Wins Third Landmark Victory Against the DOD Allowing People Living with HIV to Serve Their Country

    August 22, 2024

    Recognitions
    Winston Recognized in 2024 IAM Patent 1000 Rankings

    June 5, 2024

    Recognitions
    Winston Team Recognized in Am Law Litigation Daily’s Litigator of the Week Column

    January 26, 2024

    Client Success
    ITC ALJ Issues Win for AMD

    January 25, 2024

    Press Release
    Winston & Strawn Names 16 New Partners

    December 1, 2023

    Recognitions
    Winston & Strawn Recognized in The Legal 500 U.S. 2023

    June 7, 2023

    View All Insights & News

    Capabilities

    ITC – Section 337
    Patent Litigation
    IP Licensing & Due Diligence
    Antitrust/Competition
    Commercial Litigation & Disputes
    Government Investigations, Enforcement & Compliance
    Intellectual Property
    Public Companies
    Medical Devices
    Health Care
    Technology, Media & Telecommunications
    Life Sciences
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