Overview

A patent litigator with extensive courtroom experience, Michael Ellis helps clients in the telecommunication, electrical engineering, and computer technology sectors to resolve a broad range of intellectual property disputes.

Michael’s practice includes all areas of commercial and intellectual property litigation, with an emphasis on complex patent litigation. His legal and technical experience spans a wide variety of technology areas, including web and networking technologies, computer and electronic hardware, software development, encryption, mobile applications, and e-commerce and website systems.

An exceptional litigator, Michael has conducted dozens of depositions, argued many Markman hearings and other dispositive motions, and examined multiple witnesses at trial. In addition to his litigation experience, he is a skilled case manager and leads both small and large teams from diligence through trial.

Before joining Fish & Richardson, Michael served seven years in the U.S. Navy as an active-duty JAG attorney. In that role, he tried numerous contested jury and bench trials, litigated dozens of pretrial motions, and represented nearly 100 service members at administrative arbitration hearings. Prior to his legal career, Michael worked at ABB, Inc. and General Electric Company, where he helped design and maintain commercial power systems and software. Michael has a comprehensive background in web development, software engineering, and computer and electronic hardware systems.

Outside the office, Michael enjoys camping and hiking with his family.

Experience

Represented Live Nation and Ticketmaster in a patent infringement case in the Western District of Texas that resulted in a jury verdict of non-infringement. The verdict nullified a potential $112 million damages award requested by the plaintiff, Global eTicket Exchange (GEE). GEE had alleged that Ticketmaster's barcode-based ticketing system infringed GEE's patent for e-ticket exchange and venue access control technology.
Global eTicket Exchange Ltd. v. Ticketmaster L.L.C. et al. (W.D. Tex.)

Secured a total victory for client Genetec, a solutions provider in the physical security software space, in a patent infringement action launched by competitor Sensormatic. Obtained a summary judgement of invalidity and subscequently obtained a significant award of attorneys’ fees after persuading the court to find the case exceptional.
Sensormatic Electronics, LLC v. Genetec, Inc. (D. Del.)