Mike is a strategic, thoughtful and dynamic litigator. He has a great sense of the ‘big picture’ and always seems one step ahead of his adversary. His preparation, intelligence, flexibility and calm demeanor provide great confidence—you know you're in good hands.
—Rich Mosher, Chief Legal Officer at Wind River

Mike Zeliger, Pillsbury's Global Head of Intellectual Property, focuses his practice on complex patent litigation as well as other intellectual property and related technology litigation in State and Federal Courts throughout the United States.

Mike serves as the lead counsel for numerous technology companies, including those in the fields of home security and automation, consumer products, vibration control systems, robotics, nonwoven materials, laboratory instrumentation, food processing, and manufacturing. Mike has experience in all stages of litigation, including Markman and dispositive motions, jury and bench trials, and appeals.

Representative Experience

  • Defended ViewRay in a patent infringement lawsuit brought by Varian Medical Systems in the Northern District of California involving radiotherapy technology. The case was stayed and eventually resolved after the Court found six claims indefinite during claim construction.
  • Served as the lead trial counsel for WBIP, LLC, in a patent infringement case regarding the patents of low carbon monoxide gasoline electric marine generators. The jury found the asserted patents willfully infringed and awarded our client $9.6 million in damages. The court found the case exceptional and awarded enhanced damages. WBIP, LLC v. Kohler Co. (D. Mass.)
  • Served as co-lead trial counsel for ADT Corporation in a commercial dispute in Delaware Chancery Court resulting in an injunction barring the sale of Ring security products shortly before the holiday season and later a publicly disclosed multimillion-dollar settlement. ADT v. Ring, et al. (Del. Chancery Court)

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  • Served as lead counsel for ADT Corporation in a patent infringement case regarding the patents of home security and automation systems. The case settled on favorable terms prior to the initial scheduling conference. Vringo Infrastructure, Inc. v. The ADT Corporation (S.D. Fla.)
  • Served as lead counsel for Ocean Spray Cranberries, a beverage supplements and nutraceuticals company, in a patent infringement case securing summary judgment of non-infringement. Trivitis, Inc. v. Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. (S.D. Cal.)
  • Served as lead counsel for CytoLogix in a multi-case patent dispute concerning slide-based cellular diagnostics, resulting in a $49 million recovery for CytoLogix. Ventana Medical Systems v. CytoLogix (D. Mass).
  • Represented Fiberweb in a multinational patent dispute regarding nonwoven manufacturing and fabrics. We obtained favorable settlement on the heels of a successful Markman hearing. Fiberweb Simpsonville (and related entities) v. Baldwin Graphic Systems, Inc. (D. Del.)
  • Represented Dako Denmark in a patent matter involving slide-based cellular diagnostics. We obtained a favorable settlement immediately following a favorable Markman hearing. Dako Denmark A/S v. Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (D. Ariz.)
  • Represented Dako Denmark in a patent infringement matter related to reagents for detecting prostate cancer. We obtained a dismissal of a district court action, followed by a favorable settlement of a corresponding arbitration. Dako Denmark A/S v. AsymmetRx, Inc. (D. Mass.)
  • Represented Ocean Spray Cranberries in an infringement matter regarding the patents of food processing and manufacturing. We secured summary judgment of non-infringement, affirmed by the Federal Circuit. Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. Amazin Raisins, Inc. (1st Cir.)
  • Represented Blockbuster in an infringement matter regarding online recommendation systems. We obtained partial summary judgment of non-infringement and negotiated terms for a favorable settlement of the remaining claims. Blockbuster Inc., et al v. Lycos, Inc. (D. Mass.)
  • Represented ChoiceStream in a patent matter involving online recommendation systems. We secured an outright dismissal with prejudice, without damages. ChoiceStream, Inc. v. Refined Recommendation, LLC (D.N.J.)

Professional Highlights

  • Head Coach, Stanford Polo Club
  • Pro Bono Representation, Northern Sierra Partnership, Little Medicine Creek Ranch
  • Qualified Instructor, National Institute of Trial Advocacy

Education

  • J.D./M.S.E.L., Vermont Law School, 1996
    magna cum laude

    B.S., Cornell University, 1992

Admissions

  • California

    Massachusetts

    New York

Courts

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

    U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

    U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont

    U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York