Pillsbury Welcomes Prominent Tech Litigator Calvin Wingfield in Washington

Wingfield is a nationally recognized trial lawyer who represents leading technology, life sciences, and industrial companies in high-stakes intellectual property and technology disputes involving some of their most valuable products and technologies. He serves as lead counsel in patent and trade secret litigations across a broad range of technologies, including computer software and systems, artificial intelligence, social media, cloud computing, networking architecture, wireless technologies, medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

Wingfield regularly appears before federal district courts, the International Trade Commission (ITC), the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, as well as in domestic and international arbitration proceedings. Known for translating complex technologies into compelling, persuasive narratives, Wingfield develops litigation strategies that align with his clients’ commercial objectives. He is recognized as a leading patent litigation practitioner by IAM Patent 1000 and has been identified as a “future star” by Benchmark Litigation.

“Companies are navigating increasingly complex IP issues as new technologies evolve, and the disputes that often result require counsel with true technical sophistication and proven courtroom experience,” said Firm Chair David Dekker. “Calvin’s arrival further enhances our ability to protect our clients' novel ideas and innovations and reinforces our strong Intellectual Property platform.”

Among Wingfield’s notable cases, he has previously secured dismissal on patent-ineligibility grounds of a multi-patent litigation filed against Meta involving immersive image rendering and conversational search technologies; represented IBM as a third-party defendant in a patent infringement lawsuit concerning the government’s national alert messaging technology; secured a significant victory for Pass & Seymour, Inc. in a precedent-setting enforcement proceeding involving ground fault circuit interrupters; and represented Novartis in a patent litigation concerning pre-filled syringe technology for ophthalmic drug delivery. His experience spans every stage of complex patent disputes, from pre-suit counseling and case strategy through trial, appeal, and post-grant proceedings, enabling him to provide clients with practical, business-focused advice in their most consequential intellectual property matters.

“Calvin’s deep technical background and impressive trial track record make him an outstanding addition to our IP platform,” said Michael Zeliger, Pillsbury’s Global Head of Intellectual Property. “As patent litigation increasingly shifts toward sophisticated software, AI, and specialized venues like Texas, Calvin’s skill set will be invaluable to our clients navigating complex technology disputes.”

Pillsbury has welcomed 46 new partners since the start of 2025 and has been actively growing its intellectual property bench to support the evolving needs of its technology clients. Wingfield’s arrival follows the recent additions of notable IP litigators Robert Uriarte in Los Angeles; Robert “Bob” Hollingshead in Tokyo; Brian Paul Gearing, Ph.D. in Washington, D.C.; Steven James in London; Mark Abate in New York; and J. Rick Taché in San Diego.

“Pillsbury is one of the leading technology law firms, with exceptional IP practitioners, a fantastic reputation in litigation more broadly, and a clear commitment to continued growth,” Wingfield said. “The firm’s established place at the forefront of emerging tech presents an ideal platform for any IP lawyer, and I am thrilled to be a part of this standout team.”

On the cutting edge of IP for more than 120 years, Pillsbury’s intellectual property lawyers provide clients with successful and comprehensive IP strategies to protect, manage and optimize IP assets. The firm’s lawyers also assert and defend infringement claims and resolve IP-related disputes before regulatory bodies, in courts and at the negotiating table. The team includes over 80 IP lawyers—many bilingual—plus technical consultants, patent agents and former U.S. Patent and Trademark Office examiners. Many team members are scientists and engineers with advanced degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering, chemistry, biotechnology, physics and numerous other technical disciplines.