biography

Steve Adkins focuses his practice on Section 337 investigations before the International Trade Commission (ITC) and at U.S. Customs. Steve and his colleagues have handled more than 100 of these intense, fast-paced investigations, acting for respondents, complainants and third parties.

His experience spans a multitude of industries, including automotive, computer software, chemicals, mechanical patents, semiconductors, telecommunications, and vape devices making him a trusted adviser to companies based in Asia, Europe, South America, and the United States.

Steve also represents clients in complex commercial litigation related to patent, trademark and trade dress infringement, trade secrets, and general business disputes. He offers his clients first-chair experience with bench and jury trials, as well as strength and skill before state and federal appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

Steve is a frequent speaker and author in the U.S. and abroad on matters related to intellectual property litigation and Section 337 investigations.

  • Representative Matters
    • Successfully defended Tier 1 auto supplier against claims of patent infringement/unfair trade
    • Obtained rare dispositive summary judgment on behalf of oil drill maker in ITC investigation
    • Successfully defended Taiwan company against patent infringement allegations in ITC investigation brought by Fortune 25 company
  • Presentations & Teaching Experience
    • Storm Before the Storm: The First 30 Days In an ITC Investigation (webinar series)
    • Not Mere Litigation: Section 337 Investigations at the US International Trade Commission American Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong
    • A Guide To Avoiding/Responding to Section 337 IP Infringement Actions (Dongguan Tech Week 10/14/05)
  • Publications
    • ITC Section 337 Litigation: A Guide for Japanese Companies, New Business Law No. 1123 (2018)
    • IP Infringement and the Ultimate Rocket Docket: Enforcing ITC Orders Against Infringing Goods
    • Not Mere Litigation: Remedies for Intellectual Property Infringement at the lnternational Trade Commission, appeared in Vol. 22, Number 5, May 2005 of The Computer & Internet Lawyer
    • Protecting the Asian Company’s US IP Rights, appeared in June 2005 AsiaLaw
    • IP Infringement and the Ultimate Rocket Docket: Section 337 lnvestigations at the ITC
    • Another challenge for Exporters to the United States: Section 337 IP Infringement Product Exclusion Orders
    • Protecting America’s Borders: Section 337 IP Infringement Investigations at the ITC
    • Chinese Businesses Face a Rise in ITC Complaints
    • Section 337 – A Unique US Trade Law: China Business News
    • There is Nothing So Expensive As A Cheap Lawyer
    • Not Mere Litigation: The Asian Company And IP Infringement Actions at the lntemational Trade Commission
    • Necessity Really ls The Mother of Invention: New & Improved Products After the Exclusion Order
    • Will Your Products be allowed into the US? China IP Magazine
    • Several Healthy Steps Away: New & Improved Products in Section 337 Investigations, The John Marshall Review of Intellectual Property Law (Winter 2009)
  • Professional and Community Involvement
    • Member, National Association of Corporate Directors
    • Member, Licensing Executives Society, Education Committee
    • Board member, Rose Group for Cross Cultural Understanding
    • Board member, Rotary Foundation
    • Fellow, Royal Asiatic Society
    • Member, Intellectual Property Owners Association
    • Member, ITC Trial Lawyers Association
    • Member, American Bar Association (ABA)
    • Member, ABA Section of Litigation, Corporate Counsel Committee
    • Member, International Bar Association
    • Member, Asia Society
    • Member, The China Institute
    • Member, Foreign Policy Discussion Group
    • Member, Hong Kong Association of New York
    • Member, National Committee for US-China Relations
    • Member, Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C.
    • Member, Rotary Club of Washington, D.C.
    • Member, World Affairs Council
  • Honors
    • The Best Lawyers in America, 2023-2024
    • Client Service All-Star, BTI Consulting, 2018
    • Chambers USA, 2016-2018
    • The Legal 500 US, 2016
    • IAM Patent 1000, Litigation: DC Metro Area, 2015-2016
    • IAM Patent 1000, International Trade Commission: National, 2015-2016

 

 

Washington, D.C.

Credentials

Admissions

Washington, D.C.

Virginia

Education

University of Richmond, JD, 1991

Georgia College, B.A. English 1984

Prior Law Firm Experience

Jones Day

Allen & Overy LLP

McGuire Woods LLP

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Practice Areas