Leslie Spencer is a trial litigator with over 20 years of experience handling patent infringement disputes. She represents clients in federal court as well as the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Ms. Spencer is a registered patent attorney whose matters cover a range of technologies, including computer software (including artificial intelligence and blockchain), data encryption and security, network communications, semiconductor design and manufacturing, automotive systems, Fintech, medical devices and healthcare information technology. She also advises clients on intellectual property strategy, asset protection and transactions.
Ms. Spencer was part of the Desmarais trial team that secured a jury verdict of noninfringement for Apple that eliminated $361 million in patent damages claims in a lawsuit brought by non-practicing entity Identity Security LLC. Desmarais LLP Earns $361M Noninfringement Patent Verdict for Apple
Ms. Spencer’s work has also included helping Dolby Laboratories resolve a multi-jurisdiction dispute involving ten digital rights management patents asserted by Intertrust Technologies against Dolby and its cinema customers. Intertrust claimed $2 billion in damages. Dolby, an innovator in digital cinema technology, successfully challenged Intertrust’s patents in inter partes review (IPR) proceedings, and with strong motion practice in district court.
Ms. Spencer was recognized by Benchmark Litigation among the "Top 250 Women in Litigation" since 2021, and as a Managing Intellectual Property IP Star and in IAM Patent 1000 rankings since 2022. She was also named a New York Metro “Super Lawyer” in 2024 and eleven preceding years.
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Spencer was a partner in the New York City office of an international law firm where she practiced intellectual property litigation and was part of a team honored by Financial Times Innovative Lawyers for developing a blockchain transferable software license. Before launching her legal career, she worked as a software engineer in the financial services and defense industries and helped to develop a smart card-based secure transaction system.
Ms. Spencer was part of the Desmarais trial team that secured a jury verdict of noninfringement for Apple that eliminated $361 million in patent damages claims in a lawsuit brought by non-practicing entity Identity Security LLC. Desmarais LLP Earns $361M Noninfringement Patent Verdict for Apple
Ms. Spencer’s work has also included helping Dolby Laboratories resolve a multi-jurisdiction dispute involving ten digital rights management patents asserted by Intertrust Technologies against Dolby and its cinema customers. Intertrust claimed $2 billion in damages. Dolby, an innovator in digital cinema technology, successfully challenged Intertrust’s patents in inter partes review (IPR) proceedings, and with strong motion practice in district court.
Ms. Spencer was recognized by Benchmark Litigation among the "Top 250 Women in Litigation" since 2021, and as a Managing Intellectual Property IP Star and in IAM Patent 1000 rankings since 2022. She was also named a New York Metro “Super Lawyer” in 2024 and eleven preceding years.
Courts
- United States Supreme Court
- United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
Other Distinctions
- Managing Intellectual Property, IP STAR
- Benchmark Litigation, "Top 250 Women in Litigation"
- Super lawyers, New York Metro, Super Lawyer
- Managing Intellectual Property, IAM Patent 1000
- New York Law Journal, “Top Women in Law”
- New York Times Magazine, “Top Women Attorneys in the New York Metro Area”
Boards & Committees
- New York Intellectual Property Law Association, Co-Chair, Patent Litigation Committee
- Intellectual Property Owners Association, Software-Related Inventions Committee, Member
- Silicon Valley Urban Debate League, Board Member