Recognized as a “Top IP Lawyer,” Christy Von der Ahe Rayburn litigates high-profile, high-stakes technology disputes for companies of all sizes, including Amazon, Monster Energy, BlackBerry, ClearOne, and Acorn Technologies. Described by clients as “a fierce advocate” and “intensely brilliant at understanding the detail and complexity of the subject matter, while retaining a clear view of the big issues and impact on strategy,” she has a depth of experience in patent, copyright, and trade secret litigation at every stage.
Ms. Rayburn is a force in the courtroom, having won two trials and a Federal Circuit appeal in 2021. In May, she won a $25 million trial victory for Acorn Technologies in a patent infringement case against Samsung relating to semiconductor technology in the Eastern District of Texas. (“Samsung Hit With $25M Semiconductor IP Verdict in EDTX,” Law360.) In July, on behalf of ClearOne Inc., she successfully argued before the Federal Circuit for the dismissal of an appeal of a district court finding that a competitor had acted in contempt of court. And in November, as co-lead trial counsel, she secured a complete defense verdict of no infringement and invalidity for ClearOne Inc. against Shure Incorporated in a design patent case in the District of Delaware. (“Jury Says Microphone Co. Shure’s Patent Invalid After Trial,” Law360; “ClearOne Beats Rival Microphone Maker’s Design Patent Claims,” Bloomberg.)
Ms. Rayburn is deeply invested in her clients’ cases, paying close attention to strategic decisions at every step. According to a former colleague and retired judge, Ms. Rayburn “has a unique drive for excellence that she consistently achieves.” As a member of the patent bar and as a Stanford-trained mechanical engineer, Ms. Rayburn is quick to understand the technology at issue in her clients’ matters. More important, she is able to translate that technical understanding into clear and effective oral and written communications to stakeholders, judges, and juries. Clients and judges alike have praised her ability to marshal the relevant facts and explain a case to them clearly and concisely.
Ms. Rayburn is a founding member of the Howard T. Markey Intellectual Property Inn of Court in Orange County, and has served that organization as its secretary, membership chair, and programs chair, and as a member of its board.
Ms. Rayburn has been recognized as a “Top Intellectual Property Attorney” in California by the Daily Journal, a rising star on the “40 & Under Hot List” by Benchmark Litigation, and she has repeatedly been named to the Southern California Rising Stars list.
Updated July 2023
