Steven Yovits
Partner
- Email Address
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- Location
- Chicago
- Phone number
- (312) 857-7099
While Steven Yovits thrives in the technical complexity of patent work, his success as a patent litigator largely results from his ability to bring simplicity and clarity to the process. Before judges and juries, Steven combines his deep substantive knowledge and impressive advocacy skills with a matter-of-fact, accessible, and engaging style to obtain outcomes that advance his clients’ interests.
Chair of the firm’s Patent practice group, Steven has litigated numerous high-stakes patent cases in key jurisdictions across the country. He has substantial trial experience and has successfully argued numerous dispositive motions. Steven has handled cases involving medical devices, consumer products, media and entertainment, computer hardware and software, internet applications, electronics, and wireless technology.
In his counseling practice, Steven draws on his in-house engineering experience at Westinghouse and Kraft Foods to deliver guidance that considers the pressures, priorities, and challenges his clients face. This includes appreciating the critical importance of quickly and accurately providing answers and advice whenever his clients need them. During the day or at night, on a weekday or over the weekend, Steven is always available to address client needs. He has counseled clients regarding strategic usage of patent portfolios, threats of litigation, licensing, trade secrets, and other intellectual property issues.
Steven has been selected by IAM Patent 1000 for inclusion in “The World’s Leading Patent Practitioners” (2013-2016), noting that his is “a name for the contact books,” and that he “comes across very well in court with his down-to-earth, Midwestern, team-oriented style, and has a wonderful presence.” He also has been recognized by Managing Intellectual Property magazine as a “Global IP Star” (2015-2021).
“I want my clients to feel like I’m in it with them, that their concerns are my own, and the outcome of their matter means as much to me as it does to them.”
Represented a major media company in several litigations involving automatic content recognition and audience measurement.
Represented a major consumer electronics and medical device maker in patent infringement and antitrust suit involving 24 patents on pulse oximetry technology in the District of Delaware. Examined and cross-examined expert and percipient witnesses at trial and argued summary judgment motions.
Represented one of the world’s largest manufacturers of contact lenses in an infringement lawsuit concerning a patent on extended-wear lenses in the Northern District of Georgia. Examined and cross-examined witnesses and trial and obtained favorable outcome.
Represented major Japanese manufacturer of office furniture in patent infringement suit concerning a patent on an ergonomic office chair in the Northern District of Illinois. Argued summary judgment motions.
Represented manufacturer of one of the world’s most popular diaper brands in an infringement lawsuit concerning a patent on a lotion delivery system. Obtained favorable verdict in an AAA arbitration.
Serving as primary outside patent counsel for one of the world’s largest media companies, including serving as lead counsel for all patent litigation, counseling on intellectual property matters and negotiating license agreements.
Represented one of the world’s most popular search engines in infringement lawsuit involving core search technology.
Represented a major wireless carrier in infringement lawsuit involving wireless messaging technology.
Represented one of the “Big Three” American automobile manufacturers in infringement lawsuit involving GPS vehicle navigation.
Represented electronics company in a patent litigation suit concerning a patent on LCD screen technology in the District of Delaware. Examined witnesses at trial and successfully argued motion for summary judgment of invalidity.
The Best Lawyers in America© (Woodward/White, Inc.), Patent Law and Patent Litigation, 2019-2025.
Recognized by Managing Intellectual Property magazine as a “Global IP Star,” 2015-2021.
Named a leading patent professional in Illinois by IAM Patent 1000, 2013-2016.
Recognized by Managing Intellectual Property as “Patent star 2024” in the latest IPSTARS rankings for 2024/25.
American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), member
Outside counsel for Harper House homeless shelter
Volunteers of America (Illinois), board of directors, 2006-2007