Renowned Patent Litigation Team Joins Kilpatrick in San Francisco

Firm Continues Patent Litigation Growth with Addition of Two Partners

SAN FRANCISCO (May 14) – Kilpatrick announced today that Seth Herring and Christine Morgan have joined as partners on the Firm’s internationally recognized Patent Litigation Team in the San Francisco office. Mr. Herring and Ms. Morgan previously practiced at Reed Smith. Kilpatrick added Tron Fu as a partner to the Patent Litigation Team in Chicago in late April.

“Seth and Christine bring dynamic, technology-focused practices that complement our existing strengths in intellectual property and technology litigation,” said Russ Korn, Kilpatrick Patent Litigation Team Co-Chair. “Their addition in San Francisco will enhance our already strong, expansive team in this growing market. Our commitment to the Bay Area goes back to 1860 when we began representing leaders in innovation, and we continue counseling clients who are at the forefront of technological advances. The Firm welcomes Seth and Christine to Kilpatrick.”

Mr. Herring is a first chair trial lawyer with a diverse practice and a track record of success.  He represents clients in patent litigation across a range of technologies, including computer software and hardware, wireless and wired networks, semiconductors, medical devices, and cybersecurity. Mr. Herring has tried patent cases in various jurisdictions across the country, including in United States District Court and before the International Trade Commission. He also maintains an active trademark and trade dress litigation practice, trying cases and representing clients in the food and beverage, consumer products, and hospitality sectors in both federal court and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

Mr. Herring’s success has been recognized in leading legal rankings and directories including The Best Lawyers in America^® for Litigation – Intellectual Property; IAM Patent 1000, which identifies the top patent practitioners throughout the world; WTR 1000 – The World's Leading Trademark Professionals for Enforcement and Litigation; and Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for IP Litigation. He is also well known for his commitment to justice and social equity and frequently provides pro bono services to clients - particularly in immigration matters.

Mr. Herring earned his J.D. from the University of California, College of Law, San Francisco and a B.A. in Chemistry and Philosophy from Brandeis University.

Ms. Morgan is a first-chair trial lawyer who represents clients in patent and other technology disputes across industries, including video game publishing, fintech, ride sharing, cybersecurity, electronic trading, consumer hardware and electronics, Wi-Fi semiconductors, mobile printers, health care software and hardware, and wireless security.  She has tried patent cases, including as first chair, in the country’s most active patent litigation venues, such as the Eastern District of Texas, the Northern District of California, the Eastern District of Virginia, the International Trade Commission, and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Ms. Morgan is also a leading practitioner of the Section 101 patent ineligibility defense, achieving numerous early case wins for clients accused of infringing computer software and hardware patents and teaching what is believed to be the first U.S. law school class on litigating Section 101 patent eligibility, at Santa Clara University School of Law. Also, she has substantial experience litigating technology-focused trade secret and complex commercial disputes. In the community, Ms. Morgan serves as a voluntary diplomat for the Republic of Estonia, which involves helping local Estonians and leading business diplomacy initiatives between the Bay Area and Estonian tech sectors.

Ms. Morgan’s success has been recognized by IAM Patent 1000, which identifies the top patent practitioners throughout the world. She was also named by the ALM California Legal Awards as a “Woman Leader in Tech Law, Intellectual Property Honoree” (2024-2026), a Recorder “Woman Leader in Tech” (2023), a Daily Journal “Top IP Lawyer” (2022-2023), a Daily Journal “Top Woman Lawyer” (2021), and a Recorder “California Trailblazer” (2020).

Ms. Morgan earned her J.D., cum laude, from Santa Clara University School of Law and a B.S. in Managerial and Agricultural Economics from the University of California, Davis.

About Kilpatrick

Kilpatrick is trusted counsel to the world’s most innovative companies. To serve our ground-breaking clients, we strive to be at the forefront of client service and on the cutting edge of law and technology. With recognized strength in the technology sector and a full range of service offerings, we deliver practical, business-centric solutions built upon strong and enduring connections.

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Media Contact:

John Page, Director of Communications
jpage@ktslaw.com