Nicholas Pfeifer
Law Firm Partner
Registered Patent Attorney
University of Florida, B.S.
University of Florida , J.D.
The Attorney:
Nicholas Pfeifer is a shareholder at Smith & Hopen. He represents universities, companies, and independent inventors, both domestic and foreign. Nick’s practice extends to all aspects of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Although Nick has particular expertise in mechanical and aerospace engineering, his practice spans across a broad scope of technologies, including medical devices, biotechnology, and software.
Nick is also part of the firm’s litigation team. He advocates on behalf of clients in front of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and the Federal Circuit. Some notable cases include:
IPR2015-00369, Apple, Inc. v.DSS Technology Management, Inc.
Outcome: The PTAB erroneously found that the Patent was invalid, however, the Federal Circuit reversed the PTAB’s finding.
IPR2015-00373, Apple, Inc. v.DSS Technology Management, Inc.
Outcome: The PTAB erroneously found that the Patent was invalid, however, the Federal Circuit reversed the PTAB’s finding.
IPR2016-00539, Vista Outdoor Operations, LLC v. Liberty Ammunition, Inc.
Outcome: Non-institution. As a result, Patent Owner was awarded a verdict amounting to approximately $70 million over the life of the patent. This is the largest known patent infringement award in U.S. Court of Claims history.
DSS Technology Management, Inc. v. Apple Inc. (Fed. Cir. 2018)
Outcome: The Federal Circuit reversed the PTAB’s finding that the Patent was invalid. The infringement case is still underway.
IPR2018-00504, Blasters, Inc. v. Waterblasting, LLC
Outcome: Successfully invalidated claims 1-4 and 10.
Waterblasting, LLC v. Blasters, Inc. (Fed. Cir. 2019)
Outcome: Case settled during pendency of the Federal Circuit appeal.
The Person:
Nick is a loving husband to objectively the most amazing woman – Kendall Pfeifer. In addition, Nick is a dog dad to a rambunctious puppy named Dewey for several years. Recently, Nick also became the father of a baby boy named Brooks. As a result, Nick now has a new hobby: attempting to master parenting.
When not trying to master dad life, you will likely find Nick at the gym or obsessively competing at beach volleyball at any of the local beaches or sand courts. Nick also enjoys meeting new people and talking tech. So, reach out anytime!