Christopher K. Larus

Innovation is the lifeblood of the American economy. For more than 25 years, Mr. Larus has helped his clients protect their intellectual property rights. He tries complex patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and licensing cases. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in courts throughout the country, and in both national and international arbitration.

Mr. Larus also works with clients to protect and monetize intellectual property assets outside of disputes cotext. He has extensive experience planning and implementing licensing campaigns involving a broad range of intellectual property assets and technologies. He works to tailor licensing and enforcement strategies designed to maximize each clients’ return on innovation.

Mr. Larus is National Trial Chair at Robins Kaplan, in which capacity he leads the firm in furthering its dedication to bringing the best ideas, techniques, and tactics to trial practice. In addition, he is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America. Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds, who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Mr. Larus is also certified as a Civil Trial Law Specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association. He has repeatedly been named a Super Lawyer and listed in The Best Lawyers in America. According to Chambers, Mr. Larus “is a fantastic lawyer. He is a clear communicator, and business leaders appreciate his consistent attention to their goals in litigation." His clients report that Mr. Larus “is very strategic and he takes the time to understand and fulfill our objectives. He’s also very practical about how to achieve our desired outcome.” His clients know him as a “clear communicator who can easily distill complex legal issues for non-lawyers and the court, and is unmatched in his focus on understanding and achieving his clients’ business goals.” Mr. Larus is the past chair of Robins Kaplan's Intellectual Property & Technology Litigation practice. He is a frequent lecturer and author on intellectual property topics, and is often quoted in the business and legal press. For a full list of his publications, presentations, and representative matters, see the listing below.

In addition to directly advocating for his clients, Mr. Larus has extensive experience as an arbitrator in both national and international arbitration. He serves as an appointed arbitrator in disputes before the American Arbitration Association (AAA), International Centre For Dispute Resolution (ICDR), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC).

Mr. Larus is also a trusted business advisor and serves on advisory boards for several innovative technology-focused companies. He is married to his wife of 17 years, and is the father of two creative and talented daughters.

Education

• University of Minnesota, J.D., cum laude
• University of Wisconsin, Madison, B.S.

Representative Matters

Chris has served as lead counsel in more than 100 patent cases. Many of these have settled on confidential terms. Additional specific results include:

Wapp Tech Limited Partnership v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (E.D. Tex. No. 4:21-cv-00671) and Wapp Tech Limited Partnership v. Bank of America N.A. (E.D. Tex. No. 4:21-cv-00670): Represented plaintiff Wapp Tech in a patent infringement litigation against Wells Fargo and Bank of America in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Asserted infringement of five patents covering technologies relating to mobile application development and testing. Each case resolved successfully on confidential terms prior to trial.

Field Intelligence, Inc. v. Xylem Dewatering Solutions, Inc. (D.N.J. 1:19-cv-20590) and Xylem Dewatering Solutions, Inc. v. Field Intelligence, Inc. (AAA 01-21-0000-3099): Counsel for Xylem Dewatering Solutions involving claims of breach of contract of a services supply contract, trade secret misappropriation, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing for the development and supply of remote monitoring systems for large capacity water pumps. Following denial of Field Intelligence’s motion for a preliminary injunction and commencement of discovery, Xylem initiated arbitration pursuant to a separately implicated NDA and the parties cross-moved to stay the district court case or enjoin the arbitration. The district court enjoined the arbitration, and Xylem appealed. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the district court, vacated the injunction entered by the district court that stayed the arbitration, and remanded for consideration of a stay of proceedings. Field Intelligence, Inc, v. Xylem Dewatering Solutions Inc., No. 21-2087 (3d. Cir. Sept. 13, 2022). Following the decision of the Third Circuit, the case settled on confidential terms.

MPAY Inc. v. Erie Custom Computer Applications, Inc.: Trial counsel for Defendants Erie Custom Computer Applications, Inc. and Payroll World, Inc. in a significant software licensing dispute involving claims of copyright infringement, trade secret misappropriation, tortious interference with prospective economic advantage, and breach of contract. Obtained a complete defense verdict in seven-day jury trial leading to dismissal of all claims.  

IWCO Direct Holdings Inc. v. Nahan Printing, Inc.: Represented leading provider of direct marketing services in action against former executives and their new employer alleging misappropriation of trade secrets, breaches of contract and breaches of duties of loyalty. Case settled on confidential terms after hearing on cross-motions for summary judgment.

Endonovo Therapeutics, Inc. v. Orthocore Medical, Inc.: Lead defense counsel representing Orthocore Medical, Inc., and its corporate parent Caerus Corporation in a patent infringement suit related to pulse electromagnetic field (PEMF) medical and veterinary devices. Following early motion practice, successfully obtained dismissal of two of three defendants, and narrowed the scope of the case, as plaintiff dropped three of six patents from the case. Following the court’s claim construction, obtained dismissal of all claims with prejudice and without payment of any settlement amount. 

PCT International, Inc. v. Holland Electronics, LLC (D. Ariz. No. 12-cv-01797): Lead trial lawyer for telecommunications equipment supplier PCT in patent infringement case against competitor Holland Electronics, a division of Amphenol Corporation.  Following a four-week trial in the District of Arizona, the jury found that 60 separate Holland products infringed PCT’s patent and rejected Holland’s challenges to validity of the patent.  The District Court upheld the jury’s verdict and award of damages, and issued a permanent injunction prohibiting sales of Holland’s infringing products.  Also served as lead counsel on defending verdict and injunction on appeal.  Obtained summary affirmance by the Federal Circuit rejecting all of infringer’s claims on appeal.

Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy v. Phillips Beverage Company: Trial counsel for defendant in $100 Million international arbitration proceeding brought by French multi-national seller of luxury goods arising from alleged breach of trademark license agreement; obtained a complete defense verdict and an award of fees from unanimous three member panel.

Graco Minnesota, Inc. v. TTI, Inc.:  Lead counsel for patent holder case involving spray pump technology.  Case settled on confidential terms follow successful opposition to motion to transfer venue. 

U.S. Water Services, Inc. v. Chem-Treat, Inc.:  Co-Counsel for defendant in patent infringement and trade secret dispute involving ethanol processing technologies. Obtained summary of non-infringement. 

Nilfisk-Advance v. Tennant Corp.:  Lead counsel for claimant in false advertising dispute before the National Advertising Division (“NAD”). Arbitration panel issued order in favor of client finding that challenged advertising statements were unsubstantiated and should be discontinued. 

U.S. Bank National Ass'n v. 1010 Metrodome Square, LLC: Lead trial counsel for claimant in an arbitration involving property valuation dispute; obtained panel award to client.

Simmons, Inc. v. Bombardier Recreation Products: Represented patent holder ina patent infringement case brought by a small family-held business against world's largest manufacturer of motorized recreational products; case settled on confidential terms following Markman hearing and finding of infringement as a matter of law.  (Prior to joining Robins Kaplan LLP)

Transclean, Inc. v. Bridgewood Services, Inc.: Trial counsel for patent holder in a case involving claims of patent infringement and false advertising. The jury found in favor of client on all claims after a two week trial; later represented patent holder in defense of verdict on appeal before the Federal Circuit. (Prior to joining Robins Kaplan LLP)

Lead counsel for trademark holder Best Buy in trademark infringement and dilution cases in courts throughout the United States enforcing rights in the BEST BUY and GEEK SQUAD marks, including:

• Rescuecom Corporation, v. BBY Solutions, Inc., d/b/a Best Buy (N.D. New York 5:09-cv-1149 - Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr.)
• BBY Solutions, Inc., et al. v. Tide, et al. (N.D. Fl. 1:10-cv-00101 - Judge Maurice M. Paul)
• BBY Solutions, Inc. et al. v. Schwartz, et al.  (E.D. New York 11-cv-00947 - Judge E. Thomas Boyle)
• BBY Solutions, Inc., et al. v. Karrie-Lee Karreman, et al. (D. Minn. 10-cv-4726 - Judge  Michael J. Davis)

Liberty Bell Equipment Corp. v. Graco Minnesota, Inc.  Lead counsel for defendant in trademark infringement suit.  Case settled on confidential terms following defeat of trademark holder’s motion for summary judgment. 

Great Clips, Inc. v. Hair Cuttery of Greater Boston, L.L.C. and Great Cuts, Inc.: Won summary judgment on behalf of trademark holder Great Clips, Inc. Result affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

Phillips Products v. R.H. Phillips Vineyard, et al.: Represented defendant in a case involving claims of trademark infringement; case settled on confidential terms following hearing on motion for summary judgment. (Prior to joining Robins Kaplan LLP)

Mulcahy v. Cheetah Learning LLC: Lead counsel for defendant ina case involving alleged infringement of copyrights in test preparation materials; case settled on confidential terms after the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of client and reversed grant of permanent injunction. (Prior to joining Robins Kaplan LLP)

Amstel Music, et al. v. 800 Video, Inc.: Lead counsel for defendant ina case involving claims of alleged infringement of copyrights in musical works; plaintiff dismissed all claims against client during discovery phase with no payment by client. (Prior to joining Robins Kaplan LLP)

Ag-Chem Equipment Co. v. Ceram Traz Corp.: Trial Counsel for plaintiff in a case involving claims for breach of contract and misrepresentation in which jury awarded verdict in excess of $1 million; later represented client in defense of verdict on appeal before the Minnesota Court of Appeals. (Prior to joining Robins Kaplan LLP)

Harmon Glass Co. v. Hawkeye Auto Glass, Inc.:Trial counsel for defendant in which jury found in favor of client on claims involving price discrimination and misrepresentation. (Prior to joining Robins Kaplan LLP)

Sole arbitrator in multi-million dollar dispute arising from software development and Oracle implementation program. Presided over week long arbitration hearing and numerous pre-hearing disputes under the American Arbitration Association’s Complex Commercial Rules.

Sole arbitrator in multi-million dollar dispute relating to inventorship dispute.  Presided over week long arbitration hearing and numerous pre-hearing disputes under the American Arbitration Association’s Complex Commercial Rules.

Past results are reported to provide the reader with an indication of the type of litigation in which we practice and do not and should not be construed to create an expectation of result in any other case as all cases are dependent upon their own unique fact situation and applicable law.

• Named a "BTI Client Service All-Star," The BTI Consulting Group (2024)
• Listed in “500 Leading Litigators in America,” Lawdragon (2023-2025)
• Named a "Litigation Star," Benchmark Litigation (2016-2024 editions)
• Named to "Top Lawyers List," Minnesota Monthly (2023-2024)
• Ranked in the Chambers USA Guide for Intellectual Property in Minnesota (2018-2024)
• Named a “Stand-out Lawyer,” Thomson Reuters (2023-2024)
• Named a "Notable Intellectual Property Attorney," Twin Cities Business (2023)
• Named a "National Practice Area Star," Benchmark Litigation (2016-2023 editions)
• Named a "Top Trademark Professional" in the WTR 1000 by World Trademark Review (2019-2024)
• Named a "Minnesota Super Lawyer," Super Lawyers (2004, 2006-2024)
• Named an "Attorney of the Year," Minnesota Lawyer (2022)
• Listed in the IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists (2017-2024)
• Listed in the IAM Strategy 300: Global Leaders Guide (2020-2024)
• Named a “Recommended Individual for Litigation and Licensing in Minnesota” in the IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Professionals (2014-2024)
• Shortlisted for “Litigator of the Year – Minnesota,” Managing IP (2022)
• Listed in the WTR Global Leaders Guide: Private Practice by World Trademark Review (2020-2021)
• Named a “Patent Star,” Managing IP (2013-2014, 2016-2022, 2024)
• Named a “Trademark Star,” Managing IP (2016-2022, 2024)
• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America (2010-2025 editions)
• Named to the shortlist of “Outstanding US IP Litigators,” Managing IP (2018)
• Named an “Intellectual Property Trailblazer,” The National Law Journal (2016)
• Named a “North Star Lawyer” by the Minnesota State Bar Association for providing at least 50 hours of pro bono legal services (2016)
• Named one of "Minnesota's Best Lawyers," Best Lawyers in America and Minnesota Monthly (2013)
• Named one of Minnesota's "Top 40 Intellectual Property Attorneys" by Law & Politics (2007-2009)

Professional

• American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow
• American Arbitration Association (AAA), Appointed Arbitrator
• China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), Appointed Arbitrator
• International Centre For Dispute Resolution (ICDR), Appointed Arbitrator
• Licensing Executives Society (LES) Standards Development Organization; Consensus Standards Partnership, Member
• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Appointed Arbitrator

Speeches

• Maximizing Value in IP Portfolios: Key Strategy Considerations for Patent Monetization
  Burford Capital, Webinar (October 29, 2024)
• Identifying Patents Likely to Drive Value in Licensing and Enforcement
  2023 Midwest Intellectual Property Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota (September 29, 2023)
• Scrapping Over Scraping: U.S. and UK Perspectives on Data Litigation
  Moderator, Robins Kaplan LLP and Lewis Silkin LLP, Webinar (April 27, 2021)
• Key Issues in Cross-Border Trade Secret Protection and Litigation
  Moderator, Robins Kaplan LLP and Lewis Silkin LLP, Webinar (April 20, 2021)
• Navigating Unique Challenges Of Cross-Border Standard Essential Patent and FRAND Litigation: What Patent Holders and Implementers Need To Know About Anti-Suit Injunctions, Unwilling Licensees, Component-Level Licenses, and Coordinating Multi-Jurisdictional Litigation
  Moderator, Robins Kaplan LLP and Lewis Silkin LLP, Webinar (April 13, 2021)
• Introduction to Litigation Funding
  Hennepin County Bar Association Civil Litigation CLE (February 8, 2021)
• Top Legal & Regulatory Developments Impacting IP Dealmaking
  Panelist, 7th Annual Dealmakers Forum, Webinar (December 10, 2020)
• Surviving Your Daubert Hearing
  2020 American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) Virtual Annual Meeting, Webinar (October 29, 2020)
• Protecting Confidential Information in the Evolving Workplace: Strategies for Avoiding the Loss of Company Secrets
  Co-Presenter, Minnesota IP Law Association (MIPLA), Webinar (September 16, 2020)
• Ethics: Balancing Fixed Fee, Contingency and Hourly Arrangements to Ensure Quality and Efficiency and Still Meet Your Ethical Duties
  2020 American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) Spring Meeting (May 15, 2020)
• What’s New in the World of Corporate IP Monetization?
  IP Dealmakers Forum, New York, New York (November 4, 2019)
• Patent Analytics in 2019: State-of-the-Art Tools and Strategies
  2019 Midwest IP Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota (September 27, 2019) 
• Patent Analytics Applying Big Data to Patent Practice
  University of Minnesota School of Law, Minneapolis, Minnesota (February 5, 2019)
• Leveraging Data to Identify Valuable Patent
  IP Dealmakers, New York, New York (November 7, 2018)
• Recent Changes to U.S. Patent Laws and their Impact on Patent Licensing
  Panelist, Licensing Executives Society, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (November 11, 2015)
• The Use of Surveys in Patent Litigation
  Webinar, Certified Patent Valuation Analyst (April 14, 2015)
• Leveraging Surveys in Patent Litigation
  Webinar, Strafford (August 6, 2014)
• Consumer Surveys in Patent Litigation
  Intellectual Property Owners Association, Webinar (June 12, 2014)
• Academic Technology Transactions: Ensuring That License Negotiations in the Boardroom Maximize Patent Value in the Courtroom
  Association of University Technology Managers, San Francisco, California (February 21, 2014)
• Strategic IP Monetization: Ensuring That Negotiations in the Boardroom Maximize Patent Value in the Courtroom
  Webcast, MN IP Institute (December 9, 2013)
• Strategic IP Monetization: Ensuring That Negotiations in the Boardroom Maximize Patent Value in the Courtroom
  CLE Presentation, Licensing Executives Society, Austin, Texas (November 22, 2013)
• Ensuring That Negotiations in the Boardroom Maximize Patent Value in the Courtroom
  Licensing Executives Society, Minnesota Chapter, Minneapolis, Minnesota (June 18, 2013)
• Trademark Litigation: A 2013 Update
  The Knowledge Congress, Webcast (March 5, 2013)
• Hot Topics in District Court Litigation
  Association of Corporate Patent Counsel, Orlando, Florida (January 27, 2013)
• Patent Litigation 2012
  The Knowledge Congress, Webcast (March 22, 2012)
• The Use of Consumer Surveys in Patent Cases for Damages Apportionment
  Licensing Executives Society, Anaheim, California (March 13, 2012)
• The Role of Consumer Surveys in Proving Patent Infringement Damages
  Minnesota CLE, Minneapolis, Minnesota (September 23, 2011)
• Recent Developments in Intellectual Property Law for Civil Litigators
  Hennepin County Bar Association (December 13, 2010)
• The Use of Arbitration Provisions in Licensing Agreements - One Size May Not Fit All
  LES Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (May 7, 2009)
• Open Source Code: Recent Developments and Practical Implications
  2008 Midwest Computer Law Institute (October 24, 2008)
• The Use of Arbitration Provisions in Licensing Agreements - One Size May Not Fit All
  Licensing Executives Society, Minneapolis, Minnesota (September 16, 2008)
• Using Graphics, Animation and Computer Generated Presentations to Teach Complex Patents to Judges and Juries
  Minnesota State Bar Association, Minnesota CLE Conference Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota (September 27, 2007)
• Alternative Dispute Resolution in Intellectual Property Disputes
  Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter, Minneapolis, Minnesota (March 29, 2007)
• Medimmune v. Genetech: A Legal and Business Discussion About the Ruling and Business Implications of the Recent Supreme Court Ruling
  Licensing Executives Society, Minneapolis, Minnesota (March 13, 2007)
• Intellectual Property Enforcement and Licensing-Understanding the Impact of Medimmune v. Genetech
  Minnesota CLE (February 2007)
• Establishing Guidelines for Comparative Advertising Campaigns
  American Conference Institute, Achieving Commercial Success in the Face of Food Regulation & Litigation (September 2006)
• The Arbitration of Licensing and Distributorship Disputes
  Association of University Technology Masters Annual Meeting (August 2006)
• Open Source Code – Understanding and Managing the Risks
  Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association Annual Meeting (May 2006)
• Developing and Assessing Comparative Advertising Campaigns
  American Conferences Institute, Achieving Commercial Success in the Face of Food Regulation & Litigation (January 2006)
• Practical Tips for Resolving Advertising Disputes
  Advertising Law in Minnesota (October 2005)
• Conference on International Intellectual Property Law
  Chair, Center for International Legal Studies, Austria (March 2003)
• Recovery of Monetary Remedies in Trade Secret Cases
  CLE Program (March 2002)
• Monetary Remedies Under United States Trademark Law
  Cross-Border Intellectual Property Issues, Center for International Legal Studies (March 2002)

Articles

• "Behind the Numbers: 2023 Patent Litigation Trends in the Western District of Texas," IAM (January 8, 2024)

Media Mentions

• The Minneapolis Star Tribune
• The St. Paul Pioneer Press
• Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
• Minnesota Business
• Minnesota Lawyer Magazine
• ABA Journal
• IP Law 360
• Attorney at Law Magazine