Michael T. Renaud of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo has been recognized in the Unrivaled 2025 list for his significant contributions to trial work, notably his role in the case of Advanced Micro Devices, et al. v. TCL Communications, et al. at the International Trade Commission (ITC). As a partner and chair of Intellectual Property at Mintz, Renaud has led the firm to depths in semiconductor litigations, further solidifying Mintz’s reputation as an authority in these matters.
In the case involving US chipmaker AMD, Renaud successfully secured cease-and-desist as well as limited exclusion orders that prohibited the importation of specific TCL products from China, owing to alleged violations of patents concerning graphic processing units. This outcome was critical, given that TCL is the second largest TV maker in the US and stood to lose access to a substantial portion of its market.
Renaud’s strategy in navigating this high-stakes litigation involved leveraging the ITC’s expedited process and its enforcement capabilities through US Customs and Border Protection. The decision to choose this venue, along with an exhaustive review and selection of five potent patents from AMD’s portfolio, contributed to securing a favorable decision from the ITC in January 2025 to exclude the infringing smart TVs.
During the trial, Renaud and his team employed rigorous preparation tactics to effectively present their case within the time-constrained ITC proceedings. This included lightweight trial presentations and ensuring expert witnesses were thoroughly prepared to clearly convey pivotal technological issues.
Reflecting on his career path, Renaud cites his early exposure to structured arguments during his childhood among a large family, where articulating positions succinctly was key to prevailing in household disputes. This foundational experience paved the way for Renaud’s future in litigation.
His key to courtroom success lies in the profound preparation and forward planning required to construct and communicate a fact-based narrative, a tactic he values over courtroom theatrics. Renaud underscores the importance of being selective with arguments presented in court, a piece of advice iterated by many judges along his professional journey.
Michael T. Renaud’s contributions, particularly in utilizing strategic legal venues like the ITC, highlight his adeptness in navigating complex intellectual property disputes, further earning his place among the industry’s most distinguished practitioners.