Steven Horn, a partner at WilmerHale, has emerged as a key figure in high-stakes intellectual property litigation, particularly in defending Intel Corporation against substantial patent infringement claims. His strategic acumen and legal expertise have been instrumental in navigating complex cases that have significant implications for the technology sector.
Horn’s involvement in the protracted litigation between Intel and VLSI Technology LLC underscores his pivotal role. This series of cases, often referred to as “The Waco Trilogy,” saw VLSI alleging that Intel infringed on its microprocessor patents, seeking damages amounting to billions of dollars. In the second trial of this series, a federal jury in Waco, Texas, delivered a verdict in favor of Intel, rejecting VLSI’s $3 billion damages claim. This outcome was a testament to the effective defense strategy orchestrated by Horn and his colleagues. ([wilmerhale.com](https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/20210503-wilmerhale-ip-litigation-team-successfully-defends-intel-in-hedge-fund-backed-patent-challenge-in-waco?utm_source=openai))
Further solidifying his reputation, Horn was part of the WilmerHale team that achieved a significant victory at the Federal Circuit in December 2023. The appellate court reversed a $2.18 billion jury verdict against Intel, remanding the case for a retrial. This decision not only highlighted the team’s appellate prowess but also marked a critical turning point in the ongoing litigation landscape between Intel and VLSI. ([wilmerhale.com](https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/20231220-federal-circuit-vacates-2-point-18-billion-verdict-as-wilmerhale-receives-big-win-for-intel?utm_source=openai))
Horn’s legal journey is marked by a series of notable experiences. After earning his Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 2014, where he served as Executive Editor of the Harvard Journal of Law and Technology, he clerked for the Honorable F. Dennis Saylor IV of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and later for the Honorable David B. Sentelle of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. These clerkships provided him with a solid foundation in both trial and appellate litigation. ([wilmerhale.com](https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/people/steven-horn?utm_source=openai))
Since rejoining WilmerHale in 2018, Horn has focused on intellectual property and appellate litigation, representing clients in diverse sectors, including technology and life sciences. His work encompasses patent disputes involving microprocessors, smartphones, and pharmaceuticals. He has appeared before U.S. district courts, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and various appellate courts, including the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. ([wilmerhale.com](https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/people/steven-horn?utm_source=openai))
Horn’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for his appellate and intellectual property litigation practice from 2023 to 2025. ([wilmerhale.com](https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/people/steven-horn?utm_source=openai))
In addition to his legal practice, Horn’s background includes a Bachelor of Science in Intensive Chemistry from Yale University. Before pursuing law, he worked as a media relations coordinator for the New England Patriots, showcasing a diverse skill set that complements his legal expertise. ([wilmerhale.com](https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/people/steven-horn?utm_source=openai))
As WilmerHale continues to be recognized for its intellectual property practice, with accolades such as being named an Intellectual Property Practice Group of the Year by Law360 in 2024, Horn’s role within the firm is increasingly significant. His strategic leadership and dedication to client success position him as a rising star in the field of intellectual property law. ([wilmerhale.com](https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/20250206-law360-recognized-wilmerhale-as-an-intellectual-property-practice-group-of-the-year?utm_source=openai))