DLA Piper announced today that Clayton Thompson and Yakov “Jake” Zolotorev have joined the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology practice as partners in Northern California.

Thompson represents sophisticated clients in intellectual property disputes involving complex computer and electronic technologies. As lead counsel, he has successfully represented clients in matters focused on mobile devices, including broad aspects of computer hardware and operating system software, as well as internet-based technologies. He is also counselor to technology companies on intellectual property licensing and contract matters and has lectured extensively on these topics.

Zolotorev also represents clients in intellectual property litigation involving complex computer and electronic technologies. He has a deep familiarity with a broad range of software and hardware technologies, including computer architecture, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. He also assists clients in intellectual property licensing, patent portfolio diligence and valuation and intellectual property strategic guidance.

“Clayton and Jake are highly respected patent litigators who bring decades of experience serving clients across the technology sector,” said Mark Fowler, global co-chair and US chair of the firm’s Patent Litigation practice. “Their strong technical background and deep knowledge of patent law will be an asset to our global patent litigation team.”

Thompson and Zolotorev are returning to DLA Piper after departing in 2011 to become founding partners of Feinberg Day Alberti & Thompson LLP, a boutique patent litigation firm.

“Clayton and Jake have a notable track record of success as litigators, and we are pleased to welcome them back to the firm,” said Sang Kim, managing partner of the firm’s Northern California offices. “Their extensive familiarity with the complex technologies that play a central role in many patent disputes will allow us to better serve clients in the Silicon Valley market and beyond.”

Thompson received his J.D. from the Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law and his B.S. from Virginia Tech. Zolotorev received his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law and his B.A. from the University of California, San Diego.

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