Today, technological innovations are driving progress and competition in every sector, necessitating skilled professionals who can adeptly navigate the complexities of diverse industries within the intricacies of patent litigation.
As groundbreaking advancements in consumer goods, high technology and medical devices converge, they create both opportunities and challenges for businesses seeking to safeguard their intellectual property.
Specializing in IP law, Eugene Goryunov stands out as a trusted Legal Partner at Haynes and Boone, LLP. With a wealth of experience representing clients in complex patent litigation matters, Eugene brings unparalleled expertise and a proven track record of success. From post-grant review trials at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to Federal Court cases and appeals at the Federal Circuit, he is a formidable advocate who consistently delivers results.
Eugene’s specialized focus on post-grant review trials, patent infringement litigation, and client counseling sets him apart as a leader in his field. His deep understanding of the intricacies of intellectual property law enables him to provide strategic guidance tailored to each client’s unique needs and objectives.
As a partner at Haynes and Boone, LLP, Eugene is not just a legal expert; he is a trusted advisor who partners with clients to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of patent law. With Eugene by their side, businesses can confidently pursue their innovation goals while safeguarding their intellectual property rights in a competitive market.
Building Strong Foundations
In Eugene’s view, the cornerstone of a young lawyer’s perception of their profession lies in consistent positive interactions with clients and senior lawyers. He emphasizes that these interactions are “what shape young lawyers’ views of their job and of the practice of law overall.” These experiences not only shape their understanding of the legal field but also cultivate an environment where they can thrive and focus on personal brand development.
Throughout his career, Eugene feels that he “has been very fortunate to have strong mentors—David McCombs since he joined Haynes Boone and Linda DeBruin and Ken Adamo, earlier in his career—that took the time to work with him and their dedication contributed to his love for what he does.”
These mentors played a crucial role in helping him find his voice as an attorney, guiding his writing, argumentation and client interactions. Their ongoing friendship serves as a reminder of the impact of kindness and respect on professional success.
Now, he feels compelled to pay it forward by nurturing the next generation of legal leaders. He actively mentors younger lawyers and junior partners aiming to empower them to find their own unique voice, just as his mentors did for him.
Eugene believes in investing in attorneys holistically recognizing that while technology, law and client needs may evolve, a strong foundation in one’s practice and a passion for the work endure. With support from colleagues and a commitment to continuous learning, Eugene comprehends that there are no limits to what one can achieve in the legal profession.
Equipped for Evolution
Being the Co-chair of Haynes Boone’s AI and Deep Learning practice group, Eugene emphasizes the importance of relevance in their work. He asserts, “Relevance is key.” His group consists of top attorneys in the industry and dedicates itself to comprehensively understanding clients, their businesses, and their industries, both presently and in future projections.
Their approach involves active engagement; Eugene clarifies, “This involves reading the news, taking classes, and engaging in direct conversations with innovators (those that are coming up with AI innovations) and implementors (those that are building products or services using AI innovations) both internal to clients and others in the field.”
By staying informed and connected, the team ensures they are equipped to address the evolving needs and challenges of their clients.
Driving Positive Business Decisions
Eugene highlights that Haynes Boone’s AI and Deep Learning practice group takes a proactive approach to developing strategies for clients. These strategies are tailored to address specific challenges that arise from the development, implementation, and use of various AI technologies.
“Haynes Boone is one of the few firms that has fully invested in AI thought leadership and client representation.” And Eugene attributes their success to a forward-thinking approach driven by a desire to assist clients in making informed and beneficial business decisions.
Eugene contends that his group has achieved brand recognition because “we see where the technology is going and want to help our clients make positive business decisions.” Achieving this level of proficiency requires unwavering focus and dedication, mirroring the commitment they demonstrate in serving their clients.
Beyond the Verdict
As an experienced trial lawyer, Eugene acknowledges the gratification of winning patent cases: “Winning a patent case before a Jury or at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board is very rewarding.” Many times, however, finding a business solution to resolve a dispute can be more beneficial to a client and to the industry. These solutions frequently involve future collaborations by necessitating joint efforts between lawyers and technologists to chart a mutually beneficial course of action.
The success of such collaborations hinges on clear communication and cooperative problem-solving, ensuring outcomes that benefit all parties involved.
AI Advancements and Intellectual Property
“There can be no doubt that AI innovation is continuing to accelerate.” Eugene notes that this acceleration brings great opportunities for both innovators and implementors in the field.
The quick pace also introduces various nuances and complexity when it comes to protecting AI-related intellectual property. At the end of the day, while some AI innovations may warrant patent protection and thorough disclosure, others, particularly groundbreaking implementations, may benefit more from trade secret protection and “black box” distribution strategies.
Eugene emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches, especially in matters involving AI, stating, “There is no one size fits all in this discussion.” He stresses the significance of close collaboration with clients to determine the most suitable strategy for their specific circumstances.
Investing in Relationships
Stating the obvious, Eugene affirms that “Communication and investment in your client are very important.” To deepen his understanding of clients and their businesses, he adopts a proactive approach combining self-learning with direct dialogues with their subject matter experts.
“I aim to learn as much as I can about my client and their business through self-learning as well as direct conversations with my client’s subject matter experts,” Eugene explains.
By gaining insights at a comparable level to the client’s employees, he fosters a sense of trust and mutual understanding. Clients value this level of commitment and communication, recognizing it as a positive attribute in their professional relationship. This cultivated trust lays the foundation for enduring partnerships built on mutual respect and understanding.
Demystifying Complex Concepts
Eugene challenges the misconception that a Jury “might not understand complex technical concepts.” On the contrary, he finds that both the Jury venire and non-technical experts are often intrigued by learning about new and fascinating technologies. “It is our job as trial lawyers then to make the subject matter as approachable as possible,” Eugene explains.
He personally adopts a conversational approach that avoids complex jargon and explanations where possible. Instead, he strives to communicate with the Jury and non-technical experts as he would with a friend at a bar.
“I always ask myself—how do I make this subject matter interesting to someone that might not have a Ph.D. in networking or neural networks.”
By making the material accessible, Eugene establishes a connection with the Jury, fostering a sense of mutual understanding and respect. In the end, this rapport proves beneficial, as the Jury becomes more engaged and receptive.
Balanced Representation
Eugene emphasizes the importance of gaining insights into opponents’ strategies: “It is important to understand your opponent. One way to do this is by representing clients on both sides of the ‘v’.” In other words, Eugene gains strategic insight by representing both Patent Owners and Defendants in intellectual property matters.
“Every party has unique objectives,” shares Eugene. By representing parties on both sides of the legal spectrum, he has gained valuable insights into potential arguments and supporting evidence his opponents might present. This allows Eugene to“anticipate and ‘take the sting’ out of potential challenges,” ensuring a more robust defense or prosecution on behalf of his clients.
The Power of Information
Clients like to be informed about court decisions or legislation that might impact how they do business. Haynes Boone’s AI and Deep Learning practice group “reviews and analyzes new decisions, rules/regulations, and legislation” and keeps clients appraised on issues that matter to them. His team also shares some of their insights with the legal community through targeted legal scholarship and podcasts. For example, the team records a bi-weekly podcast, called the Legal Landscape, that delves into novel legal issues concerning AI. By providing relevant insights, the firm strengthens trust with its clients, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership.
Achieving Ethical Excellence
Eugene highlights the importance of establishing clear guidelines for collaboration between inventors and in-house counsel, stating, that these guidelines “are helpful to control and streamline the innovation and patenting process.”
By providing guidance and assistance, his team ensures that clients navigate any obstacles effectively, promoting continued innovation and patenting success.
The Art of Enjoying Work
Eugene expresses his gratitude for his work and colleagues, stating, “I am fortunate in that I love what I do and I love the people that I work with.” This mutual appreciation fosters an environment where they collaborate on exciting cases, enhancing their enjoyment of the work.
He adds, “When you work with people you like on cases you like, you end up enjoying your work that much more. This camaraderie diminishes work stress and strengthens the team’s ability to handle challenging days together.”
Eugene admits to sharing his work enthusiasm with his family, acknowledging, “I am guilty of spending hours telling my wife (Polina) and kids (Aviva, Mariah and Ilan) about what I do.” Fortunately, they share his excitement creating a positive balance between work and personal life.
