• Kristopher B. Kastens advises and represents clients on issues at the intersection of law and technology. Kris represents clients in patent litigation across multiple technology areas, including computer security, cryptography, artificial intelligence, distributed systems, and network infrastructure. He also advises on the various legal issues intertwined with the development of blockchain technologies and has been a frequent author on blockchain-based technologies and the law.

    Experience

    • Represented a computer network security company asserting patent infringement in the Eastern District of Virginia, resulting in a judgment of over $2 billion in damages.

    • Obtained a defense verdict for noninfringement on software patents, which was upheld on appeal by the Federal Circuit.

    • Obtained a determination of invalidity on a patent involving mesh networking.

    • Advised clients on legal issues related to developing non-fungible tokens (NFTs), utility tokens and other blockchain technologies, including intellectual property and regulatory issues.

    Credentials

    Education

    • J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law, 2007
    • B.S., cum laude, Computer Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, 2003

    Bar Admissions

    • California
    • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

    Court Admissions

    • U.S.D.C., Northern District of California
    • U.S.D.C., Central District of California
    • U.S.D.C., Southern District of California
    • U.S.D.C., Eastern District of California

    Professional Affiliations

    • American Bar Association – Member of the Patent Legislation Committee
    • American IP Law Association
    • California Bar Association