Licia E. Vaughn

Licia E. Vaughn

Executive Director, Lateral Partner Integration, Strategy & Transitions

About

Licia Vaughn focuses on strategic planning and integration for lateral partners across the US. Licia previously served as Director of the firm's US Intellectual Property and Technology (IPT) practice for more than 14 years, a role in which she managed the firm's patent litigation, patent prosecution, trademark, copyright and media, technology licensing, telecommunications, outsourcing, franchise, privacy and data security teams in the US. Licia was also a partner in the Patent Litigation subgroup of the firm's IPT practice, and spends some of her time continuing her practice, concentrating on intellectual property protection and litigation, including patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret litigation.

Dedicated to advancing women in the law, Licia instituted DLA Piper's annual Women in IP Law educational seminar and networking program in 2007, featuring women who are leaders in the field of intellectual property and providing women in IP with opportunities for networking and mentoring. Licia also helped launch DLA Piper's award-winning legal publication, IPT News, in 2009, and served on its Editorial Board for twelve years.

Bar admissionsCalifornia
CourtsUnited States District Court for the Southern District of CaliforniaUnited States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaUnited States Court of Appeals for the Ninth CircuitUnited States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

EXPERIENCE

Appointments

Licia has been selected by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as one of only three private attorneys to be appointed to the Ninth Circuit's Public Information and Community Outreach Committee ("PICO"). The PICO Committee is dedicated to improving understanding of and confidence in federal courts, including facilitating better relations between the courts and the media and promoting community outreach programs to help educate the public about the work of the courts. She will serve in this role until September 30, 2025.

Licia also is a Lawyer Representative for the United States District Court for the Southern District of California and served as Co-Chair from 2019 through 2022. As a Lawyer Representative and former Co-Chair, Licia helps to lead and plan the annual District Court Conferences and participates in the planning and preparation for the annual Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference and Chief Judges Conference. She also assists the Southern District in the organization of special projects, serving as a liaison between the court and the community. In this capacity, Licia also has served on the Court's Strategic Committee on Resumption of Regular Court Proceedings, helping the legal community navigate access to justice during the pandemic.

Representative Matters
  • Represented a cutting-edge telematics company in the Eastern District of Texas, obtaining a dismissal and costs for the client after a winning Markman ruling.
  • Represented a global medical technology company in a patent licensing dispute, prevailing following a jury trial in the Southern District of California
  • Represented international automobile companies in a patent infringement lawsuit against them; claims dismissed after successful Section 101 Alice motions 
  • Represented a food company in an international trademark infringement lawsuit in the Southern District of California, reaching settlement after successful motion practice
  • Assisted in representing National Football League Properties in a copyright infringement action involving the Cincinnati Bengals logo, which included prevailing on several dispositive and non-dispositive motions. The sole remaining claim was settled
  • Obtained summary judgment on fraud claim for a Fortune 100 company client, and successfully obtained dismissal of trade secret claim
  • Prosecuted claims for misappropriation of trade secret as well as breach of contract by former employees of a technology company.
  • Defended manufacturers of motorcycles and bicycles against product liability claims
  • Defended and counseled technology companies regarding various claims and disputes involving business tort issues, and negotiated successful settlements
Education
  • J.D., University of San Diego
    Chair, Appellate Moot Court Board
    Recipient, Order of Barristers Statue of Justice Award
    Recipient, Mark A. Lobello Award for Excellence in Moot Court
    Student, Institute on International and Comparative Law, Paris (Summer 1995)
  • B.S., Finance, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 1988

Pro Bono

Licia has assisted the County of San Diego and Veterans with legal matters on a pro bono basis.

Clerk Experience

  • The Honorable James F. Stiven, United States Magistrate Judge

Prior Experience

Adjunct Professor, University of San Diego School of Law

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Associate, American Inns of Court, The Honorable J. Clifford Wallace Chapter
  • Associate, American Inns of Court, Louis M. Welsh Chapter
  • Co-Chair, Lawyers Club Balance Campaign Committee
  • University of San Diego School of Law Recent Alumni Committee
  • Federal Bar Association – San Diego Chapter
  • California State Bar – Intellectual Property Section
  • San Diego County Bar Association

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