Law360 has recognized Steven Horn as a 2025 Rising Star in the legal field.
Steven Horn, a partner at WilmerHale, is making waves in the intellectual property (IP) and appellate litigation scene. With a specialization in patent disputes across various technology sectors, including microprocessors, smartphones, and pharmaceuticals, Horn has proven himself to be a formidable force in the industry [1].
Horn's impressive track record in IP litigation includes several notable achievements. He successfully defeated a $3 billion damages claim for Intel in the high-profile global conflict known as "The Waco Trilogy," a major patent challenge against VLSI Technology LLC [2]. This victory marked a significant milestone in the long-running litigation.
Another significant win for Horn was a trial victory for Apple in a patent battle against Samsung Electronics. The jury awarded Apple $539 million in damages related to patented iPhone designs, a decision that marked the settling of all remaining patent disputes between the two tech giants [2].
Horn's successes extend beyond tech companies. He has also prevailed in multiple proceedings on behalf of Intel, Apple, and Hewlett-Packard in patent infringement claims by X2Y Attenuators LLC related to microprocessors [2]. Furthermore, he secured a major victory for pharmaceutical companies Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer in a large Hatch-Waxman case, protecting patents on the blockbuster drug Eliquis® against 25 generic challengers [2]. This decision likely secures patent protection until at least 2031.
Horn's appellate experience is extensive, spanning the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, First Circuit, Ninth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court [1]. Before joining WilmerHale, he clerked for notable judges including Honorable David B. Sentelle of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and Honorable F. Dennis Saylor IV of the District of Massachusetts [1].
In recognition of his leadership and expertise in the field, Horn was named a Law360 Rising Star in Intellectual Property in 2025 [2][3]. This honor underscores his significant contributions to IP litigation, particularly among attorneys under the age of 40.
Horn's Law360 profile highlights his enjoyment of working on complex matters and his strategic leadership for the WilmerHale team representing Intel in long-running litigation [3]. He is one of six attorneys nationwide recognized for excellence in the Intellectual Property category [3].
According to his Law360 profile, Horn has a strong commitment to his profession and expresses gratitude for his work as an IP litigator [3]. His profile also includes a discussion of his journey to becoming an IP litigator.
The litigation involving VLSI Technology LLC asserting nearly two dozen patents against Intel across multiple jurisdictions has been a significant part of Horn's career at WilmerHale. He has guided the firm's strategy in this high-stakes litigation with billions of dollars on the line for the past five years [3].
More than 1,100 nominations across 34 practice areas were reviewed for the Law360 Rising Star selection [3]. The Law360 Rising Star honor is given to legal talent under 40 whose legal accomplishments exceed their age [3].
- In the realm of intellectual property litigation, Steven Horn, a partner at WilmerHale, has successfully demonstrated his financial impact on businesses, as evidenced by his victory for Apple against Samsung Electronics, in which he secured a $539 million damages award related to patented iPhone designs, thereby resolving all remaining patent disputes between the tech giants.
- Horn's business acumen and expertise in intellectual property litigation extend beyond tech companies, as he has also achieved significant success in appellate litigation, notably securing patent protection for pharmaceutical companies Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer until at least 2031, in a large Hatch-Waxman case involving the blockbuster drug Eliquis®, and defending Intel in a prolonged litigation against VLSI Technology LLC, with billions of dollars at stake.
