Marina Saito is a trial lawyer who focuses primarily on patent litigation.  As a former patent prosecutor with technical degrees in computer science and biology, as well as an advanced degree in electrical engineering, Marina provides in-depth analyses on a wide-range of technologies.  She has handled cases involving everything from semiconductor fabrication to wireless telecommunications to growth-factor neutralizing antibodies.  The team has yet to come across a technology that Marina can't wrap her mind around.

Marina’s ability to integrate her technology experience with rigorous legal analysis has led to trial victories in federal district court and the International Trade Commission.  Whether inside or outside the courtroom, Marina's thorough analytical skills, laser-like focus, and attention to detail provide immeasurable value to HSRS clients.

Education

• J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law/Illinois Institute of Technology (1995)
• M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago (1991)
• B.S., dual degrees, Computer Science and Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago (1986)

Awards

• "Top Lawyers in Illinois" in Intellectual Property Law, Leading Lawyers Network (2004-2011)

Publications

• Co-Author, "After eBay: Can the ITC Offer Better Remedies Than District Courts?," Intellectual Property Litigation, Vol. 19, No. 2 (Winter 2008)  
• Co-Author, "Recent Patent Law Changes: Good or Bad For Business?," The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel (June 2007)

Prior Associations

• Partner, Loeb & Loeb, LLP
• Partner, Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP
• Associate, Arnold White & Durkee
• Associate, Wallenstein & Wagner, Ltd

Bar Admissions

• State Bar: Illinois
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Since 1995, Marina has represented clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies on litigation matters across the technology spectrum.  Her notable cases include:

• Eli Lilly and Company v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (S.D. Ind.):  Represented generic pharmaceutical company in "Hatch-Waxman" trial and appeal involving osteoporosis drug.  Won a "split-decision" by invalidating later-expiring family of patents and shaving three years from the brand drug's exclusivity period.
• JVI Inc. v. Universal Holdings, Inc., et al. (N.D. Ill.):  Represented plaintiff in patent litigation involving devices used to connect concrete slabs in building construction.  Won Markman ruling, which led to a stipulated injunction and favorable damage settlement.
• Dentsply Int’l Inc. v. Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., Inc. (M.D. Pa.):  Represented defendant in patent litigation involving ultrasonic dental instrument.  Won non-infringement judgment at trial and on appeal.
• Jae Duck Kim v. Ideastix, Inc. (N.D. Ill.):  Represented plaintiff in a patent litigation relating to decorative stickers.  Obtained a favorable settlement at pre-trial mediation.
• Lending Tree, LLC v. LowerMyBills, Inc. (W.D. N.C.):  Represented defendant in patent case involving online lending clearinghouse.  Case ultimately settled favorably.
• Pliant Corporation v. Atlantis Plastics, Inc. (N.D. Ill.):  Represented plaintiff in case involving pre-stretch plastic wrap for industrial applications.  Case ultimately settled favorably.
• In the Matter of Display Controllers (U.S. I.T.C.):  Represented respondent in ITC patent trial involving display controller circuits for LCD display monitors.  Won non-infringement ruling at trial.  After ITC overturned trial victory, won pivotal issue that limited exclusion order to obsolete devices.
• In the Matter of Certain Integrated Circuits (U.S. I.T.C.):  Represented respondent in post-trial ITC proceedings in patent case involving semiconductor fabrication methods and architecture.  Obtained invalidity ruling on all but one claim.  Orchestrated strategy in which client designed-around the remaining claim and convinced the U.S. Customs Service not to exclude new design.

 

With degrees in Biology, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Marina has analyzed a remarkably wide array of patented technologies since 1995, when she began practicing law.  The following representative list only scratches the surface:

Semiconductor

Semiconductor fabrication methods and architecture

Photodiodes and optical sensors

Magnetic memory devices

Laser annealing devices

Laser diodes

Optical proximity correction methods

Electrical devices

Display controller circuits for LCD display monitors

Hearing aid microphones and amplifiers

PDA battery packs

Angular rate sensors

Laser cutting machines

Circuit interrupter devices and circuit interrupter device locators

Traffic information warning systems

Noiseless radar detectors

Acoustic transducer coil assemblies

Battery recharging systems

Ionizing radiation detectors

Three-dimensional recording devices

Imaging and sensing systems

Cellular and wireless telecommunications

Antennas

Electromagnetic systems

Software

Methods and systems for forming fractal structures

Methods and systems for analyzing performance of multi-threaded programs

Methods and systems for verifying signature

Methods and systems for generating and using consistent interfaces across different business industries

Methods and systems for controlling data-flow of multi-processor computer systems

E-Commerce

Loyalty and reward program administration

Online lending clearinghouse

Digital media distribution systems

Authentication systems

Pharmaceuticals

NCE patents

Method of use patents

Formulation patents

Dosage patents

Growth-factor neutralizing antibodies

Anti-coagulants

Anti-cholesterol agents

Osteoporosis drugs

Chemical

Cleaning agent polymers

Liquid drain opener compositions

Neoprene surgical gloves

Water-soluble polysaccharides and methods for preparing same

Perfumed gel compositions

Mechanical Devices and Manufacturing

Ultrasonic dental instruments

Hydraulic and slip-controlled brake systems

Spot-type disc brakes

Locking mechanisms

Cooling apparatus for glass container forming machines

Reinforced corrugated boxes

Wind direction indicators

Automotive safety seats

Aircraft ejection systems

Portable slow cookers

Flange connectors for building construction

 

• For more than 6 years, I have trusted Ed and Marina to protect my patented technology and keep infringers away. They are efficient and effective; they get the job done with minimum cost.

• Ed and Marina were invaluable to us when we were sued by a litigious competitor 50x our size. They quickly assessed the key issues and identified the optimal strategy that led to victory at trial and on appeal (which Ed argued). We do not litigate often but when we have to, it is comforting to know that we have a great team backing us up.