Dana M. Zottola

• Developing and managing domestic and international patent portfolios related to energy storage systems, beam systems and performance, rechargeable energy sources, and neutron capture therapy for a clean fusion power company.
• Advising clients on the design and implementation of intellectual property programs, including invention incentive initiatives, portfolio assessment methodologies, and patent strategy frameworks.
• Representing a global software company in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications relating to artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Represented and favorably settled a three-patent ITC case for a major AI data cable supplier.
• Represented a semiconductor technology company in an ITC litigation filing that led to a multiyear license agreement with a major competitor.
• Defended a camera manufacturing company in a high-stakes patent infringement trial in the Northern District of California, defeating the plaintiff’s demand for $174 million in damages.
• Represented the petitioner and obtained invalidation of all challenged claims in an IPR related to a key storage and delivery system for a robotics solutions company.
• Obtained a favorable judgment for an Amazon seller in an APEX proceeding in which the seller was accused of patent infringement.
• First-chaired a federal bench trial in the Northern District of California, defeating one of the plaintiff’s claims for damages.
• Represented a wrongfully convicted client in a civil suit against the City of Chicago and the Chicago Police Department, obtaining a multimillion-dollar settlement on his behalf.
• Secured the release of multiple individuals found to be wrongfully detained by ICE in the Eastern District of California.

Dana Zottola advises clients on intellectual property matters at every stage of the patent lifecycle. Her practice spans portfolio strategy and development, patent prosecution, post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), district court litigation, investigations before the International Trade Commission (ITC), and Amazon Apex proceedings. Drawing on her electrical and computer engineering background, Dana helps clients navigate complex intellectual property challenges and develop patent strategies aligned with business objectives.

Dana supports companies across competitive, technologically driven industries, ranging from emerging growth businesses to established global enterprises. She counsels clients on building and managing patent portfolios, developing protection strategies for emerging technologies, conducting invention harvesting and portfolio assessment programs, and leveraging intellectual property assets to support product development, market differentiation, licensing opportunities, and long-term business growth.

Dana's practice encompasses a broad range of technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, software and computer systems, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, energy systems, particle accelerators and scientific instrumentation, telecommunications, and data-driven technologies.

Beyond her patent prosecution practice, Dana represents clients in high-stakes intellectual property disputes. Combined with her ability to translate highly technical concepts into practical business solutions, this dual prosecution-and-disputes perspective allows her to help clients build patent portfolios that are both commercially valuable and resilient in contested proceedings.

Bar Admissions

• California
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Education

• Santa Clara University (J.D., 2022)
• Oregon State University (M.S., 2008)
• Oregon State University (B.S., 2001)

Court Admissions

• U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
• U.S. District Court, California, Eastern District
• U.S. District Court, California, Northern District

Memberships