Atty. David L. Cavanaugh
David Cavanaugh has broad legal experience in industry and private practice and provides clients with strategic, business-focused counseling in the procurement, management and exploitation of their intellectual property. He has extensive experience in all aspects of intellectual property practice, including IP litigation, patent procurement, technology transfer and licensing, and due diligence for corporate transactions.
Litigation - Patent & More Attorney · Serving Washington, DC
Profile Summary
About David L. Cavanaugh at a Glance
David L. Cavanaugh is a patent and ip attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. Educated at The George Washington University (—, 1994). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About David L. Cavanaugh
- David Cavanaugh has broad legal experience in industry and private practice and provides clients with strategic, business-focused counseling in the procurement, management and exploitation of their intellectual property
- He has extensive experience in all aspects of intellectual property practice, including IP litigation, patent procurement, technology transfer and licensing, and due diligence for corporate transactions
- Mr. Cavanaugh has developed and implemented intellectual property strategies suited for companies at all stages, from early startup phase to established business phase
Practice Areas Explained
David L. Cavanaugh's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David L. Cavanaugh handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.
Patent Law in Washington
David L. Cavanaugh is one of 20,632 patent attorneys indexed nationally. Browse patent attorneys in District of Columbia →
Intellectual Property in Washington
IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.
David L. Cavanaugh is one of 105,285 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in District of Columbia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Washington
Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Washington Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Washington-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Washington Choose David L. Cavanaugh
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish David L. Cavanaugh's practice in the field of patent and ip.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering patent and ip, David L. Cavanaugh can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Washington
A Washington-based practice means David L. Cavanaugh attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues David L. Cavanaugh Handles in Washington
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters David L. Cavanaugh has experience with under District of Columbia law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact David L. Cavanaugh directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find David L. Cavanaugh Online
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David L. Cavanaugh's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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