Seepan V. Parseghian

Parseghian’s IP experience includes litigating claims of patent and trademark infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, and breach of licensing agreements. He has also represented companies from a variety of industries — energy, software, real estate, and telecommunications — in complex commercial cases involving allegations of fraud, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty. Parseghian was inducted into the National Law Journal Verdicts Hall of Fame for achieving the top jury verdict in Texas in a commercial dispute involving trade secrets and non-compete provisions in 2019.

Outside the courtroom, Parseghian maintains leadership positions in the Houston community. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Houston Bar Association and the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center, and co-chairs the HBA CLE Committee. He is the recipient of the 2023 Houston Young Lawyer of the Year Award and the 2021 HBA President’s Award. He was previously co-chair of the HBA Professionalism Committee and was the youngest-ever Chair of the HBA International Law Section. He has also served as President of the Stanford Alumni Club of Houston since 2018.

Representative Experience

Intellectual Property Cases

• Represented SandBox in an intellectual property dispute, securing a $49.2 million judgment and unanimous jury finding that Arrows Up and its CEO breached their contractual obligations and committed fraud by using information provided by SandBox under a non-disclosure agreement to design and market copycat products. In addition to monetary damages, the judgment awards SandBox title to and possession of the frac sand shipping containers that Arrows Up has manufactured, sold or leased since January 2015 based on the jury’s finding that key features of Arrows Ups containers were derived from SandBox’s design. Managed discovery, took and defended multiple depositions, prepared case for trial, examined witnesses during trial, and drafted and argued dispositive motions.
• Pursuing claims for patent infringement and breach of contract on behalf of fracking services company against competitor in Texas federal court. Prepared deposition outlines, drafted and prepared arguments for motions for TRO preliminary injunction, and summary judgment, and drafted and argued response to anti-SLAPP motion. Case set for trial in January 2019.
• Defended manufacturer of audio-visual equipment against patent infringement claims brought by competitor in jury trial in Arizona federal court. As third chair, aided in voir dire, prepared witnesses and direct and cross-examination outlines, drafted motions for judgment as a matter of law and post-verdict motions, argued evidentiary issues, and drafted jury instructions and trial briefs. Secured favorable jury verdict including dismissal of claim of willful infringement.
• Represented leading provider of electronic postage services against patent infringement claims in California federal court. Managed discovery, drafted motions in limine, and prepared for trial. Case settled favorably on eve of trial.
• Pursued claims for misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract on behalf of fracking services company against major oil services company in Texas state court. Prepared deposition outlines, drafted discovery motions, and managed discovery. Case settled in client’s favor during discovery.
• Defended major wholesale furniture and décor company as lead counsel against claims of trademark and copyright infringement in New York federal court by competitor. Managed discovery and negotiated favorable settlement early in discovery allowing client to continue selling accused products with no license or royalty fee.
• Defended national retailers of apparel in joint defense litigation against claims of trademark infringement. Drafted pleadings, managed discovery, and drafted and argued summary judgment motion before case settled with multiple defendants.

Commercial Disputes

• Pursued claims for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and fraud on behalf of nursing college and its owner against investment bank in AAA arbitration. As sole associate, took and defended multiple depositions, prepared case for arbitration, drafted direct and cross-examination outlines, and drafted pre-hearing and post-hearing briefs. Arbitral panel awarded client ownership redemption rights and over $7 million in damages and attorneys’ fees.
• Defended major oil and gas exploration company against claims for breach of contract, fraud, and conspiracy by subcontractor in AAA arbitration. As sole associate, cross-examined key witnesses during final arbitral hearing, drafted motion to dismiss, took depositions of key witnesses, and prepared case for arbitration. Arbitral panel dismissed all claims in favor of client.
• Defended largest farm-to-table delivery business in Los Angeles as lead counsel in California state court against claims of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and misappropriation of trade secrets. Took and defended multiple depositions, led mediation, drafted and argued motions for summary judgment, and prepared for jury trial. Case settled on eve of trial for less than 1% of relief sought.
• Represented online jewelry retailer as lead counsel in California state court against public relations firm for fraud, breach of contract, and misappropriation of trade secrets. Managed discovery, took depositions, and negotiated settlement resulting in shutdown of improper competing business conduct.
• Defended major wholesale furniture and décor company as lead counsel against class action lawsuit alleging violations of California Proposition 65 in state court. Drafted and argued dispositive motions and negotiated settlement for fraction of original demand.
• Defended industrial services company against claims for invasion of privacy, tortious interference, and fraud by former employee in Oklahoma state court. As sole associate, took and defended multiple depositions, drafted and argued discovery motions and motions in limine, and prepared case for jury trial. Case settled for less than 10% of relief sought.
• Defended industrial services company against breach of contract claims by former employee. Successfully removed and transferred case from California state court to Texas federal court, where case promptly settled in favor of client.
• Represented major ski resort operator against main competitor in Utah state court in high-profile, complex real estate litigation involving issues of lease termination, right of first refusal, and fixtures. Aided in drafting motions to dismiss and for summary judgment. Case settled after summary judgment hearing.
• Defending major law firm against claims of legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, and fraud by former NFL player in Texas state court. As sole associate, managed discovery, drafted and argued motion for summary judgment, and prepared depositions. Case set for trial in October 2019.