Shamita D. Etienne-Cummings is a partner in the law firm of White & Case LLP. As a member of the Intellectual Property Department, Shamita leads the 337 International Trade Practice in the Washington D.C. office. Although she has represented clients in investigations involving a broad range of technologies, Shamita concentrates her practice on semiconductor devices and consumer electronics.

Prior to joining the Firm, Shamita practiced as an electrical engineer and program manager for a major corporation in the telecommunications industry. As an electrical engineer, Shamita designed and implemented wireless communication and satellite systems. As a program manager, she was responsible for the development, deployment and financial viability of various new communications products and services. This experience allows Shamita to understand and balance the business needs and the legal obligations of her clients in order to achieve favorable results whether negotiating licenses or litigating in the ITC or federal courts across the US.

As a trial attorney, Shamita has served as co-lead and lead counsel and has substantial experience representing clients in in cases involving a broad range of technologies, including electronic systems, computer software, internet products and services, medical devices, computer architecture, semiconductor devices and processes, analog and digital circuits and mechanical products in various district courts across the US and in the ITC. Shamita has co-authored an amicus brief on behalf of the Patent and Trademark Section of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia in Festo v. SMC.

In addition to her patent practice, Shamita is an adjunct professor of law at George Washington University School of Law in Washington, DC where she teaches a patent litigation practice course and has been recognized for her long service to the legal community.

Bars and Courts
California State Bar
District of Columbia Bar
US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

Education
JD, Southern Illinois University School of Law, cum laude
BSEE, University of Pennsylvania

Professional Associations and Memberships
Registered US Patent Attorney

Speaking Engagements
"ITC Litigation: Recent Trends, New Developments and Prospects for Appeal," 2011 Symposium on International IP Strategies for Taiwanese Technology Companies, 09 June 2011, Hsinchu, Taiwan; 10 June 2011, Taipei, Taiwan
"To Opine or Not to Opine: The Utility of Opinion of Counsel after In re Seagate," PLI, October 2009
"Using the ITC To Protect Your Investment In The US Industry," Tokyo, Japan, September 16, 2009

Languages
English
Marathi

Citizenship
United States