Trial Leader Urges Founders, Engineers, and Businesses to Get IP Right Early

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2026 / Jason Sheasby, partner at Irell & Manella LLP and one of the nation's most active trial lawyers, is speaking out about a growing problem he sees across technology, life sciences, and artificial intelligence: unclear agreements and misunderstood intellectual property rights.

After leading more than a dozen high-stakes trials involving patents, contracts, and advanced technology, Sheasby says many of today's largest disputes could have been avoided with clearer thinking and better preparation.

"Most conflicts don't start in the courtroom," Sheasby said. "They start years earlier, when people move fast and don't slow down to define the rules."

Why This Matters Now

The pace of innovation is accelerating. Global spending on research and development exceeded $2.5 trillion in recent years, according to UNESCO. At the same time, patent litigation in U.S. federal courts remains steady, with over 3,000 cases per year, and technology-related disputes accounting for a large share.

Artificial intelligence adds another layer of complexity. AI-related patent filings have grown more than 400% over the last decade, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization. Yet many companies still rely on outdated contracts and vague licensing terms.

"The law always lags innovation," Sheasby said. "That gap creates conflict. And conflict is expensive."

Lessons From the Courtroom

Sheasby's recent trial work highlights what is at stake. In multiple cases involving computer memory, data storage, and consumer electronics, juries awarded hundreds of millions of dollars after finding broken agreements or willful infringement.

In one case, a jury returned a verdict in under two hours after reviewing years of business dealings.

"That didn't happen because the case was simple," Sheasby said. "It happened because the story was clear."

He notes that juries consistently respond to plain language, documented intent, and well-defined obligations.

"Jurors are smart," he said. "They just want things explained clearly."

A Call for Personal Responsibility

Rather than calling for new laws or regulations, Sheasby is urging individuals and organizations to take responsibility for how they approach innovation today.

This includes founders, engineers, executives, investors, and even students working on new ideas.

"Don't assume you'll fix it later," he said. "Later is usually too late."

He emphasizes that intellectual property is not just a legal issue, but a business one. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, intangible assets now make up over 90% of the value of S&P 500 companies.

"When your value lives in ideas, clarity matters," Sheasby said.

What People Can Do on Their Own

Sheasby encourages simple, practical steps that do not require major resources:

  • Write things down early. Even basic agreements help clarify expectations.

  • Use plain language. If a deal cannot be explained simply, it likely is not clear.

  • Understand what you are sharing. Know what is confidential, licensed, or owned.

  • Ask hard questions upfront. Especially when working with partners or platforms.

  • Stay curious about technology. AI and data tools change risks faster than contracts do.

"You don't need to be a lawyer to think clearly," Sheasby said. "You just need to slow down long enough to define the rules."

What Comes Next for Innovators

As a founder of a biotechnology company and a board member of Pomona College, Sheasby sees the next generation of innovators grappling with these issues earlier than ever.

"Students are building real products in school," he said. "That's exciting. It also means the stakes arrive sooner."

His message is simple: innovation thrives when expectations are clear and trust is earned.

"Trial is where problems end up," Sheasby said. "But that's not where they should begin."

Call to Action

Take time to review your own work, projects, and collaborations. Ask whether roles, rights, and responsibilities are truly clear. Small steps today can prevent costly conflicts tomorrow.

For more information on Jason Sheasby's work and perspective on innovation and intellectual property, visit his professional profile or follow developments in technology law and AI governance through trusted industry sources.

SOURCE: Jason Sheasby



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