Litigation Daily recently featured WilmerHale partners Joseph Mueller, Sarah Frazier and Louis Tompros for their strategic and creative use of demonstrative exhibits in a successful patent trial defense for Cisco Systems Inc. in the Eastern District of Texas. 

“Creative, outside‑the‑box demonstratives are terrific for engaging the jury—but they need to be built on a foundation of strong old‑school trial techniques.” 

— Joseph Mueller

The article highlights how the WilmerHale trial team used visual storytelling and hands‑on demonstratives to help jurors navigate complex issues involving processor technology, licensing and corporate relationships. A jury in Marshall, Texas returned a swift defense verdict for Cisco, concluding the first trial in a closely watched series of patent cases brought by EireOg against technology companies using Intel processors.

The team relied on a range of physical demonstratives that evolved alongside witness testimony, including magnetic boards, live‑built visuals and other tactile exhibits designed to clarify dense technical and business concepts. These demonstratives served as teaching tools, reinforcing testimony while remaining grounded in the evidence.

Mueller, Frazier and Tompros describe a disciplined approach to trial visuals, emphasizing preparation, accuracy and execution. The article notes that demonstratives often go through multiple iterations before reaching the courtroom and are carefully choreographed to align with witness examinations and trial strategy.

The Litigation Daily feature offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at WilmerHale’s trial practice and its emphasis on thoughtful advocacy, careful planning and persuasive storytelling in high‑stakes intellectual property litigation.

Read the full article here.