Profile photo of Michael A. Jacobs, Esq.

Michael A. Jacobs, Esq.

Arbitrator Mediator Special Master
San Francisco, CA, United States

About

With over four decades of legal practice, this neutral transitioned to private practice after a distinguished career as a lead trial lawyer in high-stakes intellectual property litigation. He has extensive experience managing complex disputes involving patents, trade secrets, and commercial technology across various industries, including semiconductors, biotechnology, and software. His background includes serving as co-chair of a major international law firm's intellectual property practice and acting as lead counsel in landmark cases before federal courts and the International Trade Commission.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Entertainment & Media Government & Administrative Healthcare & Life Sciences Intellectual Property Technology & Cyber

Professional Experience

JAMS (Mediator
Arbitrator
and Special Master)
Morrison & Foerster LLP (Partner
Co-Chair of Intellectual Property Practice)
U.S. District Court
Northern District of California (Law Clerk to Hon. Robert P. Aguilar)

Publications Leadership

  • Frequent author on intellectual property litigation strategies and patent law developments
  • Speaker at national conferences regarding trade secret protection and technology disputes
  • Former Co-Chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group at Morrison & Foerster
  • Contributor to legal journals on the intersection of antitrust and IP law

Positioning Takeaways

A seasoned trial veteran who brings deep substantive expertise in technology and life sciences to the mediation and arbitration of complex commercial IP matters.

License & Certifications

  • State Bar of California

Education

J.D.
Yale Law School
1981
B.A.
Stanford University
1977

Distinction

Renowned for handling some of the most significant 'smartphone war' litigations and complex multi-jurisdictional patent disputes.

Reputation

He is highly regarded by legal peers for his deep technical fluency and his ability to navigate the intricate legal frameworks of technology-driven commercial conflicts.