Skip to content 
The recent Viasat court victory has drawn attention to the power of strong IP protection in technology industries. Viasat successfully defended against patent infringement claims from SanDisk, proving that proactive intellectual property strategies safeguard both innovation and market position.
For technology companies, this case highlights how the power of strong IP can define success in litigation and long-term business stability. Intellectual property protection shields new inventions and helps companies defend their products from competitors’ claims.
Stevens Law Group, a leading law firm focusing on intellectual property, copyright, and trademark law, works with technology businesses to build these same defenses. The Viasat case illustrates how structured IP management and legal strategy can prevent disruptions, reduce risk, and preserve company value.
Understanding the outcome of this case helps technology firms recognize why investing in patents, trademarks, and copyrights is an essential part of operational growth.
The Dispute Between Viasat and SanDisk
In October 2025, a California federal court dismissed a lawsuit brought by SanDisk Technologies against Viasat, a global communications company. SanDisk alleged that Viasat’s Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment systems violated patents related to digital rights management and data buffering.
Judge Haywood Gilliam ruled that SanDisk failed to prove its claims. The court found that Viasat’s systems did not infringe on SanDisk’s patents. Furthermore, the judge criticized SanDisk for “wasting the court’s time” by failing to withdraw claims against a Viasat subsidiary that had no connection to the accused technology.
The decision was a clear win for Viasat and demonstrated how comprehensive IP defense planning ensures protection during litigation. By maintaining accurate documentation, strong patent filings, and effective legal counsel, Viasat was able to counter the accusations efficiently.
The power of strong IP is visible here; companies that prepare can protect themselves even against large-scale challenges.
Understanding Viasat’s Patent Defense
Viasat’s legal success depended on its ability to prove that its technology was independently developed and distinct from SanDisk’s patents. The company’s defense focused on demonstrating key differences between its systems and the patented technology in question.
Viasat’s in-flight connectivity systems rely on proprietary network architecture. These systems handle data transmission, video streaming, and digital rights management differently from SanDisk’s claimed inventions. As a result, the court concluded that these differences were substantial enough to dismiss the infringement case entirely.
This outcome highlights the power of strong IP documentation and research. By securing detailed patent filings and maintaining thorough records of its technological processes, Viasat had the evidence required to defend its products.
Technology companies can draw a clear lesson: strong IP strategies are built long before litigation begins. Every new development should include documentation, patent registration, and internal review to ensure ownership and legal defensibility.
Why IP Defense Matters for Technology Companies
For technology-driven businesses, intellectual property forms the foundation of innovation. Patents, trademarks, and copyrights protect years of research and millions in investment. However, when competitors file claims, a strong defense ensures continued operations without interruption.
Ultimately, the power of strong IP comes from preparation. Companies that proactively integrate IP strategy into product development can respond quickly and effectively when disputes arise. Moreover, properly structured documentation, clear ownership rights, and early legal review collectively create a significant advantage in litigation.
For example, in the Viasat case, the company’s IP structure allowed its legal team to counter SanDisk’s claims with precision. By presenting detailed technical evidence that differentiated their systems from the alleged patents, they established a strong defense that led to a full dismissal.
Therefore, technology companies should view IP defense not as an afterthought but rather as an integral part of every innovation process. Without such foresight, a single oversight can lead to lawsuits, licensing demands, or blocked product launches. In the long run, proactive protection helps businesses avoid these costly risks and maintain a competitive edge.
The Role of Courts in Patent Disputes
Courts evaluate patent disputes by analyzing the technical details of each claim. The judge’s role is to determine whether the accused product similarly performs substantially similar functions.
In Viasat’s case, the court found that SanDisk’s patents did not cover the same methods or architecture. This distinction was crucial to Viasat’s victory. The ruling also reinforced that companies should use clear, precise patent filings that accurately describe their innovations.
A well-defined patent reduces ambiguity and limits competitors’ ability to claim infringement. The power of strong IP depends not only on defense strategies but also on the clarity of original filings.
For technology firms, working with experienced patent counsel such as Stevens Law Group ensures filings meet both legal and technical standards. Detailed patent descriptions reduce exposure to disputes and strengthen credibility in court.
Lessons from Viasat’s IP Strategy
Several lessons emerge from Viasat’s patent victory.
First, documentation matters. The company’s ability to present detailed engineering records and patent data allowed it to prove independence.
Second, internal alignment is vital. Viasat’s legal and engineering teams worked together to explain the technology accurately. Miscommunication between technical and legal departments can weaken a defense, especially in complex cases involving software or hardware.
Third, strong partnerships with legal counsel are key. Viasat’s defense benefited from experienced attorneys who understood both technology and IP litigation. Stevens Law Group works with technology firms in the same way, integrating legal oversight with technical insight to anticipate and address risks early.
Finally, a long-term IP strategy builds value. Companies that prioritize IP management attract investors, protect their innovations, and gain leverage in negotiations.
The Viasat case exemplifies the power of strong IP in creating sustainable, defensible business growth.
How IP Defense Strengthens Innovation
Effective IP protection allows technology firms to innovate freely. Without it, the risk of legal disputes can discourage research and slow progress.
When companies know their patents are defensible, they can invest confidently in new developments. The power of strong IP enables growth by reducing uncertainty.
Viasat’s win reinforces that defending IP rights is not only about avoiding lawsuits; it’s about enabling innovation. Technology companies must build IP frameworks that cover both offense and defense: filing new patents while maintaining readiness to defend them.
Legal support from firms like Stevens Law Group ensures these frameworks remain up to date with global standards. As industries expand into new technologies such as AI, satellites, and digital media, IP protection becomes a strategic advantage.
Global Implications for IP Enforcement
The Viasat decision has broader implications for international IP law. Technology companies operating across multiple markets face increasing challenges from overlapping patents and inconsistent enforcement.
A strong domestic defense, such as Viasat’s, can serve as a model for handling international claims. Companies must understand how patents operate differently across jurisdictions and prepare accordingly.
Global IP coordination requires centralized documentation, cross-border legal registration, and a consistent enforcement strategy. The power of strong IP is amplified when companies align their protections worldwide.
For technology firms expanding into global markets, proactive planning ensures that their innovations remain secure no matter where competitors operate. Stevens Law Group supports businesses in developing these global IP strategies to protect technology across continents.
Protecting Innovation Through Legal Strength
Viasat’s recent court victory demonstrates the power of strong IP and how strategic preparation can overcome complex challenges. By maintaining precise records, securing patents early, and partnering with experienced counsel, technology companies can defend their work effectively.
For businesses, the message is clear: strong IP is more than a legal shield; it is a business strategy. It safeguards innovation, builds investor confidence, and creates market stability.
Stevens Law Group helps technology companies strengthen their IP portfolios and defend against infringement claims with proven legal expertise. A proactive IP approach ensures innovation continues without disruption.
For questions about intellectual property protection or how to develop a strong IP defense strategy, please contact Stevens Law Group for legal support and guidance.
