Principal and Founder

Eugene Rome

Eugene is the founder of Rome LLP and represents merchants, payment companies, and technology platforms in high-stakes disputes across the payments and fintech ecosystem.

He regularly litigates complex matters involving acquirers, ISOs, merchants, agents, processors, and platforms, including disputes arising from billing practices, reserve and fund holds, platform and payment system controls, fraud, and contractual issues.

He is also widely recognized for his work in domain name and internet-related disputes, including matters involving registrars, registries, and online platforms, as well as cryptocurrency disputes presenting issues of first impression. His practice spans disputes at the intersection of payments, technology, and intellectual property, as well as other complex commercial and regulatory matters.

Eugene has extensive experience leading cases through trial and arbitration, securing multiple multi-million dollar verdicts and awards, and arguing before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His work frequently involves navigating the intersection of contractual rights, regulatory frameworks, card brand rules, and industry standards.

In addition to litigation, he advises clients on enforcement, risk management, and dispute strategy in regulated and rapidly evolving industries, and is a frequent speaker on developments in payment processing, domain name disputes, and emerging issues in fintech and technology.

Eugene is admitted to practice in California in both state and federal courts and represents clients nationwide in coordination with local counsel. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer from 2021 through 2026 and was previously selected to Rising Stars. He is fluent in Russian and conversational in French.

Representative Matters

Payment Processing Matters

Obtained a $16.2 million jury verdict on behalf of a sales agent in a dispute involving ISO residual commissions tied to a merchant processing nearly $300 million in transactions, where the processor and merchant’s representatives conspired to cut the agent out of the relationship.
Secured a $9 million jury verdict in a dispute involving the diversion of payment processing funds through a coordinated scheme involving a foreign bank and related entities; the verdict was affirmed in substantial part on appeal.
Obtained a $2.4 million jury verdict, including significant punitive damages, in a dispute involving fraudulent concealment and breach of agreement in an international payment processing relationship; successfully argued the Ninth Circuit appeal affirming the judgment.
Represents dozens of merchants in disputes involving reserve holds, improper fees, and withheld funds across multiple ISOs and acquirers; to date, has recovered tens of millions of dollars in wrongfully withheld or diverted merchant funds.

Domain Name Litigation

Represented Namecheap, Inc. in an ACPA and contributory infringement action brought by Meta entities (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram), involving extensive motion practice and a Ninth Circuit appeal.
Represented Freenom in ACPA and trademark infringement litigation brought by Meta; the matter was resolved prior to trial.
Secured a mandatory preliminary injunction ordering the transfer of approximately 2.8 million domain names to Namecheap, a rare remedy in registrar disputes, and successfully defended the ruling on appeal.

Crypto and Blockchain

Secured a $42.5+ million arbitration award in 2025 in a cryptocurrency investment fraud matter involving the “Bitcoin Latinum” project, including findings of securities violations, fraud, and related claims.
Represents the owner of the .wallet TLD in litigation involving blockchain-based domain names.
Represents investors in cryptocurrency and blockchain disputes in matters pending in the United States, South Korea, and Singapore.

Business Litigation

First-chaired a AAA arbitration clearing a former CEO of a 1,500-person engineering firm of fraud and fiduciary breach claims, defeating claims exceeding $9 million.
Secured an $18.5 million global settlement in a catastrophic injury matter involving traumatic brain injury and related claims.
Secured a $4.75+ million settlement in a traumatic injury case within one year of filing.
Obtained a $1.5+ million jury verdict in a reverse-merger fraud case, including punitive damages and statutory recovery.
Secured a $1.3 million judgment in a mass cybersquatting case against registrants and monetization entities.
Assisted in obtaining a $2.4 million trebled judgment in a forged art dispute under California Penal Code provisions.