Attorney Intel is pleased to announce The Top 25 Intellectual Property Attorneys of 2024. These accomplished attorneys represent a diverse spectrum of expertise within intellectual property (IP) law, a field dedicated to protecting and enforcing the legal rights of creators, innovators, and businesses over their inventions, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. From patent prosecution and IP litigation to licensing and regulatory compliance, these professionals navigate the complexities of both domestic and international IP systems to help clients protect and capitalize on their most valuable assets.
Among this year’s awardees, Greg Castanias, Partner at Jones Day, is recognized for his extensive experience as an appellate and intellectual property litigator, with over 30 years of practice. He has argued five Supreme Court cases and over 100 Federal Circuit cases, handling complex IP disputes across industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to electronics. Olga Berson, Partner at Morgan Lewis & Bockius, is noted for her expertise in patent law and IP due diligence, particularly in the life sciences. She advises clients on patent portfolio development, licensing strategies, and litigation risks, with recent work involving the commercialization of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Charley Brown, Partner at Ballard Spahr, leads teams specializing in technology, patents, and artificial intelligence, offering strategic counsel on patent prosecution, portfolio management, and IP litigation in industries including bioinformatics, telecommunications, and software.
This year’s awardees were selected through a methodical process and careful consideration of each candidate’s career track record and industry contributions. Please join us in celebrating The Top 25 Intellectual Property Attorneys of 2024.
1. Greg Castanias
Partner, JONES DAY
Greg Castanias, head of Jones Day's Federal Circuit team, has over 30 years of experience as a leading appellate and intellectual property litigator. His experience includes five Supreme Court arguments, over 100 Federal Circuit arguments, and countless others in federal and state courts from Alaska to Connecticut. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and a member of the American Law Institute.
Greg is recognized as a top-tier appellate advocate with extensive experience handling matters at the Federal Circuit. His experience includes technologies ranging from pharmaceuticals, genetics, and diagnostics to chemistry and electronics, as well as design patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret disputes.
Greg Castanias's Insight
“I often joke that I’m not an IP litigator, but a litigator who does IP cases. I was trained as a generalist appellate and trial lawyer, and because of client needs and accumulated expertise, I became an intellectual property lawyer over time, largely by accident. Furthermore, I’m not a Ph.D.—in fact, my college majors were in English and philosophy. But I view that as a feature of my practice, and not a bug: I was liberally educated; I have a curious mind; and I’ve always loved science. So once I have the opportunity to sit down with my deeply educated clients and colleagues to learn the intricacies of the relevant technology, I can then write about the case in simple, declarative sentences, and hopefully argue the case before the judges or Justices in the same way. I think I have the best law job in the world, because I get to learn about new things every day. I’ve had cases involving brain surgery and rocket science, genetic advances that seem like miracles and disputes involving seemingly more straightforward articles of commerce like candles and sweatshirts. Many of them at the same time. And now that I’m older, I get to do this while teaching younger lawyers how to do what I’ve been doing for over 30 years now. Sometimes I still can’t believe I get paid to do this.”
2. Anita Varma
Partner, White & Case
Anita Varma is a Partner at White & Case, a global law firm with a strong presence in key markets. The firm offers a combination of local expertise, cross-border integration, and a team of U.S. and English-qualified lawyers to support clients across a wide range of markets.
Varma is the immediate past Global Chair of the firm's IP practice and is based in the firm's Boston office, with a dual practice in London. She is qualified to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the European Patent Office (EPO). Varma provides strategic patent counseling to life sciences industry companies, guiding them through every stage of a product's life cycle.
Varma works with clients in obtaining enforceable claims and supporting them in post-grant proceedings, as well as in developing and executing both offensive and defensive patent strategies. She also conducts strategic review of patent portfolios to identify strengths and weaknesses, and opportunities to minimize threats and maximize revenue.
Varma is a Trustee on the Board of the Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law. Prior to joining White & Case, Varma was a Partner at an international law firm. Varma graduated from Georgetown University Law Center with a JD, from Jiwaji University with a master’s degree and an undergraduate degree in chemistry, and from American University with a master’s degree in biochemistry.
Anita Varma's Insight
I am honored to have the chance to collaborate with some of the most innovative scientists and companies globally. Working in patent law is incredibly intellectually satisfying, as it involves constantly learning about new technological advancements, applying existing patent laws to emerging scientific fields, and solving complex problems for clients.
3. Olga Berson
Partner, Morgan Lewis & Bockius
Olga Berson is a patent law expert with over two decades of experience handling complex issues in diverse technical areas, including biopharmaceuticals (small and large molecules), drug delivery platforms, medical devices, analytical methods, skincare and cosmetics, foods and nutraceuticals, and specialty chemicals and materials. Her strong technical foundation enables her to collaborate effectively with inventors and scientific experts, translating complex technical matters into clear legal arguments.
With a focus on intellectual property (IP) due diligence, Olga conducts patent portfolio and landscape analyses, evaluates IP licensing and technology agreements, and assesses financial and operational risks related to patent disputes and litigation. She frequently advises on due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, divestitures, recapitalizations, and bankruptcies. Olga also conducts patent audits, helping clients identify licensing opportunities or strategic patent abandonments, and provides counsel on freedom-to-operate strategies and patent validity.
Olga’s litigation experience, including matters involving the Hatch-Waxman Act and the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA), enhances her IP due diligence practice and helps mitigate potential litigation risks for clients. Recent work includes the commercialization of a COVID-19 vaccine, the acquisition of an immunology company, and the evaluation of patent portfolios in immunology, oncology, and neurodegenerative diseases. She has also facilitated the launch of biosimilars for blockbuster monoclonal antibodies.
Olga’s strategic patent portfolio development work complements her litigation expertise, as she handles Hatch-Waxman, BPCIA, and biologics patent litigation, as well as US Patent and Trademark Office proceedings. She holds a Ph.D. in environmental science and chemistry from the California Institute of Technology.
Olga Berson's Insight
"I’ve been an intellectual property attorney specializing in the life sciences for over two decades, blending my Ph.D. in environmental science and chemistry from Caltech with a deep understanding of complex technical and business challenges. My path has taken me from complex patent litigation—like Hatch-Waxman and BPCIA cases—to advising on mergers, acquisitions, and product launches. Along the way, I’ve learned to translate intricate technical details into actionable legal strategies, whether facilitating the commercialization of a COVID-19 vaccine, helping a client acquire an immunology company, or preparing for the launch of biosimilars for blockbuster monoclonal antibodies.
This is all to say, careers evolve, and so do the challenges. Each project teaches me something new—how to assess freedom-to-operate for emerging oncology drugs, evaluate licensing opportunities for drug delivery platforms, or untangle the patent risks in acquisitions. The beauty of this field is its constant learning curve, which keeps me engaged and sharp. Whether it’s working with a startup or a multinational, the goal remains the same: to guide clients through the complexities of IP law and pave the way for innovation to thrive."
4. Jami Gekas
Partner, Foley & Lardner
Jami A. Gekas is a Partner and intellectual property litigation attorney at Foley & Lardner, where she handles a wide range of advertising, marketing, copyright, and trademark issues. Her practice focuses on brand enforcement, including representing clients in disputes involving false advertising, unfair competition, and trademark, copyright, and patent infringement. Jami is also a member of the firm's IP Litigation and Trademark, Copyright, and Advertising practices.
A member of the Northern District of Illinois' Trial Bar, Jami has secured favorable results in both federal district and appellate courts. She recently served as lead trial counsel in a trademark infringement case, resulting in a jury verdict in her client's favor. Additionally, Jami has extensive experience in brand name and trade identity clearance, obtaining federal registration for copyrights and trademarks, and drafting and negotiating licensing and promotional agreements. She also advises clients on implementing promotions and new media campaigns.
Prior to joining Foley, Jami was an intellectual property Partner at a global law firm. Jami graduated from the University of Michigan with a JD and from Emory University with an undergraduate degree in political science and government.
5. Nicholas Tsui
Partner, Alston & Bird
Nicholas Tsui is a Partner with Alston & Bird’s Intellectual Property Litigation Group. He focuses his practice on patents and patent litigation in the district courts, ITC, and PTAB related to technologies including telecommunications, circuit design, software, mobile applications, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals/ANDA.
Tsui received a JD from Stanford Law School, and holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania as well as Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before attending law school, Tsui worked at a U.S. Department of Defense think tank.
6. Mark Hagedorn
Partner, Barnes & Thornburg
Mark Hagedorn is a Partner at Barnes & Thornburg. With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. Hagedorn offers broad experience in virtually all phases of IP counseling and litigation. He has represented clients involved in a wide range of technologies, including high barrier specialty packaging films, bulk material handling systems, cardiac marker immunoassays, high speed packaging machinery and electrochemical sensors, to name only a few.
Hagedorn provides businesses with IP enforcement, protection, and counseling on a local, regional, and national scale. He has successfully litigated claims in federal courts involving patents, trademarks, trade dress and trade secret disputes. He works to advocate client positions in complex litigation to achieve client goals.
Prior to joining the firm, Hagedorn served as associate counsel at Velsicol Chemical Corporation, handling matters related to all corporate activities. Later, he was associate counsel with Hercules Incorporated, a global manufacturer of chemical specialties used in making products for home, office and industrial markets. At Hercules, he advised on patent matters related to water treatment chemicals, hydrocarbon processing products, rheology modifiers and paper chemicals.
Hagedorn graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a JD and from Purdue University with an undergraduate degree.
Mark Hagedorn's Insight
“My journey from blue-collar roots to an intellectual property lawyer has been powered by a profound love and passion for technology and innovation. Innovation is the driving force behind the American economy, and I love that I get to leverage my engineering background to protect technical innovations and related intellectual property. I pride myself on finding solutions by teaming with innovator clients and using similar innovation-inducing, problem-solving techniques that have been at the core of their business. I, like my clients, am a problem solver—making seasoned and informed decisions in collaboration with my clients. Forming a synergy between the client’s technical knowledge and experience using teamwork creates a powerful force in achieving success.”
7. Scott Rothenberger
Partner, Barnes & Thornburg
Scott Rothenberger is a Partner at Barnes & Thornburg. Rothenberger focuses his practice on patent prosecution, licensing and intellectual property litigation, including inter partes reviews (IPR), District Court actions, and International Trade Commission (ITC) actions. Rothenberger also counsels clients on patentability issues, conducts due diligence assessments, and provides infringement and validity opinions.
For four years, Rothenberger was a member of the team assisting the Special Compliance Coordinator appointed by the U.S. Department of Commerce to monitor, assess and report on the U.S. export control compliance of Zhongxing Telecommunications Equipment Corporation, of Shenzhen, China, and ZTE Kangxun Telecommunications of Shenzhen, China.
Rothenberger completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of South Carolina and a postdoctoral fellowship at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Prior to joining Barnes & Thornburg, Rothenberger practiced with Norton Rose Fulbright US in Minneapolis.
Scott Rothenberger's Insight
“I enjoy working with all types of clients. From garage start-ups to Fortune 100 companies, each has their own unique set of issues, challenges, and goals and it keeps my practice exciting even after 30 years of practice!”
8. Kanika Corley
Partner, Akerman
Kanika Corley is a Partner at Akerman, a law firm with more than 700 lawyers in 26 offices throughout the United States. Corley has experience representing broadcasting and media companies, sports lifestyle brands, endurance sports companies, and other business enterprises, Corley routinely advises clients on complex transactions and litigation matters, business disputes, intellectual property matters, and related corporate matters.
Corley is an alumna of the University of Southern California, the University of San Diego School of Law, and USC Gould School of Law, where she obtained a graduate certificate in business law.
Kanika Corley's Insight
“I take pride in crafting strategic solutions that protect my clients’ most valuable assets. Whether defending against high-stakes claims or navigating complex legal issues, my focus remains on delivering results that align with my clients’ business objectives. I am honored to be recognized among the Top Intellectual Property Attorneys for 2025 and grateful for the trust my clients place in me to advocate for them.”
9. Charley Brown
Partner, Ballard Spahr
Charley Brown leads the Technology industry team, the Patents team, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) team, and the Engineering and Software patent team at Ballard Spahr. He is also a member of the firm's IP Litigation team. A registered patent attorney, Charley has extensive experience in patent prosecution and litigation, and his practice covers patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret litigation, as well as client counseling and opinion work.
Charley supports clients in IP portfolio development, including prosecution, maintenance, analysis, diligence, and enforcement. His experience spans a range of technologies, including bioinformatics, business intelligence platforms, computer science, cable and internet technologies, data analytics tools, human antibody technologies, software and hardware, and telecommunications.
Charley Brown's Insight
"Innovation thrives on protection and partnership. My goal is to empower clients to turn their ideas into assets while navigating the ever-evolving landscape of intellectual property law, including the transformative impact of artificial intelligence."
10. Chuck Hauff
Partner, Snell & Wilmer
Chuck Hauff is a Partner at Snell & Wilmer, a full-service business law firm with more than 500 attorneys practicing in 16 locations throughout the United States and in Mexico. Hauff is one of the founders of the Intellectual Property (IP) Group at Snell and Wilmer, and practices in all aspects of IP including, litigation, prosecution, licensing, and other business transactions.
With technical experience in fields such as chemical, biotechnical, mechanical, electromechanical, computer software, medical products, acoustics, and life sciences, Chuck has handled a variety of litigation matters for clients of different sizes, both in the U.S. and internationally. He has also assisted technology clients in developing strategies to protect innovative technologies, from mechanical devices to cutting-edge medical products and pharmaceuticals.
Previously, Hauff was an attorney at Foley & Lardner. He earned a JD from the University of Akron School of Law and an undergraduate degree from Muskingum College.
Chuck Hauff's Insight
“I love what I do. I get to help clients advance their business objectives in providing intellectual property services, whether that be through counseling, implementing protection plans, or litigating conflicts. I am wonderfully blessed and after over 30 years I still enjoy what I do very much. I consider it a privilege to be able to do what I and my team are able to do for our clients. Snell & Wilmer is a great firm, with great people, who do great things.”
11. Karthika Perumal
Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson
Karthika Perumal is a Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, a transatlantic law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers based in 37 UK and U.S. office locations. Perumal’s practice involves all aspects of technology law with an emphasis on the protection, acquisition, and monetization of intellectual property.
Perumal advises clients on patent and transactional matters in the healthcare and energy sectors across a wide range of technologies, such as biotechnology, biomedical devices, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, oil and gas processing, and software. She leverages her background in scientific research and technology transfer to help clients meet their business objectives at every stage of product development.
Previously, Perumal was an intellectual property and technology attorney at Bracewell and before that an intellectual property and technology attorney at Dentons. Earlier in her career she worked with The University of Texas Medical Branch as an associate director. Perumal earned a JD from the University of Houston Law Center, a Ph.D. from Baylor College of Medicine, and an undergraduate degree from Anna University.
12. Domingos Silva
Partner, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr
Domingos Silva is a Partner in the firm's Intellectual Property Practice, with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology, diagnostics, biochemistry, and materials science fields. Since 2008, Silva has been practicing in intellectual property, specializing in drafting and prosecuting patent applications in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry (including inorganic, organic, and bioorganic), diagnostics, biotechnology, and materials science.
Previously, Silva was a patent agent at Riverside Law and before that a scientific advisor and patent agent at DrinkerBiddle & Reath. Prior to his legal career, Silva worked as a medicinal chemistry research scientist for a biotech company and a large pharmaceutical company, focusing on oncology and antibacterial programs. During this time, he co-authored 16 peer-reviewed publications and was named an inventor on 17 patent applications.
Silva holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Princeton University and conducted his post-doctorate fellowship work at MIT.
13. David Grace
Partner, Loeb & Loeb
David Grace is a Partner at Loeb & Loeb. Grace is a leader in the field of brand protection, intellectual property, entertainment and advertising, providing both transactional and dispute resolution services.
For more than 30 years, Grace has helped clients develop, cultivate and protect their brands and intellectual property rights from creation to globalization. He assists a wide spectrum of clients, from startups to iconic brands and Fortune 500 companies, including entertainment and media companies, major financial institutions, technology and consumer product companies, and famous celebrities.
Previously, Grace was an associate at Finley Kumble Wagner. Earlier in his career he worked with the Florida District Court of Appeal as a judicial clerk. Grace earned a JD in law from the University of Virginia School of Law and an undergraduate degree in biology from George Mason University.
David Grace's Insight
“I enjoy helping clients resolve their problems and build their businesses. My hope and goal is that my holistic perspective and strategic approach will enable my clients and friends to achieve the best solutions possible for their personal and business needs.”
14. Aaron Frankel
Partner, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel
Aaron Frankel is a Partner at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, where he brings his technological and legal acumen and litigation experience to patent prosecution and inter partes review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
Frankel advises clients on intellectual property licensing and diligence and transactions involving intellectual property, and provides business and technological guidance on patent portfolio evaluation, acquisition and management projects.
Frankel earned a JD in law from Harvard Law School and an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering from Columbia University.
Aaron Frankel's Insight
“Being a lawyer is about unwavering dedication and hard work for your clients, ensuring their interests are always at the heart of everything you do.”
15. Vlad Teplitskiy
Partner, Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear
Vlad Teplitskiy is a Partner in the Orange County office of Knobbe Martens. For nearly two decades, Vlad has helped clients protect and defend their intellectual property (IP). Vlad advises clients in the areas of strategic patent prosecution, patent portfolio management, licensing, and foreign protection in a broad range of industries, including electronics, communications, computer, information technology, medical devices, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and healthcare.
Vlad also helps clients navigate open source software licenses, including compliance and IP strategy. In addition, Vlad advises clients with validity proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and enforcement proceedings in federal district courts. He was a member of the Knobbe Martens team that defended Smith+Nephew against allegations of patent infringement and helped to ensure competition and patient choice in a multi-billion dollar wound treatment market.
Before becoming a lawyer, Vlad worked as a firmware engineer for St. Jude Medical Cardiac Rhythm Management Division (now Abbott) where he developed software, firmware, and hardware for implantable pacemakers and defibrillators. Before that, Vlad developed algorithms and firmware for cochlear implants at Advanced Bionics.
Vlad Teplitskiy's Insight
"I enjoy helping clients in a diverse array of industries to develop and execute intellectual property protection strategies that are aligned with their business goals. It is always an immense pleasure to learn the technical aspects of clients’ innovations and help them navigate the intellectual property protection landscape in the U.S. and foreign countries."
16. Tom Cowan
Partner, Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear
Tom Cowan is a Partner at Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, where he chairs the Mechanical Engineering Practice Group. With a background in engineering at Northrop Grumman and NASA, and a degree in biomedical engineering, Tom has a deep understanding of a wide range of technologies.
He advises medical device and aerospace companies, including startups, on intellectual property matters, helping them develop IP protection strategies, assert and defend IP rights, and support financing and M&A activities. Since 2019, Tom has prosecuted patents and conducted IP diligence for deals valued at over $700 million.
17. Patrice Jean
Partner, Hughes Hubbard & Reed
Patrice P. Jean is a Partner of Hughes Hubbard’s Life Sciences Group. Jean has over a decade of experience counseling leading and startup pharmaceutical, chemical and biotechnology companies in all areas of intellectual property law. She is adept at asserting and defending the patent rights underlying the core technologies and innovations of leading high-tech and pharmaceutical companies.
Jean also defends clients against claims from competitors, helping to mitigate potential damages. Her patent and trademark prosecution practice enhances her litigation capabilities, enabling her to argue the validity of her clients' IP and challenge the validity of third-party registrations.
Previously, Jean was a partner at Kenyon & Kenyon. Jean earned a JD from the Columbia University School of Law, as well as an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree in molecular biology, and a Ph.D. from Xavier University of Louisiana.
18. David Devernoe
Partner, Rimon Law
David Devernoe is a Partner at Rimon’s San Diego office, bringing over two decades of intellectual property (IP) counseling experience as both in-house and outside counsel. With a business-centered approach, Devernoe provides comprehensive IP strategies that minimize risks and seize strategic opportunities, ensuring smooth commerce while protecting clients’ intellectual assets.
Prior to joining Rimon, Devernoe was a Partner at Troutman Sanders and Senior Patent Counsel at Hologic (formerly Gen-Probe). Earlier in his career, he worked as a lab technologist at Albany Medical Center. At Rimon, he aims to combine the agility and client-focused service of a boutique firm with the global reach and multidisciplinary expertise of an international practice.
Devernoe graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a JD and from Union College with an undergraduate degree.
David Devernoe's Insight
“I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors and clients over my career and have developed an understanding that effective IP advocacy is primarily about creative and persuasive storytelling to a specific audience using highly technical facts. The real skills involve knowing the right questions and how to ask them in addition to appreciating the motivations of the relevant audience, with the most important aspects being related to the specific forum where the advocacy will be provided. Understanding the nature and goals of the business and purpose of the work and how to apply the facts to the relevant law are essential to achieving a positive outcome, whether it is to obtain patent or trademark registrations or winning in an adversarial setting.”
19. Jodi Reynolds
Partner, Harter Secrest & Emery
Jodi Reynolds is a Partner at Harter Secrest & Emery, a full-service business law firm with attorneys throughout New York representing clients ranging from individuals and family-owned businesses to Fortune 100 companies and major regional institutions.
Reynolds has nearly 20 years of experience in intellectual property law, taking a thoughtful approach to addressing her clients' IP opportunities and challenges. She develops strategies to protect her clients' ideas and inventions through patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret protections. Reynolds also advises on IP licensing across various sectors, including mechanical, chemical, software, medical devices, optics, and pharmaceuticals.
Previously, Reynolds was a regulatory affairs analyst at Avon Products. Reynolds earned a JD from the University at Buffalo School of Law and an undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of Rochester.
Jodi Reynolds's Insight
“I find the practice of intellectual property law invigorating and enjoy the collaborative opportunities it provides. By working closely with each client, we develop immediate and long-term strategies that best protect the client’s ideas and inventions. When representing a client on the negotiation of a transactional document, I listen to the client’s concerns and negotiate based on the client’s desired outcomes. Working with emerging technologies presents new and exciting challenges; I particularly enjoy guiding clients on the legal and ethical uses of artificial intelligence. I am grateful to be surrounded by a team of brilliant attorneys and staff, which provides continuous opportunities to grow and learn in my practice.”
20. Timothy Menasco
Partner, Harter Secrest & Emery
Timothy Menasco is a Partner at Harter Secrest & Emery. Menasco uses his technical expertise to assist clients through the process of preparing and prosecuting patents in the U.S. and in countries around the world. He frequently prepares patentability opinions, performs freedom to operate analysis, and negotiates technology transfer and licensing agreements.
Additionally, Menasco counsels clients through disputes, threatened litigation, and litigation involving patents, trade secrets, inventorship challenges and copyrights. He regularly strategizes with engineers, inventors, and senior executives regarding effective and efficient U.S. and foreign patent portfolio development.
Menasco earned a JD in intellectual property and technology transfer from University at Buffalo School of Law and an undergraduate degree in mathematical physics from the University at Buffalo.
Timothy Menasco's Insight
“It’s been an honor representing genuinely good clients and having the opportunity to work alongside such talented colleagues at Harter Secrest & Emery.”
21. Steven Haber
Partner, Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel
Steven Haber is a Partner at Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel. Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel is a law firm that provides legal services in bankruptcy, financial reorganization, and education law.
Haber is a Partner in the firm’s Litigation Department and the Intellectual Property Litigation Group, where he serves clients as both a skilled litigator and an experienced business counselor. His practice spans a wide range of legal areas, including business litigation, construction disputes, telecommunications law, products liability, intellectual property, class actions, securities litigation, commercial code disputes, trusts and estate litigation, regulatory compliance, and property escheatment.
Haber earned a JD from Georgetown Law School and an undergraduate degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
22. Ted Theofrastous
Partner, Kohrman Jackson & Krantz
Ted Theofrastous is a Partner at Kohrman Jackson & Krantz. Theofrastous brings a unique perspective to his practice, having worked as both a business architect and an attorney within the technology commercialization and investment fields. Theofrastous counsels clients across a wide range of technologies, including healthcare, communications, IT, alternative energy and advanced materials, in both legal and business issues.
Theofrastous also works with non-profits and research institutions to develop and implement sustainable governance and policy structures to help achieve strategic organizational priorities. He has extensive experience in technology transfer within the advanced research community, where he counsels large institutional clients on the development of legally compliant approaches to government and industry-funded research, licensing, and equity transactions.
Prior to joining KJK, Theofrastous founded his solo practice and an affiliated technology strategy consulting firm. He also previously served as managing director and fund counsel to an investment firm and Chief Commercialization Counsel at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Theofrastous’ background in business includes more than 20 years working as a technologist, executive and board member to design and implement new and re-engineered products and business systems and related investment.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Marlboro College in Vermont and earned his JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
Ted Theofrastous's Insight
“To me, intellectual property isn’t just an asset; it’s a critical strategic driver of business growth and innovation. My practice sits at the intersection of high technology, intellectual property protection, and commercialization—encompassing IP strategy, venture formation and finance, joint development collaborations, sponsored research, branding strategies, and more. What I love most about this blend is the privilege of working alongside brilliant visionaries while constantly deepening my understanding of evolving technology, markets, and the law. It’s a journey that never stops, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Recognizing and leveraging IP’s potential is at the heart of my practice.
Another fulfilling dimension of my work is training the next generation of professionals. For the past 25 years, I’ve taught commercialization-focused courses across the law, engineering, and medical schools at Case Western Reserve University. It’s a joy—and a true privilege—to help shape the minds of bright, motivated students as they prepare to make their mark on the world.
Of course, what truly makes this field remarkable is the creativity, sharp intellect, and good humor of my colleagues in the IP space. It’s hard to imagine a more innovative or dynamic corner of the legal profession—and I’m fortunate to call it home.”
23. Danny Huntington
Partner, Rothwell, Figg, Ernst & Manbeck
Danny Huntington is a Partner with Rothwell, Figg, Ernst & Manbeck, PC in Washington, D.C. He specializes in helping clients protect and defend their intellectual property across all phases of IP law. His practice includes U.S. and foreign patent prosecution, litigation in federal and state courts, licensing, and general client counseling.
Huntington has extensive experience in patent interference, with a particular focus on biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. His work spans from the prosecution and litigation of cases, including a patent application for a protein translation kit in 1979, to more recent interferences involving CRISPR.
He has handled numerous cases in inter partes review, post grant review, and covered business method proceedings introduced by the America Invents Act in 2012. Huntington has also written and lectured on a broad range of legal topics both domestically and internationally.
Huntington is also a member of Fédération Internationale des Conseils en Propriété Industrielle (FICPI), the American Bar Association, the American Intellectual Property Law Association, the Intellectual Property Owners, the Federal Circuit Bar Association, Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI), and International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI).
Huntington earned his JD from The National Law Center at The George Washington University and his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Indiana University. He is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and is admitted to the bars of the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Virginia, and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Danny Huntington's Insight
“As I began practicing, one of the newest technologies was biotechnology. It took some time to discover the best ways to protect and exploit inventions in that space. Now it is the application of artificial intelligence. The innovations in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals involving AI are truly staggering, and intellectual property attorneys are going to be challenged as they seek to protect and exploit developments occurring at an accelerating pace. Teams of attorneys in varied disciplines acting together will be needed because it will be difficult for any single attorney to be sufficiently knowledgeable due to the complexity involved.”
24. Kaitlin Farrell
Partner, Haug
Kaitlin Farrell is a Partner in the New York office of Haug Partners, where her practice specializes in patent and intellectual property litigation, including pharmaceutical patent litigation under the Hatch-Waxman Act. For over 25 years, Haug Partners has provided synthesized multidisciplinary legal services to life science and technology businesses.
Farrell has successfully litigated matters before various courts and has developed experience in key patent venues such as New Jersey, Delaware, the Western District of Texas, the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Patent Trials and Appeals Board.
Farrell’s litigation experience spans a wide array of technologies, including drugs (prodrugs, salts, antihemophilic biologics, peptides, radioligand therapy), medical devices (cardiovascular stents, dental implants), automotive technologies, and mechanical technologies.
Farrell graduated from Notre Dame Law School with a JD and from Fordham University with an undergraduate degree in biological sciences and anthropology.
Kaitlin Farrell's Insight
“I am honored to be recognized as a finalist for the Top Intellectual Property Attorneys for 2025. It is a privilege to support some of the world’s most innovative companies through strategic litigation and due diligence counseling, including for life-saving pharmaceutical inventions. A competitor and scientist at heart, I thoroughly enjoy the challenges and triumphs associated with complex intellectual property litigation. I have been fortunate to launch my career at an elite intellectual property and technology-focused firm with a uniquely deep bench of talent across multiple technological fields. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional team I am fortunate to work with—talented colleagues who share my passion for technology, litigation, and innovation.”
25. Josh Lawler
Partner, Zuber Lawler
Josh Lawler is a Partner at Zuber Lawler. Lawler leads the firm’s Emerging Technologies Group, with a particular emphasis on Blockchain (distributed ledger), cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, virtual/augmented reality, cybersecurity, and related technologies. In this capacity, Lawler counsels clients in respect to securities and regulatory matters, including issue of tokens and digitized assets, as well as development, licensing, commercial use, acquisition and disposition of all manner of intellectual property.
In addition to providing legal counsel, Lawler is known for his strong problem-solving skills and practical business advice, helping clients navigate complex challenges. Many of Lawler’s clients rely on him as outside general counsel. Prior to joining Zuber Lawler, Lawler practiced as a corporate securities and M&A attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.
Lawler earned a JD from Northwestern University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in bio-psychology history from Duke University.
Josh Lawler's Insight
“First and foremost, I’m an evangelist for technology. We see new applications almost daily that can solve many global challenges. The law has a tough time keeping up, however. We take a holistic approach to helping our clients navigate legal issues often created by regulatory ambiguity both in the United States and abroad. That involves really understanding the technology at a granular level in order to identify and address legal issues that may not be obvious. We then evaluate how and where a client can operate in order to stay compliant without unduly interfering with their business model. Where legal ambiguity prevents certainty, we look to mitigate potential risks. We perform these services with a keen eye on the fund-raising process, as well as eventual exit transactions. I’m fortunate that our firm, Zuber Lawler, allows a great deal of flexibility in working with clients to achieve results where other firms may decline representation over perceived regulatory risk.”
