Patent

Steptoe & Johnson LLP’s patent practice group develops and enforces patent portfolios in the United States and helps guide the development and enforcement of patents abroad.  We have extensive experience in the following core practice areas:

• Electronics and Software
• Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Mechanical

Our attorneys have practical experience in these and other fields and provide sound advice grounded in a thorough knowledge of the law. We skillfully guide clients through all phases of patent and technology protection, including the following:

• Litigation
• Counseling
• Strategic portfolio building
• Drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the United States and managing portfolios worldwide
• Drafting and negotiating patent licenses, research agreements, and other technology transfer agreements
• Conducting due diligence investigations
• Executing clearance and freedom to operate studies
• Formulating defensive and offensive patent strategies including litigation
• Conducting patent audits and portfolio assessments
• Providing validity, clearance, and infringement opinions
• Licensing

Our registered patent attorneys have prosecuted thousands of patents in the various core technology areas and have engaged in numerous appellate and interference proceedings.

We also frequently counsel clients on patent portfolio development and we have supported due diligence investigations on behalf of investment groups and clients in pre-merger negotiations.

Select News & Events

• Cooke, Kovelman Named to Daily Journal Top IP List for Third Straight Year
• Mimi Addy Shortlisted for Euromoney’s Women in Business Law Awards
• Law360 Covers Steptoe’s Win for Sandoz in Patent Dispute Over Asthma Drug
• Law360 Features Charles Schill for Practice Leaders Q&A
• Software Industry Prospect Conference
• "An Update on the Law of Patent Infringement in the US," A Webinar sponsored by The American Bar Association
• 2010 BIO International Convention Cocktail Reception
• After Ariad v. Lilly: Implications and Best Practices

More News »

More Seminars & Events »

Publications

• The Evolving Patent Troll
  2013
• Intellectual Property Advisory: Effective Timeline for the America Invents Act
  November 4, 2011
• "All Change for US Patents?"
  IAM 250: The World's Leading Patent & Technology Licensing Lawyers 2011/2012Intellectual Asset Management
• Patent Law Creates a First-to-Disclose System
  September 27, 2011, Daily Journal

More Publications »