Overview
(June 11, 2026, Chicago) — Steptoe LLP has named John Abramic leader of the firm's Intellectual Property (IP) practice group. A nationally recognized IP litigator, John brings extensive experience across high‑stakes patent and trade secret disputes, post‑grant proceedings, and appeals.
John has served as lead counsel in complex IP matters nationwide, including in federal district courts, the International Trade Commission, arbitrations, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and the Federal Circuit.
His practice spans key technical sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, chemicals, semiconductors, telecommunications, electronics, and software. Chambers, IAM Patent 1000, and The National Law Journal have recognized him for his trial skill, strategic leadership, and innovative courtroom approach.
"I'm honored to step into this role," John said. "Steptoe's IP team is known for its technical depth and trial capability, and I look forward to building on that strength to help clients navigate increasingly complex IP challenges."
A former managing partner of Steptoe's Chicago office, John has received the Northern District of Illinois Award for Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Service and the Illinois Institute of Technology's John J. Schommer Honor I Award.
Steptoe's Intellectual Property group is consistently recognized by Chambers, Legal 500, World IP Review, IAM Patent 1000, China Business Law Journal, and LMG Life Sciences for its excellence in patent litigation, post-grant proceedings, and cross-border IP strategy. The group is known for combining deep technical fluency with courtroom excellence, representing clients in some of the most complex and consequential patent disputes globally. The team includes lawyers and technology specialists with advanced degrees, including engineering, biology, and computer science.
About Steptoe
In more than 110 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients and innovative thinking before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
