Duane Morris is recognized as one of the United States’ most-active law firms in terms of patent filing and idea protection. National publications, including U.S. News and World Report, have ranked Duane Morris among the leading law firms handling intellectual property, patents and patent-related issues.

Our lawyers represent clients in patent acquisition directed to a wide variety of complex technologies, including biotechnology processes and products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, business systems and methods, computer systems and software, telecommunications equipment, optics and cameras, security and monitoring equipment, electronic instruments, blockchain, consumer products, consumables, packaging, chemical processes and products, and manufacturing processes and equipment, to name a few.

Clients rely on the specific knowledge of Duane Morris’ registered patent attorneys and agents to obtain patent landscape and patentability analyses, prepare, file, and prosecute U.S. and PCT patent applications in all subject matters and disciplines, file appeals at the PTAB and Federal Circuit, counsel and manage strategic patent portfolios, and render validity/invalidity and infringement/non-infringement opinions. We also coordinate with our international networks of law firms to secure and maintain patent protection throughout the world. Our Intellectual Property attorneys thoroughly grasp the science and technology behind each client’s ideas. All of the firm’s patent lawyers and agents have science or engineering backgrounds and most have real world experience in their respective disciplines, including:

  • Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA)
  • Acoustics and vibrational analysis
  • Advanced materials
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Aviation
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioprocessing
  • Biotechnology
  • Building materials
  • Combinatorial chemistry
  • Computer software and hardware
  • Cosmetics
  • Diagnostics
  • Dental composites
  • Drug delivery
  • DNA editing
  • Electronics
  • Engine design
  • Formulations
  • Hydrocarbon exploration and development
  • Machine learning
  • Medical and mechanical devices, procedures and systems
  • Nanotechnology
  • Nuclear engineering
  • OLEDs
  • Organic chemistry/synthetic pathways
  • Plants
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Polymers
  • Semiconductor manufacturing materials and methods
  • Small molecule chemistry
  • Weapons systems
  • Wireless communication systems

Duane Morris IP attorneys endeavor to understand our clients’ goals and focus on securing strong and enforceable patent protection. Given the combination of extensive trial experience as lead counsel in litigation before federal courts, as well as unique trial experience within the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Duane Morris IP attorneys can also help clients take advantage of, and respond to, inter partes review (IPR). Introduced by the America Invents Act (AIA) in 2012, IPR allows a petitioner to challenge the propriety of a patent claim after it has been granted by the USPTO. This popular strategy—a majority of filings at the USPTO are currently in parallel litigation—has been tapped as a less costly and more expeditious method of resolving a patent dispute as compared to initiating a litigation proceeding in federal district court. Filing for IPR may also provide leverage in settlement negotiations.

Duane Morris IP attorneys advise clients on the merits and desirability of instituting parallel proceedings before the USPTO as well as with regard to defending their patents during these proceedings. Duane Morris has represented clients in a wide range of technology and life sciences areas, including Hatch-Waxman matters, as IPR remains a viable option for generic drug companies to challenge asserted patent claims.

Another area in which Duane Morris lawyers have unique capabilities is government contracting issues and federal IP requirements. The firm’s lawyers counsel defense contractors, software and high-tech companies and others regarding government contract issues and procurement claims. Duane Morris partners include former U.S. military officers who maintain top secret security clearances that enable them to advise clients with issues related to classified technologies.

We help our clients in multiple industries understand how to maximize the value of patents and we appreciate the importance of carefully managing and implementing patent portfolios for the benefit of their businesses. Our IP Practice Group also has substantial experience in the domestic and international licensing and transfer of all forms of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets.

For More Information

For more information, please contact Intellectual Property Practice Chair L. Norwood "Woody" Jameson; Patent Preparation and Prosecution division head Samuel W. Apicelli; Patent Litigation division heads Anthony J. Fitzpatrick or Matthew C. Gaudet; or any of the lawyers referenced in the Attorney Listing.