Q&A: Returning to Big Law After 'Once in a Career' Patent Gig
Trenton Ward became an administrative judge on the Patent Trial and Appeal Board just as it was emerging as a venue for patent validity challenges. Five years later, he's returning to private practice as a partner at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner.
September 22, 2017 at 10:57 AM
21 minute read
Trenton Ward has joined Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner after five years at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. That stint began just as the America Invents Act (AIA) was transforming the board into a new venue for patent validity challenges.
Ward adjudicated more than 250 AIA proceedings during his tenure. They range from a groundbreaking decision applying Section 101 in a covered business method review to a lengthy series of disputes between Nike Inc. and Skechers USA Inc. over shoe design. He acted as a lead administrative patent judge, supervising other APJs and assisting board leadership.
We caught up with Ward this week to talk about his work helping blaze the trail at the PTAB, tips for practitioners appearing before the board, and the atmosphere there as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a case that could shut down AIA proceedings.
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