Perkins Coie Adds IP Partner Chris Marando in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 10, 2024)—Perkins Coie is pleased to announce that experienced patent litigator Chris Marando has joined the firm's Intellectual Property (IP) and Patent Litigation practices as a partner in the Washington, D.C., office. Chris' arrival follows IP partner Zach Hong, who started in New York in April.

Chris advises high-tech clients in major patent infringement and validity disputes across several key forums, including the U.S. District Courts, the U.S. International Trade Commission, the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. His practice involves all aspects of patent litigation, from discovery and claim construction to trial. He also has extensive knowledge of and experience with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's inter partes review (IPR) process.

"Chris' arrival strengthens our top-tier patent litigation and post-grant capabilities," said Christopher Hanewicz, firmwide co-chair of Perkins Coie's Intellectual Property practice. "IPR proceedings are a critical component of patent litigation. We are focused on continuing to grow our market-leading team of IPR lawyers who position us to offer unparalleled service to our clients. Chris is another fantastic addition to that team."

"We're thrilled to welcome Chris to the firm," said Jessica Kaiser, firmwide co-chair of Perkins Coie's Post-Grant practice. "His deep experience in the technology sector in both district courts and IPRs will be highly beneficial to our robust post-grant practice. Chris and I previously worked together, and his strategic thinking in assessing an overall dispute and IPRs place in it provides a valuable perspective both internally and to clients. Chris is a high-performing lawyer who will continue to bolster our already-deep IPR bench at Perkins Coie."

Chris relies on his background in mechanical and aerospace engineering to counsel clients on complex patent matters involving semiconductors, medical devices, wearable fitness devices, mobile phone software and hardware, speech recognition software, and telecommunications equipment.

"Perkins Coie has established a really strong reputation in IP and is clearly committed to expanding a top IPR practice. I look forward to bringing my experience to bear for firm clients, particularly those in the technology sector," said Chris Marando. "The firm has a standout and in-demand IPR practice, and I look forward to contributing to its further success and our capabilities for clients."

Chris received his J.D. with honors from The George Washington University Law School and his B.S., cum laude, from Cornell University.

The internationally recognized Intellectual Property practice at Perkins Coie comprises more than 275 lawyers and agents in the United States and Asia, with more than 80% holding STEM degrees, including 60 with STEM master's degrees and 30 with PhDs. The firm's PTAB practice is among the largest in the nation, having handled over 650 IPRs, including for seven of the top 10 most active petitioners.