Hari Santhanam

Hari Santhanam has argued successfully before the Supreme Court of the United States and federal courts of appeals, and led trial teams to victory in jury and bench trials before federal district courts and the U.S. International Trade Commission. Complementing his courtroom skills, Hari manages all aspects and stages of litigation, from pre-filing investigations through fact and expert discovery, summary judgment, trial, post-trial, and appeal.

As a registered patent lawyer with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Hari has also handled patent reexaminations, inter partes reviews, and other post-grant proceedings, often as part of a comprehensive litigation strategy. He additionally advises clients on freedom to operate, portfolio development and management, and corporate transactions.

Hari has represented clients in matters involving a range of life sciences technologies, including medical and dental devices and related software, pharmaceuticals (including Hatch-Waxman actions), biologics, vaccines, crop-protection products, and protected plant varieties and breeds. He also has experience in the areas of vehicle camera and driver-assist systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning, image processing, power tools, power electronics, semiconductor circuit design and manufacture, insurance software, internet applications, and wireless communication standards.

Maintaining an active pro bono practice, Hari has led several significant criminal and immigration appeals. In 2024, Hari argued Smith v. Arizona (No. 22-899) before the U.S. Supreme Court and secured a 9-0 ruling that upholds a criminal defendant's Sixth Amendment right to confront forensic analysts whose statements are introduced at trial. Among his other pro bono successes Hari also obtained asylum relief for a Chadian national who fled to the United States after his family members were arrested and disappeared by government forces.