Overview
Christopher R. O’Brien is a director in Sterne Kessler’s Electronics Practice Group. Chris’ practice focuses on developing a deep understanding of a broad range of technologies and business needs to solve clients’ complex legal issues.
Chris’ practice encompasses all aspects of intellectual property law, including patent litigation at the International Trade Commission (ITC) and District Court. He has also represented clients in over 60 post-grant proceedings at the USPTO’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board as well as provided counsel to clients on portfolio analysis and due diligence. His primary areas of technical experience include: semiconductor fabrication, microprocessors, light emitting diodes, medical devices, wireless communications, computer hardware and software, artificial intelligence, and consumer electronics.
Chris’ practice also focuses on issues relating to Standards and Standard Essential Patents (SEP), including strategic portfolio development, participation in worldwide standards development organizations (SDOs), litigation, and licensing obligations. As part of this work, Chris recently completed a lengthy secondment to one of the largest technology companies in the world during which he provided counsel to various business units on worldwide standards issues.
Chris has been selected as a Washington DC “Rising Star” from 2018-2019 by Super Lawyers for his intellectual property work.
In addition to his intellectual property practice, Chris has provided pro bono services through the National Veterans Legal Services Program and the DC Bar Association.
Chris earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and his B.S. in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University.
Related Services
Accolades
- Super Lawyers, “Rising Star – Washington DC” (2019 – 2018)
Education
- J.D., Brooklyn Law School
- B.S., Electrical Engineering, Texas A&M University
Admissions
- District of Columbia
- United States Patent & Trademark Office
- Virginia