Sasha S. Rao

Sasha S. Rao is counsel in Sterne Kessler’s Trial & Appellate Practice Group. Sasha represents clients in complex patent disputes before federal district courts, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Sasha’s experience spans from initial fact investigation through trial, with a focus on pharmaceuticals and biologics, as well as consumer electronics, software-enabled medical devices, and chemical arts. He also counsels clients in intellectual property strategy, including licensing, infringement, validity, and freedom to operate opinions.

As a frequent thought leader on legal issues, Sasha focuses on topics in artificial intelligence and regularly writes in legal publications. In 2026, he was elected to the IP Steering Committee of the DC Bar and is co-chair of the AI Subcommittee of the DC Bar’s IP Community. He is also a Certified Licensing Professional, a certification granted to those who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience in licensing of intellectual property.

Prior to joining the firm, Sasha was a patent litigation associate at a large IP firm and a judicial law clerk for the justices of the Massachusetts Superior Court.

Sasha performs pro bono work on indigenous IP rights and has volunteered with Engineers Without Boarders, Kids in Need of Defense, and Disability Rights Maryland.

Sasha received his J.D. from Boston University and B.S.E. in chemical engineering from Princeton University.