Practice

Patent Strategy and Prosecution

Maximizing Value Through Advanced Patent Strategies

We provide high-level prosecution and strategic guidance that turns complex technologies into valuable patent assets across global markets.  

Sheppard helps startups, growth stage and global companies protect innovation and achieve long-term growth through sophisticated patent strategies.

Turning Innovation into Impact on a Global Scale

Sheppard’s Patent Strategy and Prosecution lawyers guide innovators in protecting and maximizing the value of their technologies at every stage of development. 

With more than 110 lawyers and patent agents with technical and scientific degrees in fields such as engineering, chemistry, biology, biotechnology, physics, computer science, materials science and related fields, we combine subject-matter fluency with clear commercial understanding. Our focus is not simply securing patents but creating strategic, durable assets that advance the client's broader business model. 

We guide clients from idea generation through drafting, filing and worldwide protection, developing patent strategies to meet the needs of sophisticated global enterprises, high-growth, well-funded startups and mid-market companies. Clients value our ability to translate complex science and engineering into effective claim strategies. They also appreciate how we streamline prosecution with the consistency required for future enforcement and to withstand potential challenges. 

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Areas of Focus

Life Sciences
Sheppard advises pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies on developing, protecting and extending patents behind their most important products. With lawyers holding advanced scientific degrees, we craft filings and global prosecution strategies that anticipate regulatory milestones, enforcement pressures and long-term exclusivity needs. We manage portfolios across drug, biologic, diagnostic and device technologies, prepare opinions and Orange Book-related submissions, and partner seamlessly with Sheppard’s FDA, corporate and licensing teams to support clients from early innovation through market launch and beyond.
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Technology
We help technology companies protect complex engineering, software and systems innovations with patent strategies tailored to fast-moving markets. Our team is led by practitioners with backgrounds in electrical engineering, computer science and applied technologies. Together we handle drafting, worldwide prosecution and portfolio development for clients in software, AI, electronics, aerospace, autonomous vehicles, telecommunications and energy. We also provide freedom-to-operate, infringement and validity opinions, ensuring that patents support product strategy, risk management and long-term commercial goals.
Design Patents
Our integrated design patent strategies help clients protect the visual identity and user-facing design of their products with. With a patent team experienced in consumer electronics, automotive and autonomous systems, aerospace technologies, software-driven interfaces and other engineered products, we draft and prosecute design applications that capture features competitors are likely to emulate. We tailor claim scope to support product launches, strengthen branding and provide protection for aesthetics, ergonomics and user experience.
Post-Grant Proceedings
Sheppard guides clients through high-stakes post-grant challenges, including inter partes review (IPR) and related PTAB proceedings, using seasoned advocates with deep technical and trial experience. Our team develops business-driven strategies that combine petitions, defended claims and parallel litigation to maximize strategic advantage, helping clients protect critical patents or efficiently resolve disputes.

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