Melih Okan is an associate in the Intellectual Property Practice Group in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office.
Melih represents clients in patent litigation and other complex intellectual property disputes involving cutting-edge technologies. Drawing on a multidisciplinary background spanning physics and law, he works with clients across a broad range of industries, including quantum technologies, photonics and optical systems, semiconductor devices, wireless communications, medical devices, software systems, cryptography, and advanced computing platforms.
Prior to joining the firm, Melih spent more than six years at a leading international law firm, where he worked on patent and trade secret disputes for technology companies ranging from emerging innovators to multinational corporations. His experience spans all phases of litigation before federal district courts and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. His scientific training enables him to quickly master complex technologies and effectively communicate sophisticated technical concepts to clients, experts, and courts.
In addition to his patent litigation practice, Melih has advised clients on trademark protection, intellectual property strategy, and technology-focused business matters. He also maintained an active business immigration practice representing entrepreneurs, researchers, executives, and emerging companies, giving him a practical understanding of the legal and commercial challenges faced by innovative businesses and their founders.
Before entering the legal profession, Melih earned a Ph.D. in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he conducted experimental research in ultracold atomic physics and helped develop one of the first quantum gas microscopes for fermionic atoms. His research involved quantum technologies, lasers, optics, vacuum systems, electronics, and advanced experimental design, resulting in multiple scientific publications that have collectively received more than 1,400 citations.