Finnegan
Firm overview:
Founded in Washington, DC, in 1965, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner has built its reputation as one of the world’s largest law firms exclusively focused on IP. With offices across the US, Europe, and Asia, the firm provides a truly global platform for patent prosecution, portfolio management, and litigation.
Each year, Finnegan handles around 3,500 patent applications at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), European Patent Office (EPO), UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and under the Patent Cooperation Treaty. The firm’s attorneys work across a wide range of technologies, from semiconductors, medical devices, and biotechnology to chemicals, robotics, consumer electronics, software, and business methods.
The firm’s services cover post-grant proceedings, Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) trials, district court litigation, International Trade Commission (ITC) matters, and appeals to the Federal Circuit and Supreme Court. Its team regularly represents clients in patent validity challenges, administrative reviews, and complex litigation, handling technologically sophisticated cases across industries.
Finnegan has continued to strengthen its capabilities and expand into emerging areas. The firm launched AI + Finnegan, a dedicated practice focused on IP, licensing, and data issues related to artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. Leadership also transitioned, with James Barney becoming managing partner and Erika Harmon Arner assuming the role of chair to guide PTAB strategy and global growth.
Team overview:
Erika Harmon Arner, now serving as chair of the firm, remains one of the nation’s most respected patent advocates, particularly in PTAB and Federal Circuit proceedings. A top trial lawyer at the administrative level, she has secured significant wins for both challengers and patent owners and continues to influence the firm’s litigation and post‑grant strategy.
Driving the firm’s PTAB trials and prosecution strategy, Cory Bell brings a unique perspective as a former USPTO examiner. His deep understanding of examination practice and procedural nuance informs counsel on patent procurement, opinions, due diligence, and contested proceedings. Bell remains a central figure for clients seeking cohesive prosecution and defence strategies that anticipate risk across forums.
Elizabeth (Beth) Ferrill continues to lead Finnegan’s design patent practice. Recognised for her strength from prosecution through litigation and appeal, Ferrill advises clients on maximising worldwide design protection while also handling complex utility patent disputes when they arise.
Key matters:
- $240 million win for Promptu
A near-decade-long dispute over TV voice-recognition technology concluded with a $240 million payout for the winning party, Promptu.
In January 2026, a Pennsylvania jury found that Comcast had wilfully infringed two of its US patents.
Finnegan’s Jacob Schroeder led the trial team, which also included partners Jerry Ivey, John Williamson, Chris Blackford, Ben Schlesinger, Cara Regan, Jeff Totten, and Dan Klodowski.
- Patent trial litigation matters for BMW
A dispute between BMW and non-practising entity (NPE) Onesta has attracted attention for its unusual cross-border dimension.
Onesta, based in the US and owner of patents covering processor technology, sued BMW in Munich alleging infringement of US patents.
In asserting US patents in Europe, Onesta could be the first-known example of a party applying the ‘long-arm jurisdiction’ rules laid down in BSH v Electrolux.
BMW filed a declaratory judgment in Texas requesting emergency relief aimed at preventing adjudication of the US patents in a foreign court.
Judge Alan Albright granted this request; however, after Onesta’s appeal, the Federal Circuit temporarily stayed the injunction.
Finnegan represents BMW in its patent trial litigation matters in the US, with the team led by Lionel Lavenue.
- Google v Sandpiper
Finnegan served as counsel for petitioner Google, handling PTAB petition filings and mandatory notices. The firm managed case strategy, coordination of filings, and legal argumentation at the PTAB level in 2025.
- Sonos v Google (Federal Circuit, 2025)
Finnegan represented Google in ongoing multi‑forum patent litigation concerning smart speaker technology. The firm successfully handled appellate briefing and strategy, resulting in the Federal Circuit reversing a lower court finding of unenforceability under prosecution laches and remanding for further proceedings, directly impacting enforcement and prosecution strategy.
Clients:
Google, Promptu
