Erika Harmon Arner

Erika Harmon Arner serves as managing partner of Finnegan and is a nationally recognised leader in trial practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and related appeals to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. 

She ranks consistently among the top three female attorneys appearing in PTAB trials and has argued numerous landmark cases for both patent challengers and owners.

Specialising in patent office trials, client counselling, and litigation with emphasis on electronic technology and computer software, Arner has represented clients in over 200 PTAB trials, mostly as lead counsel. 

Following her representation of petitioners before the US Supreme Court in Bilski v Kappos, she has handled dozens of cases involving patentable subject matter issues.

A champion for diversity in IP law, Arner co-founded the Washington, DC chapter of the Women in IP Network and became the first female president of the PTAB Bar Association. 

She currently serves as a trustee of the Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law and developed the VISION Summit, a diversity conference addressing retention and advancement of diverse talent in the profession.