Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila

Partner, Chair of IP Practice

A tech-savvy litigator and business-minded advisor, Keyonn Pope helps clients navigate complex and high-stakes issues involving intellectual property (IP), media and entertainment, and a range of commercial disputes.

Keyonn represents clients of various sizes and industries, in bet-the-company patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret litigation. He also crafts strategies to safeguard clients’ core technologies, domain names, business processes, and more. His technical background as an electrical engineer and experience performing under pressure—as a student-athlete and musician—give him a rare ability to explain complicated subjects clearly and persuasively. This skillset enables him to deliver favorable results for clients in the toughest matters. Known for exceptional communication, proactive problem-solving, and leadership, Keyonn blends an engineer’s precision with a competitor’s drive to win. While his practice centers on intellectual property litigation, clients trust him for counsel across a wide range of business challenges.

Recognized by Bloomberg Law in its inaugural 40 Under 40 Cohort of attorneys nationwide, Keyonn is widely respected as a trusted advisor, adept at building and managing teams to take on the full spectrum of commercial litigation, including contract disputes, supply chain issues, labor and employment matters, class actions, internal investigations, and bankruptcy and restructuring transactions.

Additionally, Keyonn advises clients on transactional matters, including, IP licensing, as well as mergers and acquisitions. In this regard, Keyonn brings a litigator’s eye to each transaction, which enables him to close deals and simultaneously mitigate exposure.

A regular speaker on IP, artificial intelligence, media and entertainment, and racial equity, Keyonn also devotes significant time to civic and pro bono matters.

Keyonn is the Lead of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Team.

American Intellectual Property Law Association Economic Club of Chicago Chair, Membership Committee — Subcommittee for Attorneys (2025-2026) Vice Chair, Membership Committee — Subcommittee for Attorneys (2024-         2025) Member, Membership Committee — Subcommittee for Attorneys (2023) International Trademark Association Law360 Intellectual Property Editorial Advisory Board National Bar Association IP and Commercial Law Sections

University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., 2009 Member, National Trial Team Editor, Saul Lefkowitz IP Moot Court Amos Potter Scruggs Leadership Award Recipient

Southern University and A&M College, B.S.E.E., Mathematics Minor, 2004, cum laude Completed Honors College Independent Study Thesis