Erika Harmon Arner > Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP > Reston, United States > Lawyer Profile

Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP is well-versed in Section 337 patent infringement cases and exclusion orders. The practice demonstrates expertise across a diverse range of technologies, including semiconductors, tech devices, medical devices, and chemical products. The team is led by four seasoned IP litigators: Smith R. Brittingham IV, who is dedicated to ITC investigations in a wide range of tech; Elizabeth Niemeyer, who is sought after by international and domestic clients for her expertise on electrical patents; managing partner Erika Harmon Arner, who splits her time between Reston and Washington DC; and Anand K. Sharma. Mareesa A. Frederick  is a key name for high-stakes Section 337 proceedings for tech companies. Frank A. DeCosta III is a first-chair litigator who brings expertise related to computers, software and medical devices. In Reston, Lionel M. Lavenue focuses on patent infringement cases. The practice also includes Forrest A. Jones and J. Preston Long, who provide additional expertise in high-tech patents.

A team that is noted for its ‘high expertise’, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP leverages its wide-ranging experience in representing clients before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, federal circuit courts of appeal and other tribunals to advise global scale clients including Biogen and BSN Sports. Washington DC’s Naresh Kilaru, Anand Sharma, and Erika Harmon Arner jointly head up the offering. Kilaru’s skillset encompasses computer source code, product packaging and domain name disputes. B. Brett Heavner is routinely entrusted by a host of medical device manufacturers, trade associations and financial services clients, while Douglas Rettew excels in relation to traditional trademarks, false advertising and rights of publicity issues. Mark Sommers possesses a wealth of experience before the federal district and appellate courts as well as the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. In Pao Alto, Morgan E. Smith operates across a myriad of sectors, from sports equipment and apparel to automotive and telecoms. Washington DC’s Patrick Rodgers is also recommended.

Noted for its ‘vast technological and legal knowledge’, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP provides its esteemed global clients with a full service offering which spans a plethora of complex selection, clearance, portfolio management and licensing matters, routinely operating within the industries of entertainment, financial services, pharma and consumer products. Three highly experienced practitioners spearhead the firm’s non-contentious trademark offering: Naresh Kilaru, who possesses a wealth of experience in relation to brand protection and enforcement, managing partner Erika Harmon Arner and firm chair Anand Sharma. Notable practitioner Danny Awdeh utilises his commercial and legal skillset to operate for some household name clients on a domestic and international scale, with B. Brett Heavner a particularly strong choice for pharma companies, medical device manufacturers and food product companies. Douglas Rettew is a force to be reckoned with in the sports sector, and Mark Sommers excels across a multitude of non-contentious issues, from trademark clearance to rights of publicity. Boston’s Laura Johnson handles a litany of automotive, machinery, medical products and music trademark mandates, with Palo Alto’s Morgan E. Smith bolstering the practice with her strategic enforcement counseling work. All other listed attorneys are based in Washington DC.

Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP‘s team is well-equipped to advise on complex patent work for a diverse roster of clients. Its workload ranges from advising on the establishment and management of global patent portfolios to handling complex litigation. Nishla Keiser and Jeffrey Jacobstein are experienced in handling contentious patent matters and providing strategic counseling relating to life sciences and biotech, in particular. Cory Bell handles post-grant patent management concerning computer and electronic tech. Bell and Jacobstein are both based in Boston. Erika Harmon Arner is a PTAB and related appeals specialist who splits her time between Reston and Washington DC, and is experienced acting for both patent challengers and owners. The three co-head the practice alongside DC’s Anand Sharma. Also at the DC office, Gracie Mills – who was promoted to partner in January 2025 – has expertise in PTAB work, while Adriana Burgy has a specialism assisting with pharma, biotech and chemical industry-related issues.

Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP boasts technical expertise and a proven track record in complex patent litigation before the PTAB, as well as district and federal courts. The team are particularly well-positioned to represent clients in ANDA and trade secrets cases. Elizabeth D. Ferrill stands out for her expertise in design patents related to industrial products, medical devices and vehicles. Ferril co-heads the team with John Williamson, who focuses on technology patents; Anand K. Sharma, a specialist in handling particularly complex and high-value patent portfolios; and managing partner Erika Harmon Arner, who splits her time between Reston and Washington DC. James Barney is a key attorney for patent litigation and appeals, while Atlanta-based Virginia L. Carron is noted for her expertise in the food and beverage, chemicals and polymer industrial sectors. As head of the firm’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical department, William B. Raich specializes in representing innovative companies developing biologics and pharmaceuticals. All mentioned attorneys are based out of Washington DC, unless otherwise stated.