Steven P. Petersen

Special Counsel

Steven P. Petersen

Overview

Mr. Petersen is an attorney practicing exclusively in the field of intellectual property law.  He helps technology-focused companies find sensible solutions to challenging patent problems.  He represents major corporations involved in patent litigation, having served as principal counsel at both the trial and appellate levels.  Mr. Petersen’s clients also seek his assistance to negotiate patent licenses and resolve patent disputes on favorable terms.  With the ability to readily grasp some of the most complex technologies, coupled with his more than 30 years of experience in the field, Mr. Petersen is uniquely able to provide clear and sound advice to decision makers faced with patent obstacles in their businesses.

Experience

Mr. Petersen’s cases have involved a variety of technologies such as factory automation, electronic medical records, encryption, displays, image processing, barcoding, semiconductor fabrication, orthodontic appliances and business process software.  He is actively involved in counseling clients in the areas of electric infrastructure, telecommunications, insurance and financial services. Below are some examples of recent engagements:

  • Petersen advised a client regarding various risks in connection with a major acquisition of a company involved in patent litigation.
  • He represented a supplier of factory automation systems in a patent infringement lawsuit filed in Texas.
  • He argued an appeal before the Federal Circuit for a client that prevailed in a case involving the alleged infringement of almost 500 patent claims.
  • Petersen represented a major provider of health information solutions in numerous patent lawsuits brought by various non-practicing entities.
  • He provided advice and counsel to a world-class client entering a new line of business in order to navigate through the patents of world-class competitors.

Before law school, Mr. Petersen was employed in industry as an engineer in the field of automotive electronics.  Mr. Petersen presently serves as treasurer and a member of the board of the firm. He is actively involved in the legal community and various bar associations.

Education

  • University of Michigan, J.D., 1987
  • Northwestern University, B.S. in Electrical Engineering, with highest distinction, 1984

Admissions

  • Illinois, 1987
  • Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Courts

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • Illinois Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Member, Trial Bar)
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado

Honors

  • AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated (Highest Rating) – Martindale-Hubbell
  • Named in the Illinois Super Lawyers list, Intellectual Property, 2009-2015, 2024
  • Selected by peers as a Leading Lawyer in Intellectual Property Law – Leading Lawyers Network
  • Listed among the Top Lawyers in Illinois in Intellectual Property Law – Chicago Lawyer

Professional Affiliations

  • American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
  • Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago (IPLAC)
  • Federal Circuit Bar Association
  • Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO)

Education

  • University of Michigan, J.D., 1987
  • Northwestern University, B.S. in Electrical Engineering, with highest distinction, 1984

Admissions

  • Illinois, 1987
  • Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Courts

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • Illinois Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Member, Trial Bar)
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado