John Cordani

John L. Cordani

Partner

John L. Cordani

Partner

  • Overview

    Biography

    John Cordani is a Co-chair of the firm's Intellectual Property + Technology Group and member of the Business Litigation Group, who focuses his practice on Intellectual Property litigation. He has litigated patent, trade secret, trademark, and antitrust cases through trial and appeal in federal courts across the United States, obtaining successful results in cases involving a diverse array of technology from specialty chemical products to automated pitching machines. 

    John maintains a world-wide patent litigation, prosecution, licensing and counseling practice. He is a registered patent attorney with extensive experience before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in document-intensive and scientific disputes. 

    John handles all phases of the patent litigation process, including claim construction, summary judgment, trials, and appeals in infringement matters. He has also tried complex commercial litigations, products liability cases, and land use matters through verdict and appeal.

    John is a contributor to the firm's Manufacturing Law Blog.

    Prior to attending Cornell Law School, where he was the salutatorian of his class, John worked as a chemist, and is a named inventor on multiple patents covering aspects of his research. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Quinnipiac University School of Law, where he teaches a course on Patent Litigation and Strategy, and serves as the co-chair of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section. He has also served as a Special Public Defender in a pro bono capacity providing representation for indigent defendants in criminal matters.

  • Experience
    • Experience

      Experience

        Intellectual Property Litigation

      • Obtained favorable judgment after a patent infringement trial involving automated pitching machines, which was affirmed on appeal.

      • Obtained reversal of district court’s entry of summary judgment in a  case of first impression before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals involving the requirements for a nominative fair use defense under the trademark laws.  

      • Successfully argued dozens of patent appeals, re-examinations, and inter partes reviews before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board at the United States Patent Office. 

        • Business Litigation

      • Obtained favorable verdict after a jury trial involving allegations of unfair competition and unfair trade practices in the specialty chemical industry.

      • Obtained favorable verdict after a jury trial representing a large research university in a breach of contract action.

      • Represented chemical manufacturing company in a case involving allegations of bad faith competitive bidding for a tender offer on the company’s publicly traded shares, including obtaining reversal of a pre-trial ruling at the Connecticut Appellate Court. 

        • Appellate

      • Obtained favorable judgments on appeal at the United States Courts of Appeal for the Second and Federal Circuits in several patent and trademark infringement cases. 

      • Obtained favorable judgments on appeal at the United States Courts of Appeal for the Second and Federal Circuits in several patent and trademark infringement cases. 

      • Obtained reversal at the Connecticut Supreme Court for a $4.5 million jury award for loss-of-consortium entered in a medical malpractice action.

      • Obtained reversal at the Connecticut Supreme Court for a $4.5 million jury award for loss-of-consortium entered in a medical malpractice action.

      • Obtained reversal at the Connecticut Supreme Court in a case involving personal jurisdiction over an out-of-state insurer. 

      • Obtained reversal of a felony murder conviction at the Connecticut Supreme Court based on a claim that certain forensic DNA evidence violated the defendant’s constitutional right to confrontation

      • Obtained reversal of a murder conviction at the Connecticut Supreme Court based on a claim that the defendant was deprived of his constitutional right to counsel at trial.

      • Obtained reversal of a “fighting words” conviction at the Connecticut Supreme Court based on a claim that the conviction violated the defendant’s First Amendment right to freedom of speech.

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    • Professional Associations

      Professional Associations

      Quinnipiac University School of Law
      Adjunct Faculty

      Connecticut Bar Association
      Intellectual Property Section, Co-Chair (2019)

      Connecticut Bar Foundation
      James W. Cooper Fellow

      New Haven County Bar Association

      Judge Janet Bond Arterton American Inn of Court
      Barrister (2023)
    • Honors + Awards

      Honors + Awards

      Selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list for 2023

      Selected as a Rising Star in the Connecticut Super Lawyers list from 2016 to 2021.

      Named a Connecticut Law Tribune 2015 "New Leader in the Law"

      Named a BusinessNewHaven 2014 "Rising Star"

      Presented with the Distinguished Leader Award by the Connecticut Law Tribune, 2020

      Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Litigation-Intellectual Property for 2024 and 2022 and in the areas of Trade Secrets Law and Trademark Law for 2024 and 2023.

      Presented with the Chapter 11 Restructuring of the Year in the “mega” category (value: above $5 billion) as part of the Global M&A Network’s 15th Annual Turnaround Atlas Awards in recognition of serving as co-counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (UCC) in the Mallinckrodt plc, et al. chapter 11 cases.

    • Community Involvement

      Community Involvement

      Hartford Seminary
      Board of Trustees
  • NEWS + PRESS
    • Publications

      Publications

      "Precooked Bacon, Artificial Intelligence Patents, and a Defense of the Common Law," published in IPWatchdog (5/17/2023)
      • » more info

        • Precooked Bacon, Artificial Intelligence Patents, and a Defense of the Common Law

        "Precooked Bacon, Artificial Intelligence Patents, and a Defense of the Common Law," authored by John L. Cordani, published in IPWatchdog (5/17/2023)

        It’s not every day that bacon can serve as the starting point for a discussion on intellectual property. John uses the recent case of HIP, Inc. v. Hormel Foods Corp., No. 2022-1696 (Fed. Cir. May 2, 2023) to introduce the question, “who is an inventor?” and discuss the impact that artificial intelligence (AI) is having on the issue of “inventorship.” John suggests we rely on the Patent Act which “delegates the issue to the courts for development through common law…” and that we should “allow the courts to consider individual cases about who owns patents and copyrights to which AI contributed. The specific works and the incarnate facts will matter and will enable the just result to be more easily gleaned.”

      • View article

      "Christmas Light Patent Wars: Customer Infringement Notices and Free Speech," published in IPWatchdog (3/10/2023)
      • » more info

        • Christmas Light Patent Wars: Customer Infringement Notices and Free Speech

        "Christmas Light Patent Wars: Customer Infringement Notices and Free Speech," authored by John L. Cordani, published in IPWatchdog (3/10/2023)

        In the article, John explores the recent decision in the case of Lite-Netics, LLC v. Nu Tsai Capital, LLC, which upholds strong free speech rights for patent holders and addresses the issue “how much can (or should) be said in the marketplace about a patent dispute?” The Federal Circuit clarified that First Amendment protections apply to patent holders, and that “federal patent law preempts state-law tort liability for a patentholder’s good faith conduct in communications asserting infringement of its patent and warning about potential litigation.” That said, the decision serves as “a reminder that what can be done under the First Amendment may not necessarily coincide with what should be done.”

      • View article

      "Cooperative v. Kollective CAFC Decision Demonstrates Virtues of Consistent and Candid Patent Prosecution Litigation," co-authored with John H. Mutchler, published in IPWatchdog (10/19/2022)
      • » more info

        • Cooperative v. Kollective CAFC Decision Demonstrates Virtues of Consistent and Candid Patent Prosecution Litigation

        "Cooperative v. Kollective CAFC Decision Demonstrates Virtues of Consistent and Candid Patent Prosecution Litigation," co-authored by John H. Mutchler and John L. Cordani, published in IPWatchdog (10/19/2022)

        In the article, the author’s highlight how Cooperative’s “simple, coherent and consistent narrative about the merits of the invention” which they stuck with through prosecution, litigation and appeal, led to their eventual success, despite the invention being “potentially assailable on eligibility grounds.” The lesson to be learned from this case, according to the authors, is that “[T]hose ancient virtues of truth, candor and courage may be slow, but there is no denying their ultimate persuasive power in the long run.”

      • View article

      "Mailer’s Remorse: Notice Letters and Personal Jurisdiction for Declaratory Judgment Lawsuits," co-authored with Trevor L. Bradley, published in IPWatchdog (5/12/2022)
      • » more info

        • Mailer’s Remorse: Notice Letters and Personal Jurisdiction for Declaratory Judgment Lawsuits

        "Mailer’s Remorse: Notice Letters and Personal Jurisdiction for Declaratory Judgment Lawsuits," co-authored by John L. Cordani and Trevor L. Bradley, published in IPWatchdog (5/12/2022)

        The article focuses on the issuance of notice letters and personal jurisdiction. While there are many reasons why patent holders might want to put potential infringers on notice of their rights by sending cease-and-desist letters, providing such notice could subject it to personal jurisdiction for a declaratory judgment suit in a remote and inconvenient forum. A single notice letter might not be enough to sufficiently establish minimum contacts with the forum where the letter is sent. But a letter in conjunction with emails, phone calls and/or in-person meetings that often follow a notice letter may suffice depending on the circumstances. This is especially true where the communications are substantive and discuss the validity and enforceability of a patent or threaten litigation. “Patentees must think strategically before firing off cease-and-desist letters and during follow-up correspondence or meetings, lest they ultimately find themselves defending against a declaratory judgment suit in a faraway forum.”

      • View article

      "Transformation or Derivation: Modern Trends in the Fair Use Doctrine from Software to Photography," co-authored with Kayla O'Leary Daly, published in IPWatchdog. (11/17/2021)
      • » more info

        • Transformation or Derivation: Modern Trends in the Fair Use Doctrine from Software to Photography

        "Transformation or Derivation: Modern Trends in the Fair Use Doctrine from Software to Photography," co-authored by John L. Cordani and Kayla O'Leary Daly, published in IPWatchdog. (11/17/2021)

        The article discusses how the “Fair Use” doctrine has evolved as technology and the way in which people use copyrighted works has advanced. Through an analysis of recent decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which have resulted in some conflicting guidance, the authors concluded that “[G]iven the emerging trends in the law, it is important for defense counsel to identify and pursue potential fair-use defenses early in a copyright litigation, even outside the traditional areas of commentary, criticism, teaching, news reporting, scholarship, and research.” Read the full article.


      "Balancing Innovation and Competition: Thomas Jefferson’s View of Obviousness for Mechanical Inventions," published in IP Watchdog (3/5/2021)

      "Fed. Circ. Leaves Room For Nonexpert Obviousness Opinions," published in Law360, co-authored with Brian E. Moran (3/5/2020)
      • » more info

        • Fed. Circ. Leaves Room For Nonexpert Obviousness Opinions

        "Fed. Circ. Leaves Room For Nonexpert Obviousness Opinions," published in Law360, co-authored by John L. Cordani and Brian E. Moran (3/5/2020)

        The article examines the extent to which, in patent trial practice, a party’s lay witnesses may approach issues of obviousness in their testimony using the recent case HVLPO2, LLC v. Oxygen Frog, LLC 2020 WL 559108 (Fed. Cir., February 5, 2020) as an example.

      • View article

      "The U.S.-Mexico Patent Prosecution Super-Highway," published in IPWatchdog (2/5/2020)
      • » more info

        • The U.S.-Mexico Patent Prosecution Super-Highway

        "The U.S.-Mexico Patent Prosecution Super-Highway," authored by John L. Cordani, published in IPWatchdog (2/5/2020)

        The article covers the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH), a type of patent examination fast-tracking and work-sharing agreement, shared between the patent offices in the United States and Mexico. The PPH between the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) was set to expire in June of 2020, but on January 28, “the Offices announced a new agreement that promises to improve upon the PPH system by creating an even ‘more streamlined approach’ to obtaining a Mexican patent once a corresponding U.S. patent is granted than that presently offered under the PPH.”

      • View article

      "A Batman Car-Seat Patent, Bane of the State Court Docket," published in Connecticut Law Tribune (10/23/2019)

      "Is the Federal Circuit Really “Terrified” of Reversals?" published in Connecticut Law Tribune, co-authored with Fatima Lahnin (4/20/2015)
      • » more info

        • Is the Federal Circuit Really “Terrified” of Reversals?

        "Is the Federal Circuit Really “Terrified” of Reversals?" published in Connecticut Law Tribune, co-authored by John L. Cordani and Fatima Lahnin (4/20/2015)

        There is a deep and undeniable divide between the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit which has persisted for nearly a decade. The frequency with which the Supreme Court overturns Federal Circuit patent law precedent that seeks to treat patent law as “special” or to erect rigid tests in spite of a patent statute’s flexible language has increased exponentially in recent years.


      "The "Atomic Bomb" of Patent Law," published in Connecticut Law Tribune, co-authored with John R. Horvack, Jr. and Damian K. Gunningsmith (4/21/2014)
      • » more info

        • The "Atomic Bomb" of Patent Law

        "The "Atomic Bomb" of Patent Law," published in Connecticut Law Tribune, co-authored by John L. Cordani and John R. Horvack, Jr. and Damian K. Gunningsmith (4/21/2014)

        Part of the complexity inherent in a patent infringement suit is that infringement (or non-infringement) and most defenses challenging the validity of a patent proceed on a claim-by-claim basis. This forces both the patentee and the alleged infringer to carefully consider how their proposed construction of terms can affect each individual claim of the patent for purposes of both infringement and invalidity.

        But one affirmative defense sidesteps this complexity and promises a clean victory for an alleged infringer: inequitable conduct. In its simplest form, inequitable conduct is a straightforward application of equitable principles: A person found to have committed some form of wrongful conduct related to the issuance of the patent is barred from enforcing the patent. 


      "Could the Greek Gods Have Patented Fire? (Prometheus v. Mayo)," published in Connecticut Law Tribune, co-authored with John R. Horvack, Jr. (4/16/2012)
      • » more info

        • Could the Greek Gods Have Patented Fire? (Prometheus v. Mayo)

        "Could the Greek Gods Have Patented Fire? (Prometheus v. Mayo)," published in Connecticut Law Tribune, co-authored by John L. Cordani and John R. Horvack, Jr. (4/16/2012)

        Patent lawyers are clever draftsman and even the novice patent prosecutor quickly learns how to write a claim to make a simple invention seem like the work of an engineering genius and well-deserving of patent protection.

        The Supreme Court’s most recent patent law decision, Mayo Collaborative Services v. Prometheus Labs Inc., limits the scope of the intellectual subject matter that is eligible for patent protection under 35 U.S.C. § 101. As a result, Prometheus has not been warmly received by the patent bar. For example, the case has been the subject of a five-part-tirade guest post on the prominent patent law blog Patently O.

        Many in the field have argued that the Supreme Court’s opinion gives as much guidance as the court’s “I know it when I see it” obscenity jurisprudence. While we would admit that Prometheus is not as coldly analytical as most patent lawyers are used to, we think it provides fresh insights into the jurisprudence of patent law and ample guidance for lower courts and practitioners.


      "A Trap for the Unwary: Cross-Licensing of Intellectual Property Can Run Afoul of Sherman Act," published in Connecticut Law Tribune (10/10/2011)

      "Reviving the Federal Circuit’s Dead Letter Teaching, Suggestion, or Motivation Test for the Doctrine Of Equivalents," published in the American Intellectual Property Law Association Quarterly Journal. (Spring 2011)

      "Patent at Your Own Risk: Linguistic Fences and Abbott Laboratories v. Sandoz, Inc.," published in the Cornell Law Review. (September 2010)

    • Presentations

      Presentations

      "Protecting Your Intellectual Property in a Collaborative Supply Chain," co-presented with Kyle G. Hepner and David W. Leibovitch, presented as part of the Naval & Maritime Consortium’s (NMC) “NMC Thames River Working Group Meeting Live” (5/19/2023)
      • » more info

        • Protecting Your Intellectual Property in a Collaborative Supply Chain

        "Protecting Your Intellectual Property in a Collaborative Supply Chain," co-presented by Kyle G. Hepner, David W. Leibovitch and John L. Cordani, presented as part of the Naval & Maritime Consortium’s (NMC) “NMC Thames River Working Group Meeting Live” (5/19/2023)

        The presentation focused on strategies and best practices for practically maintaining proprietary and competitive advantages in the supply ecosystem, including teaming agreements, joint development agreements, NDAs, trade-secrets, patents, and branding and licensing.


      "A Brief Patent Primer for Investors," presented during a meeting of the Angel Investor Forum. (5/9/2023)

      "Ethical Practices for Communications with Clients, Opposing Parties, and the USPTO," co-presented with Kayla O'Leary Daly, a Connecticut Bar Association roundtable discussion hosted by the CBA Intellectual Property Section (12/1/2022)
      • » more info

        • Ethical Practices for Communications with Clients, Opposing Parties, and the USPTO

        "Ethical Practices for Communications with Clients, Opposing Parties, and the USPTO," co-presented by Kayla O'Leary Daly and John L. Cordani, a Connecticut Bar Association roundtable discussion hosted by the CBA Intellectual Property Section (12/1/2022)

        The CLE program focused on strategies to ethically communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and government agencies, and included discussion of recent cases, practical tips, and best practices. The presentation also addressed how to effectively communicate the results of IP clearance searches, pursue cease & desist communications, and ethically satisfy your duty of candor to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). 


      "Make48 Hartford, CT," (10/9/2021)
      • » more info

        • Make48 Hartford, CT

        "Make48 Hartford, CT," presented by John L. Cordani (10/9/2021)

        Billed as the “world’s fastest invention competition," the nationwide invention documentary series gives teams 48 hours to come up with an idea, build a physical prototype, a sales sheet, and a one-minute marketing video based on a challenge. Teams presented their working prototype and promotional video to a panel of judges with the winning team receiving a cash prize. 


      "Patent Claim Drafting: Practical Prosecution and Portfolio Strategy Workshop," (4/6/2021)
      • » more info

        • Patent Claim Drafting: Practical Prosecution and Portfolio Strategy Workshop

        "Patent Claim Drafting: Practical Prosecution and Portfolio Strategy Workshop," presented by John L. Cordani (4/6/2021)

        Intellectual Property Group member, John Cordani, co-presented the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) program “Patent Claim Drafting: Practical Prosecution and Portfolio Strategy Workshop” on April 6, 2021. The workshop emphasized practical work and included a claim drafting exercise as well as an overview of typical enforcement of a patent. The CLE webinar, presented by the CBA’s Intellectual Property Section, also offered insights on how to identify competitive products, how to use the description and figures of a patent application to draft a claim on a competitive product, and patent enforcement.


      "Ethics in Intellectual Property: Key Insights From Application to Jury Verdict CLE," as moderator of the program presented by the CT Bar Association's Intellectual Property Section. (12/3/2019)

    • News

      R+C in the News

      • September 29, 2023

        Robinson+Cole Represents TradeUP Acquisition Corp. in Complex DeSPAC Transaction with Estrella Biopharma, Inc.

        • » more info

          Robinson+Cole Represents TradeUP Acquisition Corp. in Complex DeSPAC Transaction with Estrella Biopharma, Inc.

          Robinson+Cole is pleased to announce that it has represented TradeUP Acquisition Corp. (UPTD) in the closing of its business combination with Estrella Biopharma, Inc., a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing T-cell therapies with the capacity to address treatment challenges for patients with blood cancers and solid tumors. The transaction, valuing the post-combination combined entity at $325 million, was announced on October 3, 2022, and was closed on September 29, 2023. The combined public company, Estrella Immunopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESLA), will commence trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on Monday, October 2, 2023.

          The team advising on the transaction, led by Arila E. Zhou, included Capital Market + Securities Team members Yang Xu, Tiange (Tim) Chen, Yi (Tiffany) Liu and Samuel C. Maduabueke. The cross-disciplinary team was also supported by Business Transactions Group lawyer Kiernan L. Ignacio, Transactional Health Law Group co-chair Leslie J. Levinson, Intellectual Property + Technology Group co-chair John L. Cordani and Intellectual Property + Technology Group partner Kathleen M. Porter. Read more.

        • View article
      • July 20, 2023

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized During Global M&A Network's 2023 Turnaround Atlas Awards

        • » more info

          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized During Global M&A Network's 2023 Turnaround Atlas Awards

          Members of Robinson+Cole’s Bankruptcy + Reorganizations Group were recognized for their work on the Mallinckrodt plc restructuring during Global M&A Network's 15th Annual Turnaround Atlas Awards hosted in New York City on July 19, 2023 as part of the organization’s Restructuring & Distressed Investing Forum. The annual event honors the achievements of legendary leaders, outstanding firms and best-value creating transactions from the restructuring, distressed investing and insolvency industry. Robinson+Cole won the Chapter 11 Restructuring of the Year in the “mega” category (value: above $5 billion).

          Robinson+Cole serves as co-counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (UCC) in the Mallinckrodt plc, et al. chapter 11 cases. Mallinckrodt is a global enterprise that operates two separate businesses – a Specialty Brands business and a Specialty Generics business. The Specialty Brands business manufactures INOmax and Acthar Gel, while the Specialty Generics business is the only U.S. producer of acetaminophen and various opioids. Litigation against the company on multiple fronts, including opioid-related litigation, left the company to seek to restructure its businesses, which led to the chapter 11 filing on October 12, 2020. Through the bankruptcy, the Debtors were able to de-lever their capital structure by more than $1 billion. A disclosure statement for the plan of reorganization was approved by the Bankruptcy Court for solicitation on June 17, 2021, with the hearing on confirmation of the Debtors’ plan held on September 21, 2021. On February 3, 2022 the Bankruptcy Court issued a written ruling confirming the Chapter 11 plan and on March 2, 2022 the Bankruptcy Court entered a Confirmation Order confirming the Fourth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization. Further, on April 27, 2022 the Irish High Court made an Order pursuant to Section 541(3) of the Companies Act of Ireland confirming the Scheme of Arrangement proposed by the Examiner between Mallinckrodt plc, its creditors and members, which is based on and consistent in all respects with the Fourth Amended Plan.

          The Team advising the UCC includes Natalie Ramsey, Jamie Edmonson, Patrick Birney, Michael Enright, Rachel Jaffe Mauceri, Laurie Krepto, Ryan Messina, Annecca Smith, along with Business Litigation Group Members John Cordani and Curtis Crowther. Learn more about the Turnaround Atlas Awards.

          In addition to the award, Jamie was among the panelists that presented the "Distressed M&A: Deals and Steals" as part Restructuring & Distressed Investing 15th Annual Forum, which discussed acquiring assets under Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings – from valuations, challenge of due diligence, and financing.

      • May 19, 2023

        John Cordani Considers Inventorship and the Role of Common Law in IPWatchdog Article

        • » more info

          John Cordani Considers Inventorship and the Role of Common Law in IPWatchdog Article

          Intellectual Property + Technology Group co-chair John Cordani authored the article, “Precooked Bacon, Artificial Intelligence Patents, and a Defense of the Common Law,” published in IPWatchdog on May 17, 2023. It’s not every day that bacon can serve as the starting point for a discussion on intellectual property. John uses the recent case of HIP, Inc. v. Hormel Foods Corp., No. 2022-1696 (Fed. Cir. May 2, 2023) to introduce the question, “who is an inventor?” and discuss the impact that artificial intelligence (AI) is having on the issue of “inventorship.” John suggests we rely on the Patent Act which “delegates the issue to the courts for development through common law…” and that we should “allow the courts to consider individual cases about who owns patents and copyrights to which AI contributed. The specific works and the incarnate facts will matter and will enable the just result to be more easily gleaned.” Read the article.

      • March 13, 2023

        John Cordani Discusses Free Speech in Patent Disputes for IPWatchdog

        • » more info

          John Cordani Discusses Free Speech in Patent Disputes for IPWatchdog

          Intellectual Property + Technology Group co-chair John Cordani authored the article, “Christmas Light Patent Wars: Customer Infringement Notices and Free Speech,” published in IPWatchdog on March 10, 2023. In the article, John explores the recent decision in the case of Lite-Netics, LLC v. Nu Tsai Capital, LLC, which upholds strong free speech rights for patent holders and addresses the issue “how much can (or should) be said in the marketplace about a patent dispute?” The Federal Circuit clarified that First Amendment protections apply to patent holders, and that “federal patent law preempts state-law tort liability for a patentholder’s good faith conduct in communications asserting infringement of its patent and warning about potential litigation.” That said, the decision serves as “a reminder that what can be done under the First Amendment may not necessarily coincide with what should be done.” Read the article.

        • View article
      • February 10, 2023

        J. Tyler Butts and John Cordani Selected as James W. Cooper Fellows of the Connecticut Bar Foundation

        • » more info

          J. Tyler Butts and John Cordani Selected as James W. Cooper Fellows of the Connecticut Bar Foundation

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer J. Tyler Butts and Intellectual Property +Technology Group co-chair John Cordani are among 22 attorneys elected by the Connecticut Bar Foundation as Fellows of the James W. Cooper Fellows Program. Now in its 28th year, the program was established to honor the leading members of the legal profession and the judiciary in Connecticut, to promote a better understanding of the legal profession and the judicial system, and to explore ways to improve the profession and the administration of justice in Connecticut. Membership in the Fellows is by invitation only and is evidence of professional distinction. View the Class of 2023 or read more in Law360.

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      • November 9, 2022

        John Cordani and Jackie Scheib Featured in Law360 Article on IP+T Group’s Planned Patent Growth

        • » more info

          John Cordani and Jackie Scheib Featured in Law360 Article on IP+T Group’s Planned Patent Growth

          Intellectual Property + Technology Group co-chairs John L. Cordani, Jr. and Jacqueline Pennino Scheib were featured in the article “Robinson & Cole IP Heads See Further Growth After Team Hire” published in Law360 on October 25, 2022. The article highlights the Group’s focus on patent litigation and patent prosecution, which led to the addition of a four-person team led by John H. Mutchler in September. John acknowledges that the Group “is looking both to expand geographically and to ‘further complement’ the focuses of its client base,” and Jackie expressed excitement about the direction the Group is headed in making R+C’s IP practice more robust with a strong patent prosecution side adding that John and his team help clients “to best capitalize upon what they have developed and ensure that it’s being protected and enforced in the most efficient manner possible.” Read the article.

        • View article
      • October 26, 2022

        John Cordani and John Mutchler Co-Author IP Watchdog Article on the Virtues of a Consistent Patent Prosecution Litigation Strategy

        • » more info

          John Cordani and John Mutchler Co-Author IP Watchdog Article on the Virtues of a Consistent Patent Prosecution Litigation Strategy

          Intellectual Property + Technology Group lawyers John L. Cordani and John H. Mutchler authored the article, “Cooperative v. Kollective CAFC Decision Demonstrates Virtues of Consistent and Candid Patent Prosecution Litigation,” published in IPWatchdog on October 19, 2022. In the article, the author’s highlight how Cooperative’s “simple, coherent and consistent narrative about the merits of the invention” which they stuck with through prosecution, litigation and appeal, led to their eventual success, despite the invention being “potentially assailable on eligibility grounds.” The lesson to be learned from this case, according to the authors, is that “[T]hose ancient virtues of truth, candor and courage may be slow, but there is no denying their ultimate persuasive power in the long run.” Read the article.

        • View article
      • May 13, 2022

        John Cordani and Trevor Bradley Co-Author IPWatchdog Article on Notice Letters and Personal Jurisdiction

        • » more info

          John Cordani and Trevor Bradley Co-Author IPWatchdog Article on Notice Letters and Personal Jurisdiction

          Intellectual Property + Technology Group lawyer John Cordani and Business Litigation Group lawyer Trevor Bradley authored the article, “Mailer’s Remorse: Notice Letters and Personal Jurisdiction for Declaratory Judgment Lawsuits,” published in IPWatchdog on May 12, 2022. The article focuses on the issuance of notice letters and personal jurisdiction. While there are many reasons why patent holders might want to put potential infringers on notice of their rights by sending cease-and-desist letters, providing such notice could subject it to personal jurisdiction for a declaratory judgment suit in a remote and inconvenient forum. A single notice letter might not be enough to sufficiently establish minimum contacts with the forum where the letter is sent. But a letter in conjunction with emails, phone calls and/or in-person meetings that often follow a notice letter may suffice depending on the circumstances. This is especially true where the communications are substantive and discuss the validity and enforceability of a patent or threaten litigation. “Patentees must think strategically before firing off cease-and-desist letters and during follow-up correspondence or meetings, lest they ultimately find themselves defending against a declaratory judgment suit in a faraway forum.” Read the full article.

        • View article
      • November 17, 2021

        Kayla O’Leary and John Cordani Author IPWatchdog Article on Modern Trends in the Fair Use Doctrine

        • » more info

          Kayla O’Leary and John Cordani Author IPWatchdog Article on Modern Trends in the Fair Use Doctrine

          Intellectual Property & Technology lawyers, Kayla C. O’Leary and John L. Cordani, co-authored the article, “Transformation or Derivation: Modern Trends in the Fair Use Doctrine from Software to Photography,” published in IPWatchdog on November 17, 2021. In the article, Kayla and John discuss how the “Fair Use” doctrine has evolved as technology and the way in which people use copyrighted works has advanced. Through their analysis of recent decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, resulting in some conflicting guidance, they concluded that “[G]iven the emerging trends in the law, it is important for defense counsel to identify and pursue potential fair-use defenses early in a copyright litigation, even outside the traditional areas of commentary, criticism, teaching, news reporting, scholarship, and research.” Read the full article.

      • October 20, 2021

        John Cordani Serves as IP Adviser for Hartford, CT Edition of Make48 Invention Competition

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          John Cordani Serves as IP Adviser for Hartford, CT Edition of Make48 Invention Competition

          Intellectual Property + Technology lawyer John L. Cordani served as an intellectual property adviser for contestants during the Hartford, CT edition of Make48, the “world’s fastest invention competition." The nationwide invention documentary series gives teams exactly 48 hours to come up with an idea, build a physical prototype, sales sheet, and a one-minute marketing video based on a challenge. John assisted the competing teams with the intellectual property research for their idea at MakerspaceCT, 25,000 + sq. ft. of well-equipped working space in Hartford, on October 7 and October 9, 2021. Teams go on to present their working prototype and promotional video to a panel of judges with the winning team receiving a cash prize. Learn more about Make48.

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      • March 9, 2021

        John Cordani Authors IPWatchdog Article on Obviousness in the Area of Mechanical Inventions

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          John Cordani Authors IPWatchdog Article on Obviousness in the Area of Mechanical Inventions

          Intellectual Property + Technology lawyer John L. Cordani authored the article “Balancing Innovation and Competition: Thomas Jefferson’s View of Obviousness for Mechanical Inventions” published in IPWatchdog on March 5, 2021. In the article, John references a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to Isaac McPherson in 1813 to suggest that Jefferson’s flexible approach to obviousness in the area of mechanical inventions might prevent patent thickets and enable fair competition, lower barriers to entry, and decrease prices. “Jefferson’s letter to McPherson showed that he weighed the marginal contribution of an invention against basic, foundational technologies, keeping in mind that a mere change of form—like changing fashions—should not be patentable.” Read the full article.

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      • March 6, 2020

        John Cordani and Brian Moran Author Article on Obviousness Published in Law360

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          John Cordani and Brian Moran Author Article on Obviousness Published in Law360

          Intellectual Property Litigation lawyers John L. Cordani Jr. and Brian E. Moran authored the article “Fed. Circ. Leaves Room For Nonexpert Obviousness Opinions” published in Law360 on March 5, 2020. The article examines the extent to which, in patent trial practice, a party’s lay witnesses may approach issues of obviousness in their testimony using the recent case HVLPO2, LLC v. Oxygen Frog, LLC 2020 WL 559108 (Fed. Cir., February 5, 2020) as an example. Read the article.

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      • February 5, 2020

        John Cordani Authors IPWatchdog Article on New U.S.-Mexico Patent Prosecution Super-Highway Agreement

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          John Cordani Authors IPWatchdog Article on New U.S.-Mexico Patent Prosecution Super-Highway Agreement

          Business Litigation Group lawyer John L. Cordani, Jr. authored the article “The U.S.-Mexico Patent Prosecution Super-Highway” published by IPWatchdog on February 5, 2020. The article covers the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH), a type of patent examination fast-tracking and work-sharing agreement, shared between the patent offices in the United States and Mexico. The PPH between the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) was set to expire in June of this year, but on January 28, “the Offices announced a new agreement that promises to improve upon the PPH system by creating an even ‘more streamlined approach’ to obtaining a Mexican patent once a corresponding U.S. patent is granted than that presently offered under the PPH.” Read the full article.

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      • October 23, 2019

        John Cordani Authors Connecticut Law Tribune Article on State Court Patent Law Disputes

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          John Cordani Authors Connecticut Law Tribune Article on State Court Patent Law Disputes

          Business Litigation Group lawyer John L. Cordani authored the article “A Batman Car-Seat Patent, Bane of the State Court Docket” published in the Connecticut Law Tribune on October 23, 2019. The article focuses on state court patent law disputes using Inspired Development Group LLC v. Inspired Products Group, LLC d/b/a KidsEmbrace as an example. The case involves a series of design patents covering children’s car seats shaped like cartoon and comic book characters, the most important of which was one in the shape of Batman, and the dispute that arose over royalty payments. Read the article.

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      • August 16, 2019

        John Cordani Featured in Connecticut Law Tribune Article on Recent Pro Bono Case Win at the Connecticut Supreme Court

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          John Cordani Featured in Connecticut Law Tribune Article on Recent Pro Bono Case Win at the Connecticut Supreme Court

          Business Litigation Group lawyer John L. Cordani was interviewed by the Connecticut Law Tribune for an article on the favorable Connecticut Supreme Court decision resulting from a case he handled pro bono. Published on August 16, 2019, the article outlines the outcome of State of Connecticut v. Eugene L. Walker, in which the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled 6-0 to order a new trial for convicted murderer, Eugene Walker, based on improper forensic DNA evidence. View the article.

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      R+C News Releases

      • October 26, 2023

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2023 Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2023 Super Lawyers®

          A total of 35 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2023. In addition, 27 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          Appellate Group chair Linda L. Morkan and Manufacturing Industry Team chair Jeffrey J. White were named to the Top 50: 2023 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Linda also appears on the Top 25: 2023 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Read more in the press release.

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      • August 17, 2023

        78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024

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          78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024

          78 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024. Of the 78 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 57 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law and insurance law. Approximately, the top 5 percent of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

          Additionally, five lawyers were named Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” in the following offices, in the noted practice areas:

          Hartford, CT – Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”

          Jacqueline Pennino Scheib – Trademark Law

          Michael R. Enright – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

          Theodore J. Tucci – Insurance Law

          Boston, MA – Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”

          Michael S. Giaimo – Land Use and Zoning Law

          Stamford, CT – Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”

          Patricia D. Weitzman – Health Care Law and Litigation-Health Care

          A Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” designation is awarded to one lawyer in each of various high-profile specialties in large legal communities. These particular lawyers received the highest ratings among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

          The fourth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America was also released, which includes 23 Robinson+Cole lawyers. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys early in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. The firm has the highest number of lawyers to receive this designation in Hartford, Connecticut. Read more in the press release.

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      • August 18, 2022

        74 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2023

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          74 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2023

          74 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2023. Of the 74 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 54 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law insurance law and construction litigation. Only the top 5.3 percent of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

          Additionally, the following five lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Brian R. Smith in Land Use and Zoning Law, Christine E. Bromberg in Tax Law, James P. Ray in Litigation – Environmental, Joey Lee Miranda in Energy Regulatory Law, Norman H. Roos in Banking and Finance Law, Rachel V. Kushel in Employment Law – Management, Theodore J. Tucci in  Health Care Law and Virginia E. McGarrity – in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law.

          The third edition of Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” was also released, includes 23 Robinson+Cole lawyers. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys early in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. The firm has the highest number of lawyers to receive this designation in Hartford, Connecticut. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 14, 2021

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 42 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2021. In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          Bruce B. Barth and Jeffrey J. White were named to the Top 50: 2021 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2021 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list and, similarly, Natalie D. Ramsey was included in the Top 50: 2021 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. Read more in the press release.

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      • August 19, 2021

        65 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022

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          65 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022

          65 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022. Of the 65 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 49 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law and insurance law.

          Additionally, the following five lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Patrick M. Birney in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Michael F. Maglio in Banking and Finance Law, Robert S. Melvin in Environmental Law, Joey Lee Miranda in Energy Law and Jacqueline Pennino Scheib in Trademark Law. Peter V. Lacouture was also named a Best Lawyers® 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Providence, Rhode Island in the area of Energy Law.

          The second edition of Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” was also released, of which 17 total Robinson+Cole lawyers are listed in. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 15, 2020

        47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

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          47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

          A total of 47 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island for 2020. In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          Also, Bruce B. Barth was named to the Top 50: 2020 Connecticut Super Lawyers list and Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2020 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list.

          The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 1, 2020

        Five Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized During Connecticut Legal Awards

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          Five Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized During Connecticut Legal Awards

          The Connecticut Law Tribune recognized Robinson+Cole lawyers Frank F. Coulom Jr., John L. Cordani, Taylor A. Shea, Jonathan H. Schaefer, and Dan A. Brody during the publication’s annual Connecticut Legal Awards on September 30, 2020. Hosted virtually this year, the awards honor those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in Connecticut - whether in shaping the law, achieving outsized results for their clients, being an outstanding jurist or assisting those in need of legal services.

          Frank F. Coulom Jr. was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a lawyer “who has left a lasting imprint on the legal community of Connecticut.” John L. Cordani received the Distinguished Leader Award for achieving “impressive results in 2019 and demonstrating clear leadership skills that helped achieve those results.” Taylor A. Shea, Jonathan H. Schaefer and Dan A. Brody were all recognized as “New Leaders in the Law,” a distinction that spotlights lawyers under the age of 40 who have excelled in the courtroom, in client service and cultivation, in service to bar associations, and in performing pro bono work or community service in a volunteer capacity. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 19, 2019

        52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 52 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2019. In addition, 32 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          The following lawyers were named to the Top 50: 2019 Connecticut Super Lawyers list: Denis C. Cavanaugh, Gregory R. Faulkner, Linda L. Morkan, Todd R. Regan, and Jeffrey J. White. Linda also appears on the Top 25: 2019 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list.

          The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. Read more in the press release.

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      • June 24, 2019

        Robinson+Cole Adds Intellectual Property Litigation Partner

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          Robinson+Cole Adds Intellectual Property Litigation Partner

          Robinson+Cole (R+C) is pleased to announce the addition of John L. Cordani to the firm’s Business Litigation practice, where he will focus his practice on Intellectual Property and Information Technology litigation. Mr. Cordani joins as a partner in the Hartford, Connecticut office. Prior to joining R+C, he was with McCarter & English LLP and prior to that a partner with Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP. Read more in the press release.

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    • Legal Updates/Newsletters

      Legal Updates/Newsletters

      "IP+T Intelligence Newsletter" co-authored with Jenna M. Scoville, Benjamin M. Daniels and Trevor L. Bradley (Q2 2022)

      "IP+T Intelligence Newsletter" co-authored with Maria A. Scungio and Kayla O'Leary Daly (Q4 2021)

      "IP+T: Intelligence Newsletter" (Q1 2021)

      "IP+T: Intelligence Newsletter" co-authored with Maria A. Scungio and Brian E. Moran (Q4 2020)

      "IP + T: Intelligence Newsletter" co-authored with Kayla O'Leary Daly (Q2 2020)