Robert S. Katz

In the innovative and competitive landscape of Washington, D.C., protecting intellectual property is paramount for inventors, startups, and established businesses alike. When it comes to patents, trademarks, and the myriad complexities of intellectual property law, having highly specialized and experienced legal counsel is not just an advantage, but a necessity. For residents and businesses across the District of Columbia, finding a lawyer who truly excels in this niche yet critical field can make all the difference in safeguarding their creative and technological assets. This article aims to introduce you to Robert S. Katz, a distinguished intellectual property attorney whose practice is deeply rooted in the heart of D.C., and explore the profound expertise he brings to the table.

Robert S. Katz is a principal shareholder at Banner & Witcoff, Ltd., a highly respected intellectual property law firm with a prominent office in Washington, D.C. Mr. Katz is widely recognized as one of the premier practitioners in the field of industrial designs, both nationally and internationally. His impressive career includes extensive experience in drafting and prosecuting a vast number of utility and design patents in the U.S. and abroad, for clients ranging from individual inventors and small companies to Fortune 500 corporations. Beyond patent prosecution, he is also highly skilled in patent and trademark litigation, representing clients in district courts, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the International Trade Commission. His background is further enriched by his experience as a former patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and as a mechanical engineer, giving him a unique technical understanding of the innovations he helps protect.

For anyone in the District of Columbia involved in invention, product design, brand development, or facing challenges related to intellectual property infringement, understanding the capabilities of an attorney like Robert S. Katz is incredibly beneficial. This overview will provide a closer look at his strategic location, the comprehensive intellectual property services he offers, his distinguishing professional highlights, and why his expertise makes him an ideal legal partner for the D.C. community’s intellectual property needs.

One of the key benefits for clients in the District of Columbia engaging with Robert S. Katz is the prime and highly accessible location of his office. Situated at 1100 13th St NW #1200, Washington, DC 20005, USA, his practice is strategically placed in the bustling downtown area of D.C. This central location offers exceptional convenience for businesses, innovators, and individuals across the city.

The office on 13th Street NW provides excellent accessibility via various modes of transportation. For those utilizing D.C.'s efficient Metro system, the office is within short walking distance of several major Metro stations, including McPherson Square (Orange, Silver, Blue lines) and Metro Center (Red, Orange, Silver, Blue lines). This convenient proximity to public transit greatly simplifies commuting for appointments, saving clients time and reducing the stress of navigating downtown traffic. For clients who prefer to drive, while street parking can be limited, there are numerous public parking garages in the immediate vicinity of 13th Street NW. The building itself reflects the professional and high-tech nature of intellectual property law, providing a secure and modern environment for confidential discussions and legal work. Its central placement also means it is close to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in Alexandria, VA (though not in walking distance), and other federal institutions, which can be advantageous for IP-related legal matters.

Robert S. Katz's practice at Banner & Witcoff, Ltd. is dedicated to a comprehensive range of intellectual property services, with a strong emphasis on patents and trademarks. His deep technical background and extensive experience position him as a go-to attorney for complex IP challenges. His services are tailored to protect and enforce the intellectual assets of a diverse clientele, from individual inventors to large corporations.

• Design Patents: Mr. Katz is recognized as a premier practitioner in the field of industrial designs. He assists clients in procuring and enforcing design patents, both in the U.S. and internationally. This includes preparing and prosecuting design patent applications to protect the ornamental appearance of products.
• Utility Patents: He drafts and prosecutes significant utility patents in the U.S. and foreign countries. His work covers a range of technologies, including mechanical, electromechanical devices, software, and computer-related inventions, protecting the functional aspects of innovations.
• Patent Litigation: Representing clients in enforcing and defending patent infringement claims in district courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (which handles all patent appeals), and the International Trade Commission (ITC), particularly in Section 337 investigations.
• Trademark Law: Assisting clients with trademark prosecution (registration) and litigation, ensuring the protection of brand names, logos, and other identifying marks.
• Patentability and Infringement Opinions: Providing expert advice and preparing opinions regarding the patentability of inventions, potential patent infringement, and patent validity. This helps clients make informed business and intellectual property decisions.
• Trade Secret Protection: Advising clients on strategies to protect valuable trade secrets and intellectual property that is not publicly disclosed through patents or trademarks.
• IP Due Diligence: Conducting intellectual property due diligence for corporate transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, to assess IP portfolios and identify potential risks or opportunities.
• Amicus Briefs: Preparation and filing of amicus curiae briefs in important intellectual property cases, including before the U.S. Supreme Court, demonstrating his influence and expertise in the field.
• IP Strategy and Counseling: Providing strategic guidance on managing intellectual property portfolios, developing IP strategies, and navigating complex intellectual property landscapes.

Robert S. Katz's practice is distinguished by numerous features and highlights that underscore his exceptional standing in the field of intellectual property law, making him an invaluable asset for clients in the District of Columbia:

• Premier Industrial Design Patent Practitioner: He is widely considered one of the leading practitioners globally in industrial design patents. This specialization is critical for industries where product appearance and aesthetics are key to market success. He has procured tens of thousands of design patents and registrations worldwide.
• Former USPTO Patent Examiner: His experience as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides him with invaluable insider knowledge of the patent examination process, allowing for more effective prosecution strategies.
• Strong Technical Background: With a mechanical engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University, Mr. Katz possesses a deep technical understanding of mechanical and electromechanical devices, as well as software and computer-related inventions. This technical acumen is crucial for effectively drafting and prosecuting complex patents.
• Recognized Thought Leader and Educator: He is a professor at George Washington University Law School, teaching Design Law, and formerly taught Intellectual Property Pretrial Litigation Skills at Georgetown University Law School. He is also a frequent speaker on industrial design-related topics globally, contributing to the advancement of IP law.
• Extensive Litigation Experience: His involvement in enforcing and defending intellectual property claims in district courts, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the International Trade Commission highlights his robust litigation capabilities.
• High-Volume Patent Procurement: Mr. Katz has an impressive track record of helping clients procure a vast number of patents, demonstrating his efficiency and effectiveness in securing IP protection for a wide range of inventions.
• Industry Accolades and Recognition: He has been consistently recognized as a top patent practitioner by prestigious organizations such as IAM (Global Leader, Top 1000), Managing Intellectual Property (IP Star), Legal 500, and Best Lawyers in America, and has been selected for inclusion in Chambers USA.
• Leadership in Professional Organizations: Holding leadership positions in prominent IP organizations like the American Bar Association (ABA), American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), International Federation of Industrial Property Attorneys (FICPI), and International Trademark Association (INTA), further cements his influence and expertise in the field.

In the highly specialized and sophisticated realm of intellectual property law, particularly at a firm of Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.'s caliber with an attorney like Robert S. Katz, traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense are not typically part of the service model. The value proposition of such a practice lies in its profound expertise, strategic insight, and proven track record in protecting highly valuable intellectual assets. Clients seek their services for their unparalleled knowledge and ability to navigate complex IP challenges, rather than for discounted rates or bundled deals.

However, what clients and the intellectual property community in Washington, D.C., can consistently benefit from as a form of valuable "offer" includes:

• Exceptional Thought Leadership: Robert S. Katz is a prolific speaker and author on intellectual property topics, particularly in design law. His insights, presentations, and articles are often publicly available through industry organizations or the firm's publications. These resources serve as an invaluable source of information and demonstrate the depth of his expertise, allowing potential clients to gain a deeper understanding of complex IP issues.
• Strategic Consultations: For serious inquiries, highly regarded attorneys like Mr. Katz often engage in initial consultations to assess a client's specific intellectual property needs and discuss potential strategies. While these may involve a professional fee, they represent an opportunity to leverage his expertise to understand the scope of a legal challenge and the potential pathways forward.

The core "offer" from Robert S. Katz is access to a world-class intellectual property attorney who brings a unique blend of technical knowledge, legal acumen, and practical experience to the protection and enforcement of patents and trademarks. Fee structures for his services would be discussed directly and transparently with clients, reflecting the specialized nature and significant value of the legal counsel provided.

For individuals, inventors, and businesses in the District of Columbia seeking expert legal assistance in intellectual property matters, particularly regarding design patents, utility patents, and IP litigation, you can reach Robert S. Katz at Banner & Witcoff, Ltd. through the following contact details:

• Address: 1100 13th St NW #1200, Washington, DC 20005, USA
• Phone: (202) 824-3000
• Mobile Phone: +1 202-824-3000

Direct contact through these numbers will enable you to connect with the firm’s professional staff, who can assist in directing your inquiry to Mr. Katz or the appropriate intellectual property specialist within the firm. When making initial contact, it is often helpful to have a concise overview of your intellectual property needs prepared to facilitate an efficient and productive discussion.

For inventors, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes within the District of Columbia, Robert S. Katz stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly valuable legal resource for all intellectual property needs. His office's strategic location at 1100 13th St NW provides excellent accessibility in downtown D.C., making it convenient for local innovators and businesses to access top-tier intellectual property counsel.

The primary reason for his profound suitability for locals, however, lies in his specialized and deep expertise. Washington, D.C., and its surrounding areas are vibrant hubs for innovation, technology, and design. Businesses here are constantly developing new products, processes, and brands that require robust legal protection. Robert S. Katz, with his unique background as a former USPTO patent examiner, a mechanical engineer, and a leading practitioner in both utility and especially design patents, possesses the precise blend of technical and legal knowledge necessary to safeguard these invaluable assets.

Whether a D.C. startup needs to secure its first patent, a local design firm needs to protect its aesthetic innovations, or an established company is facing complex trademark litigation, Mr. Katz offers the strategic guidance and litigation prowess required. His intimate understanding of the patent prosecution process, coupled with his extensive experience in high-stakes intellectual property litigation before federal courts and the ITC, provides clients with a comprehensive and formidable legal ally. Choosing Robert S. Katz means securing a legal partner who not only understands the intricacies of intellectual property law but also speaks the language of innovation, making him an ideal choice for the intellectual property protection needs of the District of Columbia community.