Fish & Richardson Poised to Bring IP Experience, Technical Prowess to Chicago with New Office

Fish & Richardson is opening a new office in Chicago, expanding the firm’s international footprint to officially include the third-largest legal market in the United States. The office, located in the vibrant West Loop, spans more than 4,300 square feet and features collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation and teamwork. Scheduled to open in the spring, this will be the 15th office for the global intellectual property firm, symbolizing Fish’s strategic growth and commitment to delivering exceptional service to both current and future clients in the Midwest region.  

“Chicago has long been a hub of Fish activity,” said President & Chief Executive Officer John Adkisson. “We are very active in the Northern District of Illinois, serve many clients in the Chicago area, and have four attorneys practicing from Chicago. It’s a natural next step to offer an office to support local colleagues and clients, as well as frequent visitors from other Fish offices.” 

Establishing an office in Chicago broadens Fish’s ability to counsel clients across the region, which has experienced impressive growth in the technology and life sciences sectors in recent years. Chicago’s robust legal market is expected to serve as a long-term source of lateral talent.  

The February 2024 addition of Principals Louis Fogel and Shaun Van Horn, IP litigators with deep Chicago roots, provided momentum for establishing an official on-the-ground presence.  

“Fish’s expansion to Chicago is a testament to our firm’s growth and trajectory, and reinforces our commitment to providing excellent service to our clients,” said Fogel, who will serve as the office managing principal. “We hope that by establishing a physical presence here, current and prospective clients, as well as prospective lateral talent, have an opportunity to become more familiar with us – our unmatched experience, incredible technical depth, and collegial culture.”  

The office initially will be composed of Fish’s four Chicago-based attorneys and one technology specialist: 

• Office Managing Principal Louis Fogel, Ph.D., is an experienced patent litigator who has spent over 20 years helping clients in the life sciences industry navigate complex issues. His experience spans a range of sectors, including biologics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Fogel holds both a law degree and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago. He is a prolific publisher of intellectual property-related content and is actively engaged in the civic community.  

• Principal Shaun Van Horn has extensive experience representing clients in patent litigation and competition law disputes, including in the life sciences industry. He also is known for his work advising clients on the legal issues that arise at the intersection of antitrust and IP law. He is a graduate of New York University School of Law, earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, and is actively involved in devoting pro bono services to Chicago-based legal aid clinics.  

• Of Counsel Giordana Mahn partners with female founders and innovators who share her passion and devote their time to advancing women’s health. Mahn strategically counsels companies and helps them secure patent rights for femtech, consumer products, biomechanical, electromechanical, health and sex tech, and medical device innovations. She received her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. 

• Associate Scott Dyar, Ph.D., focuses his patent prosecution practice on a broad range of intellectual property matters, including the chemical, materials, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. He received his Ph.D. in chemistry from Northwestern University and J.D. from Loyola Law School. 

• Technology Specialist, Patent Agent Diana Kafkes focuses on patent drafting and prosecution of emerging technologies. With a background in physics and experience in artificial intelligence, she is skilled in machine learning, quantum computing, and data processing, and is fluent in multiple programming languages.