Ryan A. Varnum

Ryan A. Varnum’s practice is in the field of intellectual property law, with a focus on patent law.  He counsels clients ranging from small start-ups to multinational corporations in all aspects of patent law, including drafting and prosecuting patent applications to procure patent protection, providing patent assessments (e.g., opinions on patent eligibility, infringement, and validity), and serving as counsel in post-grant patent challenges (e.g., ex parte reexamination and inter partes review), federal circuit litigation and proceedings before the International Trade Commission.

Ryan assists clients with complex intellectual property matters across a wide range of technologies, including automotive systems, exhaust filtration and treatment, orthodontic and medical devices, medical imaging and treatment, substrate fabrication, aerial and ground drones, wind turbines, sporting equipment, and ornamental designs.

Ryan began his career in intellectual property as a patent and trademark specialist at a boutique intellectual property law firm while completing his undergraduate studies.  While attending law school, he worked in the department of trademark procurement and licensing at Colgate-Palmolive Company and the office of intellectual property strategy at American Express.  Ryan also worked as a patent examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

With his experience working in corporate intellectual property departments and as a United States patent examiner, Ryan excels in advising clients on patent portfolio development, including assessing the strengths and weaknesses of patent assets, proposing strategies for securing patent protection tailored to promote specific business goals, and mitigating exposure to competing patent assets.

Ryan received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Binghamton University. He earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, where he was awarded the CALI Award for Excellence in Entertainment Law and the Charles and Jane Ortner Prize for Achievement in Entertainment Law. 

Ryan's Practice