Tia D. Fenton

Tia D. Fenton, is a Partner, Co-chair of the Litigation practice group and member of the ITC Litigation practice group. Ms. Fenton also serves as General Counsel to the firm. With a background in chemistry, biochemistry and genetics, her practice is focused primarily on chemical, biochemical, biomedical, and pharmaceutical cases. She has particular experience in chemical and ANDA litigations and is a member of the firm’s Pharmaceutical/Medical Devices practice group, including biologics/biosimilars.

Prior to attending law school, Ms. Fenton worked as a Forensic DNA Analyst at Cellmark Diagnostics, Inc., and as a Forensic DNA Examiner at the Department of Defense's Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory, serving as an expert witness in DNA identification testing for approximately four years and testifying in numerous trials throughout the country. She is also experienced lecturing scientists and graduate students on the presentation and effective use of scientific and technical evidence in the courtroom. Ms. Fenton’s extensive trial and testimony experience provides her with a unique perspective on litigation, including particular skills in preparing expert witnesses for depositions and trial, and presenting technical evidence to juries as well as judges during ANDA bench trials.

In addition to litigating cases in district court and before the Federal Circuit, Ms. Fenton represents both domestic and foreign companies in a full range of complex patent matters. She routinely advises clients on litigation procedure and strategies, litigation avoidance, and the overall protection and enforcement of patent portfolios. Ms. Fenton also has experience in post-grant proceedings, as well as prosecution-related matters in the chemical, medical device, and pharmaceutical areas. She also has experience litigating and counseling clients on the strategic use of the USPTO post-grant proceedings in conjunction with the district court.

Education

• George Mason University School of Law (J.D.)
• Marshall University (M.S.)
  • Forensic Science, concentrating in DNA technologies
• Wheeling Jesuit University (B.S.)
  • Chemistry

Admissions

• District of Columbia
• Virginia
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Accolades

• Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Practitioner (2021)
• 2022 Influential Woman of Law - recognized by Virginia Lawyers Weekly

Professional Affiliations

• American Bar Association
• American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
• National Association of Women Judges
• Virginia Bar Association

Services

• Litigation
• Counseling & Strategic Advice

Technologies

• Chemicals
• Life Sciences
• Digital Health