Claire Fundakowski - Winston & Strawn LLP

In the dynamic and highly competitive landscapes of the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, protecting intellectual property is paramount. For companies operating in these sectors, particularly in a hub of innovation and regulation like Washington, D.C., securing expert legal counsel in patent litigation is not merely an advantage—it's a necessity for safeguarding groundbreaking research and market position. Claire Fundakowski, a distinguished attorney at Winston & Strawn LLP, stands out as a leading legal professional specializing in patent litigation, with a specific emphasis on the life sciences. Her unique background as a registered pharmacist, combined with her extensive legal acumen, provides clients with an unparalleled depth of understanding and strategic insight.

Claire Fundakowski's practice at Winston & Strawn LLP is dedicated to navigating the intricate challenges of patent disputes, from complex Hatch-Waxman and BPCIA litigation to advising on competitive product development strategies. She understands the critical intersection of science, regulation, and law, enabling her to provide comprehensive and effective representation. For businesses and innovators in the District of Columbia, her expertise means having a formidable advocate who can fiercely protect their intellectual assets and guide them through high-stakes legal battles. This article will explore the professional profile of Claire Fundakowski, detailing her location, specialized services, notable features, and why she is a highly suitable choice for local clients seeking top-tier patent litigation expertise.

Claire Fundakowski practices at the Washington, D.C. office of Winston & Strawn LLP, a prestigious global law firm with a strong presence in the nation's capital. Their office is conveniently situated at 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This prime downtown location places the firm within easy reach for clients across the District of Columbia and the broader metropolitan area, making it highly accessible for business leaders, in-house counsel, and innovators.

The firm's office in Northwest D.C. benefits from excellent transportation links. It is located just a short walk from several key Metro stations, including Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines), providing convenient access for those using public transit from various parts of the city and surrounding areas. Numerous bus routes also operate along L Street NW and nearby avenues, offering additional accessible options. For clients who prefer to drive, commercial parking garages are available in the vicinity. The central location also ensures easy access to federal courthouses, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and other crucial regulatory bodies relevant to intellectual property and life sciences law. The professional and welcoming atmosphere of the Winston & Strawn office provides an ideal environment for confidential client discussions and strategic planning sessions.

Claire Fundakowski specializes in patent litigation and appeals, with a significant focus on the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. Her services are designed to protect and defend her clients' valuable intellectual property rights in highly technical and complex legal environments.

• Patent Litigation: Representing pharmaceutical and medical device companies in complex patent infringement cases, defending against claims and asserting intellectual property rights.

• Hatch-Waxman Litigation: Extensive experience in litigating cases under the Hatch-Waxman Act, which governs generic drug approvals and patent challenges for brand-name pharmaceuticals.

• BPCIA Litigation: Handling Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) cases, which pertain to biosimilar products and their patent landscapes.

• Appellate & Critical Motions: Expertise in handling appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, where she previously served as a law clerk, as well as arguing substantive motions at the district court level.

• Competitive Product Development Strategies: Advising clients on how to develop new products while considering competitor patents and navigating complex FDA regulations to minimize legal risks.

• Patent Challenges before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB): Briefing and litigating successful patent challenges before the PTAB to invalidate patent claims.

• Trial Experience: Extensive experience throughout every stage of district court litigation, including taking and defending depositions, constructing invalidity and non-infringement defenses, authoring critical briefs, and examining witnesses at trial. She has particular experience in the District of Delaware, a key venue for patent cases.

• Amicus Briefs: Contributing to important legal issues through the submission of amicus curiae briefs in appellate courts, demonstrating her commitment to broader legal principles.

Claire Fundakowski’s practice is distinguished by several unique features and notable achievements, setting her apart as a top-tier attorney in her field:

• Pharmacist Background: A distinctive advantage is her background as a registered pharmacist in Virginia, where she practiced before pursuing her law degree. This allows her to deeply understand the scientific and regulatory intricacies of the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, translating complex technical information into effective legal strategies.

• Federal Circuit Clerkship: Claire served as a law clerk to Chief Judge Kimberly A. Moore at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the primary appellate court for patent cases. This experience provides her with invaluable insights into appellate practice and the decision-making processes of the court, directly benefiting her clients.

• "Litigator of the Week" Recognition: On multiple occasions, Am Law Litigation Daily has named Claire as a “Litigator of the Week” runner-up, and she has received an Honorable Mention, for her significant case victories. This recognition underscores her exceptional trial capabilities and success in high-stakes litigation.

• Consistent Recognition: Claire is regularly acknowledged in prestigious legal rankings, including IAM Patent 1000 (2024–2025), Benchmark Litigation US ("40 and Under List" for Dispute Resolution 2024–2025), Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® (for Patent Litigation, Intellectual Property Law, and Litigation - Intellectual Property 2021–2025), Lawdragon's “500 X – The Next Generation” (for IP Litigation 2024), and Super Lawyers (“Washington, D.C. Rising Star” 2020–2024). She was also recognized as a “Top ANDA Litigator” and "Top 25 for Best Performance" by Patexia. These accolades reflect consistent peer recognition and outstanding professional achievement.

• Strong Trial Record: Claire has obtained multiple victories for clients across industries and has extensive experience throughout every stage of district court litigation, including taking and defending depositions, authoring critical briefs, arguing substantive motions, and examining witnesses at trial.

• Pro Bono Commitment: Demonstrating a commitment to justice beyond her core practice, Claire has briefed successful amicus briefs for civil rights organizations, supporting executive clemency for wrongful convictions and protecting prisoners from solitary confinement.

As a highly specialized attorney at a large, globally recognized firm like Winston & Strawn LLP, Claire Fundakowski does not typically offer consumer-style "promotions" or "special offers." However, the firm's structure and its approach to client engagement inherently provide significant value and strategic advantages for its clients in Washington, D.C.:

• Sophisticated Legal Strategy: Clients engage Claire Fundakowski and Winston & Strawn for their deep intellectual property expertise and their ability to craft sophisticated legal strategies that align with complex business objectives. The value lies in preventing costly litigation, securing market advantage, and protecting valuable intellectual assets, which far outweighs any promotional discount.

• Access to Extensive Resources: Working with Winston & Strawn LLP means clients benefit from the extensive resources of a global firm, including a large team of highly skilled attorneys with diverse technical backgrounds (many with advanced degrees in scientific fields), state-of-the-art litigation support, and comprehensive legal research capabilities. This collective strength is a significant advantage in high-stakes patent cases.

• Proactive Advisory Services: Beyond litigation, Claire Fundakowski routinely advises clients on competitive product development strategies in view of competitor patents and FDA regulations. This proactive guidance helps clients avoid potential disputes and costly litigation in the first place, offering a long-term strategic benefit.

These inherent benefits represent a substantial value proposition for companies in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors seeking top-tier legal representation in patent matters.

For businesses and organizations in Washington, D.C., requiring expert legal counsel in patent litigation, particularly within the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, Claire Fundakowski can be reached through the Winston & Strawn LLP Washington, D.C. office.

• Address: 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

• Phone: (202) 282-5347

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-282-5347

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the office directly to inquire about Ms. Fundakowski's availability and to discuss their specific intellectual property litigation needs.

For businesses and innovators in the District of Columbia, especially those in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, Claire Fundakowski at Winston & Strawn LLP represents an ideal choice for navigating complex patent litigation. Her suitability for local clients is underscored by several critical factors.

Firstly, her highly specialized expertise in patent law, combined with her unique background as a registered pharmacist, provides an unmatched level of insight into the scientific and regulatory nuances of her clients' industries. In a city like Washington, D.C., which is a hub for both legislative and scientific innovation, this dual understanding is invaluable for effectively litigating and advising on intellectual property matters. Her experience clerking at the Federal Circuit further enhances her ability to represent clients in high-stakes appeals.

Secondly, the strategic location of Winston & Strawn LLP in downtown D.C. ensures that clients have convenient access to her services and that she is well-positioned to engage with federal courts, the USPTO, and other relevant regulatory bodies. This local presence facilitates direct communication and agile response times, which are crucial in fast-moving litigation.

Finally, being part of a globally renowned firm like Winston & Strawn means that local clients benefit from extensive resources, a collaborative approach, and a proven track record of success in complex litigation. The numerous awards and recognitions Claire has received from prestigious legal publications affirm her standing as a top-tier litigator. For D.C.-based companies seeking to protect their intellectual property and achieve favorable outcomes in patent disputes, Claire Fundakowski offers the blend of scientific insight, legal acumen, and strategic advocacy required to succeed.