Gregory Discher

In the dynamic legal landscape of Washington D.C., where innovation drives progress across numerous industries, the protection of intellectual property (IP) is a cornerstone of business success. Whether you're an inventor safeguarding a groundbreaking technology, a company defending its patent portfolio, or a startup navigating the complexities of IP rights, having a highly skilled and experienced intellectual property attorney is essential. In this specialized field, Gregory Discher, Of Counsel at the renowned firm Covington & Burling LLP, stands out as a distinguished legal professional, particularly known for his expertise in complex patent matters and post-grant trials.

Gregory Discher's practice is deeply focused on the intricate world of intellectual property, with a strong emphasis on patent prosecution, post-grant proceedings (such as Inter Partes Reviews - IPRs), and strategic IP advice. His profound understanding of a wide array of technologies, including internet, telecommunications, networking, software, semiconductor devices, and electronics, allows him to provide invaluable counsel to clients at the forefront of innovation. For businesses and innovators in the District of Columbia seeking robust protection for their intellectual assets or navigating challenging patent disputes, Gregory Discher offers a wealth of experience and strategic acumen right here in the city.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Gregory Discher's professional contributions and location, tailored specifically for local residents and businesses in the District of Columbia. We will delve into his office's accessible location, the specialized services he offers, key features that highlight his expertise, and essential contact information. While sadly, public information indicates Mr. Discher passed away in October 2024, understanding the scope of his work provides insight into the type of high-caliber intellectual property expertise available within a prestigious firm like Covington & Burling LLP in Washington D.C.

Location and Accessibility

Gregory Discher was based at the prestigious Washington D.C. offices of Covington & Burling LLP, located at One CityCenter, 850 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA. This address is situated in a vibrant and central part of downtown D.C., making it exceptionally convenient for clients throughout the District and the greater metropolitan area. One CityCenter is a prominent development that houses numerous high-profile businesses and professional services, reflecting the caliber of the firms within.

The accessibility of this location is a significant advantage for D.C. locals. It is optimally served by Washington D.C.'s extensive public transportation network. The Metro Center station (Red, Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines) is just a short walk away, providing seamless connections from virtually any part of the city. Gallery Place–Chinatown station (Red, Green, and Yellow Lines) is also nearby, offering additional convenience. Multiple bus routes also operate in the immediate vicinity, further enhancing ease of access. For those traveling by car, while central D.C. parking can sometimes be challenging, there are numerous commercial parking garages available within a close radius of One CityCenter, offering convenient options for visitors. This prime and easily reachable address ensures that premier legal counsel, particularly in the complex field of intellectual property, is readily accessible to the local D.C. community.

Services Offered

Gregory Discher's practice at Covington & Burling LLP focused extensively on various facets of intellectual property law, with a particular emphasis on patents. His expertise encompassed both the procurement and enforcement of patent rights, as well as providing strategic advice to clients across diverse technological sectors. Key services that were part of his practice included:

• Inter Partes Review (IPR) and Post-Grant Trials: A significant portion of his practice involved representing clients (both petitioners and patent owners) in post-grant review proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). He had extensive experience serving as counsel in numerous IPR matters, including through oral arguments.
• Complex Patent Prosecution: Guiding clients through the intricate process of drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications before the USPTO, ensuring robust and enforceable patents.
• Patent Reexamination and Reissue Proceedings: Representing clients in ex parte and inter partes reexamination proceedings, as well as patent reissue proceedings.
• Patent Infringement and Invalidity Investigations/Opinions: Providing detailed legal analysis and opinions regarding patent infringement, validity, and enforceability.
• Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Investigations and Opinions: Assisting clients in assessing the risk of infringing existing patents when developing or launching new products or services.
• IP Due Diligence: Conducting thorough intellectual property due diligence in connection with corporate transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, and investments.
• Strategic IP Advice: Offering comprehensive strategic counsel to clients on how to develop, obtain, protect, manage, and enforce their intellectual property rights in alignment with their business objectives.
• Representing Clients in Litigation: Experience representing clients in United States District Courts, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
• Technical Expertise Across Diverse Technologies: Providing counsel for inventions in a wide range of fields including Internet, telecommunications, networking, messaging technologies and protocols, software and software-related inventions, semiconductor device and fabrication technologies, display technologies, electronics, electronic commerce, and various mechanical inventions.

Features / Highlights

Gregory Discher's career was marked by several distinctive features and highlights that underscore his significant contributions to the field of intellectual property law and made him a highly sought-after attorney:

• Extensive Experience in Post-Grant Matters: His record of serving as counsel for over forty post-grant matters, representing both petitioners and patent owners, highlights his deep expertise and success in these complex USPTO proceedings.
• Technical Background: Holding advanced degrees (M.S.) in engineering and a B.S. from Purdue University, Gregory Discher possessed a strong technical foundation that enabled him to understand and effectively litigate and prosecute patents across highly complex and evolving technologies.
• Judicial Clerkship Experience: His experience as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable H. Robert Mayer at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit provided him with invaluable insights into appellate practice and patent law from a judicial perspective.
• Thought Leadership and Publications: Gregory Discher was a recognized voice in the IP community, co-authoring articles on significant topics such as the USPTO's reports on Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Policy, demonstrating his engagement with cutting-edge legal issues.
• Part of a Prestigious Firm: As part of Covington & Burling LLP, a globally recognized firm known for its high-stakes litigation and sophisticated IP practice, he operated within a framework of extensive resources and collaborative expertise.
• Strategic Advisor: Beyond just prosecution or litigation, he was valued for his ability to provide strategic advice that aligned IP efforts with broader business goals.

Promotions or Special Offers

While large, prestigious law firms like Covington & Burling LLP typically do not publicly advertise promotions or special offers in the traditional consumer sense, they often engage with prospective clients through initial consultations. For complex legal matters, especially in intellectual property, these initial discussions are crucial for understanding the client's needs and determining the best course of action. It is advisable for interested parties in the District of Columbia to directly contact Covington & Burling LLP to inquire about their intake process and how they structure engagements for new intellectual property matters. While specific "special offers" may not exist, the firm's approach is designed to provide high-value, bespoke legal services.

Contact Information

For individuals and businesses in the District of Columbia seeking top-tier intellectual property legal counsel, particularly concerning complex patent matters, you would contact Covington & Burling LLP directly. While Gregory Discher is no longer with the firm, the information provided for him points to the firm's main D.C. office, where his legacy of expertise in patent law continues to be reflected by other highly qualified attorneys.

Address: One CityCenter, 850 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

Phone: (202) 662-6000

Mobile Phone: +1 202-662-6000

Prospective clients are encouraged to call Covington & Burling LLP during business hours to discuss their legal needs. The firm's intake team can direct inquiries to the most appropriate attorney or practice group that aligns with the specific IP or patent challenges you may be facing.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents and businesses across the District of Columbia, Covington & Burling LLP, where Gregory Discher practiced, represents a benchmark for sophisticated legal counsel in intellectual property, especially in the patent domain. The firm's prime location at One CityCenter makes it easily accessible from all parts of D.C., ensuring that local innovators and companies have convenient access to world-class legal expertise.

While we note the unfortunate passing of Gregory Discher, his extensive and impactful career highlights the caliber of attorneys and the depth of expertise that Covington & Burling LLP consistently offers. The firm's strong capabilities in complex patent prosecution, post-grant proceedings, and IP litigation, coupled with a deep understanding of cutting-edge technologies, make it an ideal choice for D.C.'s thriving tech and innovation sectors. For anyone in the District of Columbia seeking robust protection for their technological advancements, strategic advice on patent portfolios, or representation in high-stakes IP disputes, engaging with a firm like Covington & Burling LLP means partnering with a team that has a proven track record of excellence and a profound commitment to safeguarding intellectual assets in a competitive global landscape.