Kathi Vidal

For businesses, innovators, and individuals in the dynamic landscape of Washington, D.C., protecting intellectual property (IP) is more crucial than ever. In this complex and rapidly evolving field, having legal counsel with unparalleled experience and insight can make all the difference. Kathi Vidal stands as a preeminent figure in intellectual property and patent litigation, offering an extraordinary depth of knowledge and a distinguished career that has shaped IP policy at the highest levels. Recently returning to private practice at Winston & Strawn's Washington, D.C. office, Ms. Vidal brings a wealth of experience, including her impactful tenure as the former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This article will delve into her background, areas of expertise, and how her unique perspective can benefit local clients navigating the intricate world of innovation and technology law.

Kathi Vidal's career is a testament to her profound impact on the fields of intellectual property and technology. Before leading the USPTO, she was a highly respected partner at Winston & Strawn, where she built a reputation as one of the nation’s leading patent and IP litigators. Her return to the firm's Washington, D.C. office means that local businesses, startups, and established corporations now have direct access to her strategic counsel and formidable litigation skills. Her work spans a broad spectrum of technologies, from cutting-edge artificial intelligence and next-generation semiconductors to medical devices and consumer goods. She is known for her ability to navigate high-stakes and precedent-setting IP cases, providing clients with the strategic guidance needed to secure and defend their most valuable innovations.

Her distinguished service at the USPTO, where she oversaw a vast operation and advised the President and Administration on IP matters, has provided her with an unparalleled understanding of the regulatory and policy landscape. This unique perspective allows her to offer clients not just legal representation, but also insights into the future direction of IP law and policy, both domestically and internationally. For Washington, D.C. residents and businesses, engaging with an attorney of Ms. Vidal's caliber offers a distinct advantage in protecting their innovations and navigating the challenges at the intersection of technology, law, and policy.

Kathi Vidal practices from the Washington, D.C. office of Winston & Strawn LLP, located at 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This address places her in the heart of downtown D.C., a central and highly accessible location for clients throughout the metropolitan area. The firm's office is conveniently situated within walking distance of several Metro stations, including Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines), providing easy access via public transportation for those coming from various parts of the District, Maryland, and Virginia. Numerous Metrobus lines also serve the immediate vicinity, further enhancing accessibility.

For those traveling by car, 1901 L St NW is located in a well-established commercial district, with several parking garages and street parking options available nearby, although as with any downtown D.C. location, planning for parking is advisable. The central positioning also means the office is in close proximity to federal courts, government agencies, and other key institutions vital to intellectual property and regulatory law. This strategic location ensures that clients can easily access legal counsel and that the firm is well-positioned to engage with the relevant governmental and judicial bodies crucial to IP matters. The professional and accessible setting of Winston & Strawn's D.C. office reflects a commitment to serving clients efficiently and effectively in the nation's capital.

Kathi Vidal’s practice at Winston & Strawn focuses primarily on complex intellectual property matters, leveraging her extensive experience as a leading litigator and her recent role as Director of the USPTO. Her expertise encompasses a broad range of services vital for innovators and businesses in the D.C. area and beyond:

• Patent Litigation: Representing clients in high-stakes patent disputes across various technologies, including electrical and computer engineering, semiconductors, healthcare, medical devices, financial services (including digital assets and blockchain), social media, and consumer goods. This includes litigation in U.S. federal district and appellate courts, and before the International Trade Commission (ITC).
• Intellectual Property Strategy and Counseling: Advising clients, from Fortune 10 companies to startups, on developing robust IP strategies, managing their patent portfolios, and navigating complex issues at the intersection of technology, law, and policy.
• Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Practice: Extensive experience in proceedings before the USPTO’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board, including inter partes reviews (IPRs) and post-grant reviews (PGRs).
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies: Providing legal counsel on the evolving landscape of AI, next-generation semiconductors, and other critical and emerging technologies, including related privacy matters and policy implications.
• International IP Matters: Handling international intellectual property issues, with experience in jurisdictions such as China, Germany, and Korea, and advising on international policy and agreements.
• Appellate Advocacy: Arguing seminal cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and leading appellate teams for trials, showcasing her strong advocacy skills at the highest levels of IP law.
• Due Diligence for Transactions: Conducting patent due diligence for transactional matters, ensuring that clients’ IP assets are thoroughly vetted and protected during mergers, acquisitions, and other business deals.
• Policy and Regulatory Guidance: Leveraging her unique insight from her time as USPTO Director to guide clients through complex policy and regulatory environments, particularly those related to innovation and technology standards.

Kathi Vidal's distinguished career is marked by several exceptional features and highlights that underscore her standing as a leader in intellectual property law: <1>

• Former Director of the USPTO: Her most significant highlight is her recent service as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In this role, she led a $4.2 billion operation with over 14,000 employees, driving U.S. innovation and influencing global IP policy. This experience provides her with an unparalleled perspective on the patent system and its future direction.
• Renowned IP Litigator: Before and after her government service, Ms. Vidal has been consistently recognized as one of the leading patent and intellectual property litigators in the U.S. She has a strong track record of prevailing for her clients, including securing injunctions, exclusion orders, and significant damage awards.
• Expertise in Emerging Technologies: She is internationally recognized for her deep experience in AI, next-generation semiconductors, and other critical and emerging technologies. TechCrunch and Forbes have recognized her for her contributions to the AI revolution and as a top woman in innovation.
• Influential in IP Policy: Kathi Vidal is considered one of the most influential people in IP globally. Her work includes advising the President and the Administration on IP policy, and actively shaping policies related to AI, innovation, and technological standards.
• Hall of Fame Inductee: She is a ChIPs (Chiefs in Intellectual Property) Hall of Fame recipient, an honor shared with luminaries including Supreme Court justices, highlighting her significant contributions to the field and her advocacy for women in law and technology.
• Extensive Trial and Appellate Experience: Ms. Vidal has tried numerous high-stakes IP cases and has argued seminal cases at the Federal Circuit, demonstrating her prowess in both trial and appellate advocacy.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: During her tenure at the USPTO, she actively worked to expand innovation opportunities for underrepresented groups and founded initiatives like Nextgenlawyers.com to support junior lawyers and promote diversity in the IP profession.
• Strategic Business Acumen: With a background as an electrical engineer at General Electric and Lockheed Martin, coupled with her legal expertise, Ms. Vidal possesses a unique ability to bridge the gap between complex technology and effective legal strategy.

As a highly distinguished attorney practicing at a prominent international law firm like Winston & Strawn, Kathi Vidal's services are typically sought by corporations, innovators, and individuals with significant intellectual property challenges. In the realm of high-stakes IP litigation and sophisticated legal counseling, traditional "promotions" or "special offers" are not generally applicable.

However, clients seeking her counsel can expect a commitment to providing highly specialized and impactful legal strategy. For prospective clients, the initial consultation process is the standard way to engage. During this phase, individuals and businesses have the opportunity to discuss their specific IP needs, learn about Ms. Vidal's approach, and understand how her unique background and expertise can be leveraged for their benefit. While specific fee structures will be discussed directly with clients based on the complexity and scope of the matter, the value she brings in terms of strategic insight, litigation success, and policy understanding is a significant "offer" in itself for those navigating critical intellectual property landscapes in Washington, D.C. and beyond.

To inquire about legal services or to schedule a consultation with Kathi Vidal, please use the following contact information for the Washington, D.C. office of Winston & Strawn LLP:

• Address: 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
• Phone: (202) 282-5099
• Mobile Phone: +1 202-282-5099 (This number is typically the main office line or a direct line. For general inquiries, the main office number is recommended.)

Reaching out directly allows you to connect with the firm's team and explore how Ms. Vidal's extensive experience in intellectual property law can support your specific needs.

For residents and businesses within the District of Columbia, Kathi Vidal's return to Winston & Strawn's D.C. office presents an unparalleled opportunity for expert legal counsel in intellectual property and technology law. Her suitability for locals is rooted in several compelling factors that align perfectly with the unique needs of the nation's capital.

Firstly, her physical presence in downtown D.C. at 1901 L St NW ensures convenient accessibility for individuals and companies located throughout the city and the wider metropolitan area. Being centrally located means easier access for meetings, consultations, and collaborative efforts, which is especially beneficial for fast-paced businesses and innovators. Her location also places her firmly within the legal and political ecosystem of Washington, D.C., where many critical IP policies and decisions are shaped.

Secondly, Kathi Vidal's direct experience as the former Director of the USPTO offers a distinct and invaluable advantage to local clients. Her tenure at the highest levels of U.S. intellectual property governance means she possesses an intimate, insider's understanding of how IP policy is developed, interpreted, and enforced. For D.C.-based companies, particularly those in technology, government contracting, or research and development, this perspective is crucial for navigating complex regulatory landscapes, anticipating policy shifts, and effectively protecting their innovations. She understands the "how and why" behind the rules, a knowledge base that is rarely found in private practice.

Furthermore, her renowned expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and other emerging technologies directly addresses the forward-looking nature of many D.C. businesses and government-related entities. As the city continues to be a hub for innovation, policy-making, and technological advancement, having a lawyer who is not only fluent in these cutting-edge fields but also recognized globally as an influential voice, positions local clients at the forefront of IP protection and strategy.

Finally, Ms. Vidal's commitment to strategic advocacy and her proven track record of success in high-stakes litigation provide immense reassurance. For D.C. locals, whether they are a startup securing their first patent or a large corporation defending their core technology, having a legal partner with such a formidable background ensures that their intellectual assets are in the most capable hands. Her return to private practice in Washington, D.C., truly means that the city's innovative spirit has a dedicated and profoundly experienced champion in its corner.