Brian C. Barnes

Brian focuses on protecting his clients’ innovations through strategic patent litigation across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other complex technologies. Recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2025 honoree, he represents innovators and companies in intellectual property disputes, guiding them through infringement actions and defenses with a practical, results-driven approach.

Brian has helped secure significant patent litigation wins for his clients in a variety of forums, including U.S. Federal District Courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). He has litigated cases involving a wide range of medical device technologies, including cardiovascular devices such as heart valves and valve repair devices, vascular technologies including thrombectomy systems.  Brian has also represented generic pharmaceutical companies in numerous litigations under the Hatch-Waxman Act.

Recognized as a top performer before the PTAB, Brian has obtained cancellation of challenged patent claims in numerous inter partes reviews (IPRs).  He has also helped his clients navigate the changing PTAB landscape, including the evolving procedures and practices for discretionary denial of IPR institutions.

No matter the forum or technology, Brian uses his scientific and legal training, including as a Federal Circuit law clerk, to secure the best outcomes for his clients.

Brian attended Duke University School of Law, where he served as an editor of the Duke Law Journal.

Clerk Experience

Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Todd M. Hughes, United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, 2018-2019