J. Steven Baughman

Steve Baughman is the leading practitioner nationally in handling post-grant trials before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).

Representing world-leading innovators in their highest-stakes disputes, in technologies ranging from pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical devices to semiconductors, satellites and fintech, Steve has been consistently and continuously recognized in the market since the beginning of the PTAB. Named Law360’s first “IP MVP” for post-grant contributions in 2013, Steve was counsel on four first-day filings at the PTAB, including the first post-grant trial to reach final decision—recognized by Managing IP as a “Milestone Case of the Year.” He was counsel on fifteen of the first 25 Covered Business Method review proceedings, and more CBMs than any other attorney. Over the first 4½ years of trials at the PTAB, Steve amassed a 47-0 record in final written decisions on behalf of challengers, while also defending key patents on behalf of patent owners—eliminating or protecting patents linked to market valuations totaling well over $1 billion. For more than 30 years, Steve has represented leading international companies with their most significant disputes. Steve has been counsel of record in more than 200 Inter Partes Review (IPR), Post-Grant Review (PGR), and CBM proceedings, including more than 70 proceedings argued through a final hearing.  In addition, Steve is consistently retained for behind-the-scenes PTAB counseling.  Steve has also appeared before trial and appellate courts, the International Trade Commission, and domestic and international arbitration tribunals, and Steve regularly conducts strategic patent reexaminations in connection with patent disputes.

IAM Patent 1000 has dubbed Steve a “post-grant guru,” an “ace up [the] sleeve” and “a consummate all-round advocate,” with clients praising him as “an excellent strategist” and “superb on the technical detail and as up to date on recent developments in the law as it is possible to be.” Steve was named Managing IP North America’s 2024 PTAB Practitioner of the Year, was shortlisted for this same award in 2025, and was shortlisted as its “Outstanding IP Litigator (PTAB)” in 2016 and for LMG Life Sciences’ “Post-Grant Proceedings Attorney of the Year” in 2018 and 2022. The Legal 500 has called him “the partner to rely on in a technical patent case,” and his work has also been recognized by Chambers, IAM Global Leaders, Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars, Who’s Who Legal:Patent, LMG Life Sciences Stars, and Washington DC Super Lawyers. Steve helped form the PTAB Bar Association in 2016, and was an Officer and Director from its creation through his service as its President from March 2020 to May 2021. Steve also opened the Tokyo office of a prior leading firm.

Steve earned his B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University, and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.