Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, is pleased to announce that it has enhanced its Intellectual Practice Group with the addition of Alejandro Fernandez and Stephen Leahu. Fernandez and Leahu, both Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Intellectual Property (IP) and registered patent attorneys, practice in Akerman's office in Tampa. They bring a deep understanding of IP protection and enforcement, further strengthening the firm's capabilities in advanced software, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and medical device industries.
"Alex and Stephen's expertise in intricate IP issues, and how those issues impact companies, will further position Akerman as trusted counsel for our clients' most valuable assets," said Intellectual Property Practice Group Chair Brian Bianco. "Their joint experience adds important insights and skills to our national team."
Alejandro Fernandez
Fernandez is a versatile IP counselor and litigator. For nearly twenty years, Fernandez has represented clients in every stage of IP litigation around the country. During that time, he has also negotiated many IP agreements and drafted countless heavy-duty patents in varied technical fields. His collaborative approach and IP knowhow has led colleagues and former opposing counsel to refer clients to Fernandez or co-counsel with him in later cases.
Stephen Leahu
Leahu partners with clients to protect and enforce their rights in all areas of intellectual property, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade dress, domain names, unfair competition, idea misappropriation, and trade secrets. He is actively involved in patent prosecution, post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, litigation, licensing and the counseling of clients on their product development, and transactions concerning intellectual property rights. Leahu represents clients in intellectual property litigation in various state and federal courts and before the International Trade Commission (ITC).
About Akerman
Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized among the most forward thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. Its more than 700 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth. Akerman is known for its results in middle market M&A and complex disputes, and for helping clients achieve their most important business objectives in the financial services, real estate and other dynamic sectors across the United States and Latin America.
From pharmaceuticals and medical devices, to computer software and technology, to fashion and music, Akerman’s Intellectual Property Practice Group serves clients in all aspects of intellectual property counseling, litigation, licensing, transactions, and due diligence. Our team includes lawyers and patent agents with advanced technical degrees and business experience in disciplines such as electrical engineering, computer science, chemistry, and molecular biology. Our scientific and business backgrounds, coupled with experience gained from past service in the United States Patent & Trademark office, enable us to provide practical strategies for protecting intellectual property value.