Joe Marinelli is an accomplished intellectual property trial lawyer with over 25 years of experience helping clients protect their most important innovations and defend against claims that threaten their business objectives.

Joe represents clients in high-stakes litigation and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, particularly in disputes involving patents, trade secrets, trademarks and copyrights.  Joe has secured multi-million dollar verdicts, defended critical IP portfolios in dozens of inter partes reviews, and counseled clients across industries from fintech and mobile devices to automotive systems and semiconductors. Whether in court or at the negotiation table, Joe brings legal precision, technical insight, and a results-oriented approach to every matter.

Practice Areas

• IP Litigation: Joe represents companies ranging from emerging tech startups to global manufacturers in industries such as semiconductors, fintech, medical devices, healthcare processes, automotive systems, and mobile communications.  Joe has also litigated numerous cases involving standard-essential patents (“SEP”) and FRAND claims. 
• IP Counseling: Joe advises clients on intellectual property portfolio management and transactions, including structuring and negotiating IP licenses, joint ventures, and technology agreements. Joe works closely with clients to avoid costly infringement disputes, often by evaluating the strength and validity of patents early. 
• Emerging Technology & AI: Joe frequently advises clients on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology by preparing and developing strategies for implementing new technologies and counseling on potential risks.

Notable Results

• Secured an $18 million jury verdict in a patent license case involving point-of-sale activation and funding systems for prepaid debit cards and gift cards.
• Defended a digital rights patent portfolio in over 35 PTAB proceedings, resulting in dismissal or denial in nearly all cases.  
• Obtained a favorable jury verdict upholding the validity and enforceability of two patents relating to computer systems for activating retail gift cards against seven industry-leading retailers.
• Successfully arbitrated on behalf of California vineyard in trademark infringement and false advertising litigation against California winemaker.
• Secured favorable outcomes for a client asserting infringement of several patents related to liquid crystal display technology.
• Lead counsel in a patent infringement case on memory design technology that resolved favorably shortly before trial.

Articles and Presentations

A frequent speaker and published author, Joe’s insights have appeared in:

• Law360 Expert Analysis: “When Patents As Loan Collateral Can Cost You Standing” (July 2024)
• ABA Business Law Today: Multiple articles on § 101 eligibility, tribal sovereign immunity, and Federal Rules amendments (2016–2021)
• Spring Entrepreneurs Workshop: “Unlock Your Innovation: An Introduction to Intellectual Property” (April 2025)

Professional Affiliations and Distinctions

Joe is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Intellectual Property Law Association, and the Trial Bar for the Northern District of Illinois.

Joe has been selected to Super Lawyers from 2021 to the present.

Education

Joe received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin (cum laude) and his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University.