Nathan P. Sportel is an experienced Attorney in the firm’s Intellectual Property practice group.

As a multiskilled patent attorney, Nathan Sportel brings a unique blend of expertise in patent prosecution, patent litigation, and post-grant proceedings. Nathan is a former patent examiner and has an electrical engineering background. With over a decade of experience challenging and obtaining patents before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the courts, Nathan is well-versed in the intricacies of patent law.

Inter Partes Review (IPR)

Nathan’s track record before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board when disputing a patent’s validity in an IPR is unblemished. Nathan’s success in petitioning for IPR has consistently led to IPR institution and patent invalidity. Conversely, when defending a patent’s validity, Nathan has always successfully defended the patent at the institution phase, saving clients significant legal fees.

Nathan is a recognized authority in IPR proceedings, having penned several articles in the field and as a counsel in the precedential opinion Sotera v. Masimo, which created the “Sotera Stipulation” – a tool used by almost all post-grant practitioners to avoid the dreaded Fintiv discretionary denials. Indeed, Sotera stipulations, the mechanism created by Nathan and his team, was recently endorsed by the USPTO as a incontestable way to avoid institution denial under Fintiv.

As a former patent examiner, Nathan understands how to prepare an IPR petition and find prior art that can lead to client success. Nathan can efficiently search for prior art, using the techniques taught by the USPTO to patent examiners, and put together a strong IPR petition. Nathan understands the compressed schedule of IPRs and excels at presenting cases efficiently.

Patent Litigation

Nathan is also an experienced intellectual property litigator and serves as a technical advisor in patent infringement cases. He has litigated patent cases, advocating for clients’ rights by both defending against infringement allegations and demonstrating infringement of client patent rights by competitors. His deep understanding of patent law allows him to dissect complex technical issues and present compelling arguments to judges and juries. Nathan has a track record of achieving favorable outcomes for his clients in patent litigation matters.

In addition, due to Nathan’s significant IPR experience, Nathan can guide clients toward the IPR procedures as a way to avoid costly litigation.

Patent Prosecution

As an electrical engineer and former U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Patent Examiner, Nathan is a skilled patent prosecutor, adept at drafting and securing patents for inventors and businesses. His meticulous approach ensures that clients’ innovations receive robust protection. He works closely with inventors, engineers, and scientists to understand complex technologies, translating them into comprehensive patent applications.

Nathan has successfully navigated the patent examination process, obtaining valuable patents across various industries, including artificial intelligence, fiber optics, embedded circuits, Internet of Things (IoT), security systems, medical benefit managers, and cloud-based innovation and virtualization. Relying on Nathan’s counsel, clients have sought and received patent protection in China, India, Japan, the European Union, Great Britain, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Nathan Sportel’s passion lies in being part of the process that brings someone’s life work to fruition. Whether securing patents or defending against infringement claims, he combines legal acumen with technical insight to deliver exceptional results. His dedication to clients and exciting moments, like presenting newly issued patents, underscores his commitment to innovation and protection in the field of patent law.

Professional Affiliations, Activities and Honors

• PTAB Bar Association
• Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago

Articles and Presentations

• “Did Sotera Stipulations Solve the Fintiv Criticisms?,” Chicago-Kent Journal of Intellectual Property, Vol 21. Iss. 2, April 2022
• “PTAB’s Fintiv Test and the Use of Stipulations in Parallel District Court Litigation,” IP Litigator 1, Vol 27. Number 3, May/June 2021

Education, Bar and Court Admissions, Clerkships

Nathan earned his juris doctor from Michigan State University College of Law in 2010. He received his bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Calvin University.

Nathan was a clerk for Vanderkam and Associates in the Houston Texas area. He was a summer associate for Harness, Dickey, & Pierce, P.L.C.

Nathan is admitted to practice law in Michigan, Illinois, the District of Columbia, and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).