Sean O’Hanlon

/My focus

During my ten years as an administrative patent judge, I presided over more than 230 AIA trials—serving as the authoring judge in more than 80 of those proceedings—and participated in more than 740 ex parte appeals, authoring over 200 decisions. I understand how the Board evaluates petitions, weighs evidence, construes claims, and exercises its discretionary authority, and I bring that perspective directly to bear whether I am helping a petitioner build a compelling challenge or counseling a patent owner on the most effective defensive strategy.

My practice encompasses the full range of post-grant proceedings, including IPR, PGR, and ex parte reexamination. Beyond the PTAB, my background includes extensive prosecution experience across the mechanical and electrical arts, and prior to joining the Board I spent more than 15 years in private practice handling all facets of intellectual property law, informed by an earlier career as a mechanical engineer.

/Looking ahead

Post-grant proceedings are in the midst of significant change. Expanded discretionary denials, centralized Director Review authority, and sharply declining institution rates are reshaping how clients must approach IPR and PGR strategy, all of which demand earlier and more nuanced decision making than ever before. My decade of experience inside the Board positions me to help clients navigate this shifting landscape with confidence.