McDermott Will & Emery welcome new partner Bernard Knight Jr. Mr. Knight is a general counsel at the Patent and Trademark Office. His experience in intellectual property will be added to McDermott Will & Emery’s IP litigation practice group located in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Knight commented, “I’m really honored to be joining their ranks.” He will make the move after the summer, on September 16. He felt he would be a good fit for McDermott Will & Emery, and commented that “they are one of the pre-eminent firms in intellectual property.” Certainly with his years of experience in the field, he will be a gem for the firm. Mr. Knight helped to design the America Invents Act, passed in 2012, which overhauled how patents are issued. As he was one of the main architects of the law, his first hand knowledge of how it works and its essential defining differences from the old system it replaces will add immense value to the McDermott Will & Emery.
Mr. Knight holds a law degree from USC and began his career at Vinson & Elkins. He has worked for the Department of Treasury and represented the U.S. government during the financial crisis, according to Law.com. For recognition of his work he was presented with a distinguished service award by former treasury secretaries Timothy Geithner and Henry Paulson. His addition as a partner will be lauded.