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Provided by John J Molenda
Patent | Appeals & Advocacy | Patent Litigation | Post-Grant Proceedings | Trade Secrets | Intellectual Property
John Molenda is a first-chair trial and appellate litigator who co-chairs Steptoe's Healthcare & Life Sciences practice and serves as head of the Intellectual Property practice for the New York office. He has also served on the firm's Executive Committee. John focuses on patent litigation before US district courts and the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, along with inter partes reviews (IPRs), opinions of counsel, and due diligence. He represents clients across a wide range of technologies, including small molecule pharmaceuticals (Hatch-Waxman), biotherapeutics (biologics), biochemical research tools, genetically modified plants, medical devices, computer software, semiconductors, fiber optics, and automotive parts. Chambers USA has ranked John for Intellectual Property (Patent) in New York since 2022, noting that "John is knowledgeable, thorough and most importantly, he is business-focused." IAM Patent 1000 has ranked John in the United States since 2015, similarly noting that he is "excellent in developing legal strategies, advocating in court and providing sound advice that meets his clients' business needs."
John has developed a particular expertise in high-stakes life sciences patent litigation and post-grant proceedings and has been recognized for his talents in handling those types of matters. He was named a 2021 Healthcare/Life Sciences Trailblazer by the National Law Journal and a 2019 Life Sciences MVP by Law360. IAM has likewise recognized John as an "extremely smart and meticulous" litigator who has created a "strong [brand] on both the small and large molecule sides."
With respect to small molecule pharmaceuticals, John has served as lead counsel in numerous high-value Hatch-Waxman litigations, including those involving treatments for chronic myeloid leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma, blood clotting disorders, opioid dependence, and dry eye disease. With respect to large molecule pharmaceuticals (biologics), John led Steptoe's team in litigating groundbreaking antibody therapies used to treat high cholesterol. He has also managed the legal strategy for a global biosimilars program involving a diverse portfolio of monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins. At the same time, John routinely counsels clients on the strategic use of IPRs as part of litigation and settlement strategy, and he has served as lead counsel in numerous life sciences-related IPRs.
As a complement to his district court practice, John also maintains an active appellate practice. He regularly argues before the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and has held substantial roles in nearly 30 such appeals. John is active in the Federal Circuit community, currently serving as Chair of the Regional Programs Committee of the Federal Circuit Bar Association. Prior to private practice, he served as a Federal Circuit law clerk for the Honorable Alan D. Lourie.
Federal Circuit Bar Association - Bench & Bar Planning Committee Co-Chair (July 2016-June 2017; July 2025-present), Regional Programs Committee
Co-Chair (July 2022-June 2025) and Co-Vice Chair (July 2020-June 2022), Rules Committee Co-Chair (December 2011-October 2014), Legislation Committee Co-Chair (October 2008-October 2011), Patent Litigation Committee Vice Chair (October 2005-October 2008)
New York Intellectual Property Law Association
New York State Bar Association
Provided by Chambers
John Molenda heads the firm's New York IP group. He has experience in a wide range of patent litigation, with a particular focus on small-molecule pharmaceuticals and biologics.
Provided by Chambers
John offers good judgment and advice and is thoughtful and effective in court.
John's knowledge of appellate patent law and the Federal Circuit judges is second to none, but what truly sets John apart is his understanding of client businesses and the level of client service that he provides.
John offers good judgment and advice and is thoughtful and effective in court.
John's knowledge of appellate patent law and the Federal Circuit judges is second to none, but what truly sets John apart is his understanding of client businesses and the level of client service that he provides.