Tia D. Fenton practices in the area of intellectual property law with a concentration on patent litigation. With a background in chemistry, biochemistry and genetics, her practice focuses on chemical, biochemical, biomedical and pharmaceutical cases, including ANDA litigation. She also has experience litigating cases in other technical areas such as cable splicing, optics and streaming devices.
Prior to attending law school, Ms. Fenton worked as a forensic DNA analyst at Cellmark Diagnostics, Inc., and as a forensic DNA examiner at the Department of Defense's Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory. In this capacity, she served as an expert witness in DNA identification testing for approximately four years and testified in numerous trials throughout the country. She has also lectured scientists and graduate students on the presentation and effective use of scientific and technical evidence in the courtroom. Ms. Fenton's extensive trial and testimony experience provides her with a unique perspective on litigation, including particular skills in preparing expert witnesses for depositions and trial, and presenting technical evidence to juries and judges.
In addition to litigating cases in district court and before the Federal Circuit, Ms. Fenton represents both domestic and foreign companies in a full range of complex patent matters. She routinely counsels clients on pre-litigation and litigation strategies, due diligence and freedom to operate, licensing and the overall protection and enforcement of patent portfolios. Ms. Fenton also has experience in post-grant proceedings, as well as prosecution-related matters in the chemical, medical device, and pharmaceutical areas. She also has experience litigating and counseling clients on the strategic use of the USPTO post-grant proceedings in conjunction with the district court.
Ms. Fenton is a 2004 graduate of George Mason University School of Law. She received an M.S. in Forensic Science and DNA Technologies from Marshall University and is a graduate of Wheeling Jesuit University with a B.S. in Chemistry.
Admissions
- District of Columbia
- Virginia
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Education
- George Mason University Antonin Scalia School of Law, J.D., 2004
- Marshall University, M.S., Forensic Science and DNA Technologies, 1998
- Wheeling University, B.S., Chemistry, 1998
Experience
- Duane Morris LLP
- Partner, 2023-present - Oblon, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt LLP
- Partner, 2011-2023
- Associate/Senior Associate, 2004-2011 - U.S. Department of Defense, Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory
- DNA Specialist, 2000-2001 - Cellmark Diagnostics
- Senior DNA Specialist, Testifying Expert, 1998-2000
Professional Activities
American Bar Association
American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
National Association of Women Judges
Virginia Bar Association
Honors and Awards
- Listed in Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s “Influential Women of Law,” 2022