Madison Office
Tel: (608) 283-2476
Fax: (608) 283-4902

Stephen J. Gardner

Partner

Steve Gardner practices in the firm's Intellectual Property Group, focusing on IP-related transactions and litigation. He works with both national and start-up companies, as well as research institutions and other IP owners to promote their technology through licensing and collaborative agreements and to maximize commercial value of their developments. When commercialization of IP assets is jeopardized through infringement, or IP agreements are breached, Mr. Gardner assists clients in a variety of enforcement efforts, including proceedings before numerous U.S. district courts and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Mr. Gardner's recent experience includes:

  • Drafting and negotiating software license and web vendor agreements;
  • Representing universities and research institutions in technology transfer and patent license agreements, joint development agreements, sponsored research agreements, and material transfer agreements;
  • Drafting and negotiating master research services agreements and software support and integration agreements;
  • Advising and assisting clients on disputes concerning IP rights in federal government contracts and procurement law;
  • Counseling clients on IP enforcement, patent validity, and freedom-to-operate opinions;
  • Representation of petitioners and patent owners in Inter Partes Review proceedings before the USPTO;
  • Representation of a research institution and licensee in a successful patent enforcement program involving 13 defendants and six patent infringement cases.

Mr. Gardner has counseled clients concerning all types of intellectual property in a wide variety of technologies, including on matters relating to software, magnetic resonance imaging, CT imaging, medical devices, industrial equipment, photolithography equipment, semiconductor chip manufacturing methods, liquid crystal display devices, LED manufacturing, and processors and electronic controllers.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Gardner served for two years as a law clerk for the Hon. Edward J. Damich, Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, a unique court that has nationwide jurisdiction over various federal government contract and IP disputes. Following his clerkship, he worked as an associate in the Washington D.C. office of a large general practice firm, where he focused on IP protection and enforcement.

Legal Services

  • Intellectual Property Strategic Counseling
  • Research Institutions
  • Technology Transfer
  • Intellectual Property Litigation
  • Patent Litigation
  • Inter Partes Review Proceedings
  • Higher Education
  • Appellate
  • Financial Institutions Litigation
  • Trade Secrets
  • Trade Secrets and Unfair Competition
  • Autonomous & Connected Vehicles

Education and Honors

  • Marquette University Law School (J.D., cum laude, 2006)
  • Michigan State University (B.S., 2003)
  • Major: Computer Engineering

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Wisconsin

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 2008
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 2006

Professional and Civic Activities

  • Law Clerk toChief Judge Edward J. Damich, United States Court of Federal Claims (2007–2009)
  • Intern to Chief Judge Rudolph T. Randa, United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin (2005)
  • Marquette University Legal Clinic (Volunteer Attorney, 2006–2007)

Publications and Presentations

09/06/18
Practical Advice Regarding Changes to Bayh-Dole Act Obligations
Research Institutions Alert

07/26/18
"Who’s Driving This? Overview and Impact of Autonomous and Connected Vehicles"
Quarles & Brady Seminar

07/10/17
"Understanding the Pros and Cons of Taking Equity in University Startups"
AUTM 2017 Central Region Meeting

06/19/17
"Sovereign Immunity of Patents: While a Strong Benefit to Patent Owners, These Patents Remain Subject to Traditional Challenges"
IPWatchdog

05/25/17
Patent Trial and Appeal Board Dismisses Second Inter Partes Review of University Patent on Sovereign Immunity Grounds
Research Institutions Alert

02/04/16
"Prospecting for Emerging Technology"
Venture Club of Indiana

03/22/11
Fighting the Power: Construction Dispute Resolution with the U.S. Government
Construction Litigation Update