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(303) 863-2977
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Joseph E. Kovarik is a seasoned intellectual property attorney and shareholder at Sheridan Ross P.C., with over three decades of experience in patent prosecution and litigation, portfolio management, and intellectual property counseling. Recognized for his expertise in the biosciences and other technological innovations, Mr. Kovarik is a trusted adviser to clients ranging from startups to multinational corporations.
Named in Best Lawyers in America® 2025 edition for Patent Law, Mr. Kovarik’s peers have acknowledged his excellence in the field. His sustained dedication to intellectual property law has been consistently recognized by Super Lawyers from 2010 through 2025. He is Preeminent AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Law Week Colorado named him as the 2023 People’s Choice Best IP Litigator. Over the years, he has authored influential publications, including “Cancer Moonshot: Patents for Patients” in Trends in Cancer (August 2018), which explores expedited patent examinations for cancer therapies. Additionally, he presented at the 2019 Microbiome-Based Precision Medicine Symposium, focusing on the protection of microbiome-related intellectual property, demonstrating his engagement with cutting-edge medical and scientific advancements.
Mr. Kovarik’s professional involvement includes memberships in the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) and the Defense Research Institute (DRI). He served as a visiting professor at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business, teaching Executive MBA students about the intersections of intellectual property law and business strategy.
Mr. Kovarik holds a law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology; Biochemistry; and Philosophy from the University of Colorado, Boulder. His dedication to intellectual property law and his ability to navigate complex scientific and legal landscapes make him an invaluable adviser to his clients.
University of Denver College of Law (J.D., 1986)
University of Colorado (Graduate study in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, 1981-1982)
University of Colorado (B.A., Biochemistry: Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology; Philosophy, 1981)
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Intellectual Property in Employment
- Intellectual Property Litigation
- Patent Office Post Grant Proceedings
- Patent Prosecution
- Trade Secrets and Confidentiality
- Business Methods
- Green Technology
- Life Sciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Pharmaceuticals
Colorado, 1986
California, 1989
District of Columbia, 1990
United States District Court, District of Colorado
United States District Court, Northern District of California
United States Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
United States Supreme Court, 1992
United States Patent and Trademark Office, 1988
Affiliations:
Alternative Dispute Registration Registry (AIPLA)
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Bar Association, Biosciences Division
American Chemical Society
American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
California Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section
CDR Associate Training
CHV Sanitation District
Colorado Bar Association
Defense Research Institute (DRI)
Denver Bar Association
District of Columbia Bar Association
Fellows of the American Bar Foundation
International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
Presentations and Publications:
- Author: Integrative Cancer Science and Therapeutics Cancer Moonshot: Patents-4-Patients – EXTENDED!, March 2019.
- Speaker – “Protecting Microbiome-Related IP and Strategies” – 3rd Annual Microbiome-Based Precision Medicine Symposium at the Tri-Conference March 2019 San Francisco, CA
- Author: “Cancer Moonshot: Patents for Patients” Trends in Cancer, August 2018.
- Speaker/Author: “Supreme Court Developments,” Defense Research Institute, April 2018.
- Speaker: “BioBreakfast: IPRs, Mayo and a Cancer Moonshot,” Colorado BioScience Association, March 2018.
- Speaker: “IPRs, Mayo and a Cancer Moonshot,” Microbiome-Based Precision Medicine Conference, Cambridge Innovation Institute, San Francisco, California, February 15, 2018.
- Speaker: “Cancer Moonshot: Obtaining Patents on Oncologic Therapies,” 15th Annual Discovery on Target, Cambridge Innovation Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, September 2017.
- Author: Intellectual Property Duty to Disclose Guide “IADC Intellectual Property Committee” July 2017.
- Author: “A Fed. Circ. Failure and The Constitutionality of IPR,” Law360, 2017.
- Author: International Association of Defense Counsel – “What Is a Patent? The Constitutionality of Claim Invalidation in Inter Partes Review and ITC Proceedings,” 2017.
- Moderator: “Intellectual Property Issues in Acquisitions and Financing,” American Chemical Society National Conference, Denver, Colorado, 2015.
News:
- Shareholder Joe Kovarik provides his view of the role and advantages of mediation in today’s world of patent disputes, Defense Research Institute (DRI) IP Update Spring 2016. Click here to read the full article.
- Kovarik recognized by Best Lawyers in America 2017 read more…
- Sheridan Ross Shareholder Joe Kovarik joined the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), an exclusive, invitation only organization comprised of 2,500 inside and outside counsel and insurance industry executives representing companies across the world…read more.
Lenox MacLaren v. Medtronic Sofamor Danek, (D. Colo.) — Counsel for plaintiff in action for intentional interference with business relations involving a patented surgical device.
Karol Designs v. Burton Snowboards, (D. Colo.) — Counsel for plaintiff in action for patent infringement of a step-in snowboard system.
Dr. Glen Kelly v. Goretex, (D. Colo.) — Counsel for plaintiff in action Involving inventorship rights directed to a patented artificial blood vessel.
Cargill v. Swift United States, (N.D. Tex.) — Counsel for defendant in action for patent infringement involving meat processing systems directed to the electrostimulation of muscle to increase tenderness qualities thereof.
OrthoTain v. Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, (N.D. Ill.) — Counsel for plaintiff in action for breach of contract and counterclaims for patent misuse involving orthodontic appliances.
Callicrate v. Wadsworth Manufacturing, (D. Mont.) — Counsel for plaintiff patent holder involving cattle castration devices.
WCM v. American Brass and Aluminum, (D. Colo.) — Counsel for plaintiff in an action for patent infringement of a plumbing device.
Best Lawyers in America, 2016-2025
Colorado Super Lawyers, 2010-2023
Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Rated
