Sheila N. Swaroop

Swaroop’s recent victories come on both the plaintiff and defense side of complex patent litigation, and on major stages. They include a determination from the International Trade Commission last year that a client’s chief competitor infringed two key patents.

On behalf of Nobel Biocare, the world’s top-selling dental implant manufacturer, Swaroop helped secure an exclusion order that blocked the U.S. importation of implants from Brazilian company JJGC and Instradent AG, which has since been acquired by Nobel’s largest competitor, Straumann AG. In re Certain Dental Implants, 337-TA-934 (ITC April 28, 2017).

She’s seen more patent litigation with the Washington, D.C.-based ITC in the last couple of years, which often include paralegal litigation in U.S. District Court and with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Her work isn’t limited to plaintiffs — she’s enjoyed success on the defense side, too, building off a background that includes a bachelor’s degree in biology from Harvard University and a law degree from UC Berkeley School of Law.

She’s long been interested in intellectual property law.

“I thought that IP would be a great way to combine both technology and law in the same field,” she said. “You’re constantly working with cutting-edge technology and learning about new products.”

She also appreciates the changing nature of patent law.

“It’s a combination of both that make this field a really exciting one to be in,” Swaroop said.

Swaroop’s dedication extends beyond her clients. She’s founding member and current president of the Orange County Bar Association’s Howard T. Markey Intellectual Property Inn of Court, a networking, education and mentoring group. She’s also a former board member of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers’ Orange County chapter and a former president of the South Asian Bar Association of Southern California. She’s on the board of trustees for the Harbor Day School in Corona del Mar.

— Meghann M. Cuniff