Patent Eligibility of Software Innovations

Shahar Harel is an associate in Brown Rudnick’s IP Litigation group.

He helps his clients identify, develop, protect and monetize their intellectual property. His practice focuses on patent litigation in diverse technologies such as medical devices, semiconductors, smartphones and pharmaceuticals in Federal courts, before the International Trade Commission, and at post-grant proceedings in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. His responsibilities include taking and defending depositions, arguing motions and at Markman hearings, drafting briefs and expert reports, and preparing witnesses for deposition and trial. A registered patent attorney, Mr. Harel also has experience prosecuting patents in the electromechanical arts, drafting and negotiating IP and software licensing agreements, and preparing non-infringement and invalidity opinions.

Mr. Harel leverages a distinct technical background in performing his legal work. Prior to attending law school, he was a doctoral student in computer science at Harvard University. While in school, he held research and engineering positions at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Weizmann Institute of Science. Following his graduate technical education, Mr. Harel developed patented technology directed to root cause analysis of network and system failures for a profitable high-tech startup leading to its acquisition at over a quarter of a billion dollars.

Mr. Harel’s pro bono work includes securing protective orders for battered women and representing refugees seeking asylum.