R. Blake Johnston focuses his practice on intellectual property law with an emphasis on patent prosecution and litigation, protection of trade secrets, licensing, patentability, freedom to operate, infringement and validity opinions, due diligence investigations and portfolio management. He has represented both international and domestic companies. He has prosecuted and/or litigated patents involving a variety of technologies and applications including: filtration components and systems, construction materials and tools, business methods, computer-based and electronic control systems, retail inventory display and shelving systems, portable lighting technology, cryogenics, refrigeration systems, heat exchanger technology, alternative fuels and energy technology, medical devices and systems, industrial systems and equipment, restaurant equipment, gaming systems, mechanical and electrical toys, kitchen devices, automotive and trucking components and systems and railroad equipment.

Representative Matters

• Southwire Company v. Cerro Wire Inc., 3:08-CV-092 (N.D. Georgia, Newnan Division 2008) – Representation of Cerro Wire in a patent infringement case involving a self-lubricating electrical wire and inter partes reexamination of the patent in suit in the US Patent and Trademark Office
• Baran v. AMT Sverige, AB, et al., 1:04-CV-01251 (N.D. Ohio 2004) – Representation of Medical Device Technologies, Inc. in a patent infringement matter. The case involved biopsy devices that feature a needle and cannula set where the cannula is spring-actuated to be driven into tissue after device is “cocked” and fired by pressing actuation button
• Heinz Kettler GMBH, et al. v. Radio Fyer, Inc., 1:02-cv-00810 and 2:04-CV-00614 (E.D. Virginia 2002 and 2004) – Representation of Radio Flyer in a patent dispute involving a locking handlebar and limited turning feature for tricycles
• Bemis Manufacturing Co. et al. v. Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc., 2:98-CV-00952 (E.D. Wisconsin 1998) – Representation of Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc. in a patent dispute involving medical waste disposal and cleaning system for suction canisters used in surgery
• BHA Group, Inc. v. Midwesco Filter Resources, Inc., 4:97-CV-000796 (W.D. Missorui 1997) – Representation of Midwesco Filter Resources in a patent dispute involving air filters used in industrial applications