
Robert F. Shaffer
PartnerHead of Life Sciences Patent Litigation practice
A former client said Rob’s knowledge "is only rivaled by his responsiveness, personable nature, and high standard of integrity. I recommend Rob as intellectual property counsel without the slightest hesitation."
About
Areas of FocusIntellectual PropertyPatent LitigationLife Sciences Intellectual PropertyTechnologyLitigation, Arbitration and InvestigationsPatent Development and Strategy
CourtsUnited States Court of Appeals for the Federal CircuitSupreme Court of the United States
Rob’s 'outstanding winning record' in pharmaceutical and biotechnology litigation.
— The Legal 500 United States and IAM Patent 1000
Education
- J.D., George Mason University
magna cum laude - M.S., Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University
- B.A., Georgetown University
EXPERIENCE
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
The Legal 500 United States
- Recommended, Healthcare: Life Sciences; Patents: Litigation (Full Coverage), 2026
- Recommended, Trade Secrets (Litigation and Non-Contentious Matters), 2022 and 2024
IAM Patent 1000
- Recommended, Litigation, 2025
- Recognized, Leading Patent Litigator, 2022
LMG Life Sciences Awards
- Shortlisted, DC Patent Litigator, 2026
Seminars
- Presenter, Advanced Trade Secrets, Medical Device Manufacturing Association, September 2026
- Presenter, Update at the Federal Circuit, Medical Device Manufacturing Association, September 2025
Media Mentions
- Quoted, “Litigation rules tweak boosts chances of excluding expert testimony,” Managing IP, 2023
Memberships and Affiliations
- Member, District of Columbia Bar, Intellectual Property Section
- Chair, District of Columbia Bar, Trade Secrets Section, 2004–2007
- Member, District of Columbia Bar, Steering Committee, 2007–2010
- Member, American Intellectual Property Law Association
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Virginia State Bar, Intellectual Property Section
- Member, Intellectual Property Owners Association
- Member, Federal Circuit Bar Association
Connect
Phone
+1 202 799 4516
(Work, Washington, DC)