Amanda Wieker, a former Administrative Patent Judge and acting member of the senior executive team at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) of the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), has joined McGuireWoods’ intellectual property practice group as a partner in Richmond, Virginia*.
Wieker served for nearly a decade at the PTAB, most recently as Acting Vice Chief Administrative Patent Judge. She presided over 250 contested proceedings under the America Invents Act (AIA) and over 440 ex parte appeals. She heard cases involving a wide variety of technologies, including the medical, mechanical and electrical arts. She also was an acting member of the PTAB’s senior executive team responsible for advising the USPTO Director, shaping policies and procedures, and overseeing Board operations.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision in United States v. Arthrex, Wieker was instrumental in developing and implementing a process to allow the USPTO Director to review PTAB decisions in AIA proceedings. She advised the USPTO Director on nearly 400 requests for review and assisted in issuing decisions in over 60 cases.
“Amanda’s deep understanding of both the broad policies and the intricate details of PTAB proceedings strengthens our practice and has enormous benefits for our clients, particularly in inter partes reviews and other post-grant matters,” said David Finkelson, co-leader of McGuireWoods’ intellectual property group.
Before joining the PTAB in 2014, Wieker represented clients in patent infringement cases before federal courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). She has more than 20 years of experience in various facets of patent law, including examination, litigation across a variety of venues, judicial decision-making and policy development.
“Amanda’s diverse experience and unique perspective enhance our capabilities in all aspects of patent litigation,” said Noreen Kelly, deputy managing partner of McGuireWoods’ litigation practice.
McGuireWoods’ intellectual property lawyers help clients develop, protect and leverage commercially valuable ideas and information, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other creative assets. The firm’s IP litigators defend multinational corporations in federal courts and before the ITC, PTAB and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
“I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career with a world-class team at McGuireWoods,” Wieker said. “I look forward to using my insights to help clients resolve patent disputes, navigate policy changes and advance their business goals.”
Wieker is the second partner to join McGuireWoods’ Richmond office in as many months, following the recent arrival of partner Courtney Malveaux, a former Virginia labor commissioner who focuses on occupational safety and health matters.
“Amanda’s wealth of experience in public service and private practice makes her a great addition to McGuireWoods and we are delighted to welcome her,” said Janet Peyton, managing partner of the firm’s Richmond office.
* Not admitted in Virginia; admitted in District of Columbia. Application for admission to the Virginia bar filed; working under the direct supervision of an enrolled, active member of the Virginia bar.