Chair, Intellectual Property section of Tech Group
Co-chair, Intellectual Property Litigation Practice

Wherever IP intersects with technology, Mark Kesslen is in his element. Since entering the profession, he has been an active participant in virtually every type of intellectual property matter. He has tried cases, drafted patent applications by the hundreds, managed large IP portfolios and helped develop legislation to fight off patent trolls. Now, as chair of our IP group, he brings much-needed strategic guidance to tech-based companies engaged in creating businesses, launching new products, and conducting M&A and venture capital transactions.

The IP issues of technology businesses have been a recurring theme throughout Mark’s career. While in charge of IP worldwide at JPMorgan Chase from 1997 to 2005, he recognized early on that financial services companies had become, in effect, technology companies — and he took the lead in developing patent strategies that were adopted and applied throughout the industry. As the field and its technology evolved, he helped develop a legislative agenda for IP issues, and his testimony before Congress influenced a number of patent laws enacted between 1999 and 2012.

Mark is heavily involved in IP issues relating to software, digital and social media, big data, and fintech. He continues to manage and assess a wide range of process, software and business method patents, and provides strategic advice on issues ranging from litigation assessment to patent scope, open source, trademarks, privacy and ownership risks.

Mark is also an active mover in several interest groups focused on start-ups and early-stage companies. He is Co-founder and Program Chair of First Growth Venture Network, which provides a formal mentoring program and peer group for high-potential tech entrepreneurs. He is Co-founder as well of GrapeArborVC, an angel investor circle made up of friends who pool their personal finances and expertise to back promising tech start-ups. And he is on the Executive Committee of AngelVineVC, a New York City group of tech industry angels, venture capitalists, senior executives and entrepreneurs with an interest in funding and supporting early-stage ventures.

Outside the office, Mark can often be found on his bicycle. He enjoys hiking, snowshoeing and cooking with his family. He serves on the Board of Directors of Camp Belknap, a YMCA-affiliated summer camp in New Hampshire — where he was both a camper and a counselor — and recently joined the board for the School of Engineering at Tufts University.