Karthik Kumar, Ph.D.

Karthik has developed a reputation for thought leadership and technical depth in artificial intelligence (AI) law and strategy. He co-chairs Finnegan’s AI practice, Finnegan + AI, and advises global technology leaders on patent strategy, trade secret protection, and regulatory compliance across AI, machine learning (ML), and intelligent software systems. Karthik also co-leads the firm’s AI/ML and augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) industry working groups. His voting membership on the Intellectual Property Owners Association’s (IPO) Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Committee reflects his commitment to shaping legal frameworks governing emerging technologies.

Karthik litigates patent and trade secret cases before federal district courts, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). He counsels world-renowned technology companies, managing their global patent portfolios in AI, ML, AR/VR, 5G/6G cellular technologies, cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and internet-of-things (IoT) innovations. His fifteen years of experience covers an array of technologies, including cellular communications, computer networking, consumer electronics, data storage and software solutions, advanced display technologies, financial services, jet engines, laser technologies, mobile applications, optical discs, optical fiber technologies, quantum dots, semiconductor assemblies, telecommunications, textiles, video gaming technologies, and wireless networks.

Karthik previously served as treasurer of the Giles S. Rich American Inn of Court, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering professionalism, ethics, civility, and legal skills in intellectual property. He currently serves as co-chair of Finnegan’s South Asian and MENA Affinity Group.

Before working in patent law, Karthik was a researcher at the University of Texas at Austin. His doctoral studies centered on plasma physics, quantum electronics, and optics, with a portfolio certification in nanoscience and nanotechnology. While at UT-Austin, he developed optical micro-endoscope technologies licensed to a startup company that was acquired for $25 million. Karthik is a co-inventor on nine U.S. patents and has authored or coauthored numerous scientific articles in peer-reviewed publications.