Partner
Luigi Distefano is a UK and European patent attorney whose practice focuses on patent prosecution, portfolio development and management, drafting, client counseling, and oppositions and appeals before the European Patent Office (EPO). Luigi predominantly handles subject matter in the fields of electronic and mechanical engineering, and has extensive experience in dealing with the nuances of prosecuting computer implemented inventions in Europe.
With more than ten years of intellectual property experience, Luigi has gained a wide spectrum of technical expertise, particularly in the fields of telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), cryptography, optical devices, computer graphics, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. His experience includes advising and managing worldwide filing programs for large multinationals, assisting startup technology companies, and advising university spin-outs with securing protection for core technology. He is adept at tailoring his strategic advice to the different commercial needs of his clients. Luigi has had extended secondments working in the in-house patent departments for large multinationals in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
Having grown up trilingual, Luigi is comfortable working in the EPO's three official languages. Prior to his legal career Luigi worked as an R&D physicist in the field of electromagnetism for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the automotive industry. His curiosity for exploring new technologies ultimately lead him to pursue a career in patent law.
Webinar
The Quantum Leap: Patent Strategies for the Next Era of Computing, Communications, and Beyond The Quantum Leap: Patent Strategies for the Next Era of Computing, Communications, and Beyond
March 18, 2026
Webinar
Webinar
When Machines Invent: Patenting Innovations in the Age of AI When Machines Invent: Patenting Innovations in the Age of AI
July 15, 2025
Webinar
Articles
Incorporating UKIPO Guidance Into AI Patent Strategies Incorporating UKIPO Guidance Into AI Patent Strategies
May 19, 2025
Law360European IP Blog
Oral Proceedings in G 1/24 – Claim Interpretation at the EPO Oral Proceedings in G 1/24 – Claim Interpretation at the EPO
28 March 2025
Conference
IAM Live: AI and Emerging Tech IP Summit 2025 IAM Live: AI and Emerging Tech IP Summit 2025
February 26, 2025
London
Award/Ranking
Finnegan Earns Top Rankings in 2026 IAM Patent 1000 Guide; Nearly 60 Attorneys Ranked Finnegan Earns Top Rankings in 2026 IAM Patent 1000 Guide; Nearly 60 Attorneys Ranked
May 28, 2026
Intellectual Asset Management (IAM)Award/Ranking
50 Finnegan Attorneys Ranked in the 2025 IAM Patent 1000 50 Finnegan Attorneys Ranked in the 2025 IAM Patent 1000
June 2, 2025
Intellectual Asset Management (IAM)Press Release
Finnegan Announces 2024 Partner Class Finnegan Announces 2024 Partner Class
January 2, 2024
Announcement
Finnegan Announces 2023 Mentors of the Year Finnegan Announces 2023 Mentors of the Year
December 29, 2023
1st Class, 2002
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