November 12, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC—Finnegan is pleased to announce that President Obama nominated today its partner Kara Farnandez Stoll to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In an official release issued by the White House, the President commended both Ms. Stoll and Judge Luis Felipe Restrepo, nominated to the Third Circuit, for their “exceptional dedication to the legal profession,” and stated that “they will be diligent, judicious and esteemed additions to the bench.”
Ms. Stoll has extensive experience in patent litigation, having represented clients at both the district and appellate levels, and has served as lead counsel on a number of cases before the Federal Circuit. James Monroe, Finnegan’s managing partner, said, “Kara has an amazing legal mind with extensive experience and knowledge of the Federal Circuit, and consistently displays the judgment and temperament that one wants in a judge.” He added, “Kara’s colleagues and peers are delighted that President Obama has recognized her experience and talent in nominating her to be a member of this very important court.”
Ms. Stoll’s career has focused on patent law for nearly twenty-five years. She received her B.S. in electrical engineering in 1991 from Michigan State University and her J.D. in 1997 from Georgetown University Law School. After graduating from college, Stoll worked as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office from 1991 to 1997. From 1997 to 1998, Stoll clerked for Judge Alvin Schall of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In 1998, she joined Finnegan where her practice focuses on patent litigation, primarily in the consumer electronics, computers, software, and medical devices industries.
Ms. Stoll has been an adjunct professor at George Mason University Law School since 2008 and held the same position at Howard University School of Law from 2004 to 2008. She currently serves as co-chair of the Rules Committee of the Federal Circuit Bar Association.
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With more than 350 intellectual property lawyers, Finnegan is one of the largest IP law firms in the world. From offices in Atlanta, Boston, London, Palo Alto, Reston, Shanghai, Taipei, and Tokyo, the firm practices all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law, including counseling, prosecution, licensing, and litigation. Finnegan also represents clients on IP issues related to European patent oppositions, international trade, portfolio management, the Internet, e-commerce, government contracts, antitrust, and unfair competition. For additional information on the firm, please visit
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