John M. Desmarais

John M. Desmarais: Leading Intellectual Property Trial Lawyer

John M. Desmarais is the founding partner of Desmarais LLP, a specialized intellectual property trial boutique dedicated to providing aggressive and strategic legal counsel to clients facing complex patent, trademark, and trade secret litigation. With over three decades of experience, Mr. Desmarais has built a formidable reputation for his courtroom expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to achieving optimal outcomes for his clients. His career is marked by a consistent record of success across a wide range of IP disputes, reflecting his deep understanding of patent law, litigation strategy, and the technical intricacies of numerous industries.

Mr. Desmarais’ journey began at Fish & Neave, where he honed his skills in intellectual property litigation and counseling. Recognizing a need for a more focused and specialized approach, he transitioned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, successfully prosecuting criminal jury trials for three years, gaining invaluable experience in adversarial litigation and the critical skills of trial advocacy. This experience shaped his understanding of the legal system and reinforced his dedication to protecting intellectual property rights.

Returning to private practice, Mr. Desmarais joined Kirkland & Ellis, quickly ascending to a partner position and becoming a member of the Firm Management Committee from 2004 to 2009. During his 13-year tenure at Kirkland, he consistently delivered exceptional results for clients across diverse sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. His strategic leadership and legal acumen were instrumental in managing complex litigation matters and fostering a collaborative environment within the firm.

Driven by a desire to concentrate his expertise and provide even more personalized service, Mr. Desmarais founded Desmarais LLP in 2009. This strategic move allowed him to build a highly skilled team focused exclusively on intellectual property trial litigation. Desmarais LLP is recognized for its deep understanding of the legal and technical challenges inherent in IP disputes.

Key Professional Highlights:

• Recognized as a Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Intellectual Property (New York City, 2026, 2025, 2024, 2021)
• Recognized as a Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Patent (New York City, 2017, 2012)
• Recognized as a Lawyer of the Year: Patent Law (New York City, 2025, 2021)
• Successfully handled hundreds of complex patent, trademark, and trade secret litigation cases.
• Served as a member of the Firm Management Committee at Kirkland & Ellis, demonstrating leadership and strategic decision-making skills.

Areas of Expertise:

Mr. Desmarais specializes in all aspects of intellectual property litigation, including:

• Litigation - Intellectual Property
• Litigation - Patent
• Patent Law
• Trade Secret Protection & Enforcement
• Trademark Disputes & Registrations
• Antitrust Litigation (Special Focus)
• Litigation (Special Focus)
• Patent Litigation (Special Focus)
• Trade Secrets (Special Focus)
• Trademark (Special Focus)

Education & Credentials:

Mr. Desmarais’ academic background provides a solid foundation for his legal practice:

• New York University – Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Manhattan College – Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
• U.S. Supreme Court – Registered to Practice
• Federal Circuit Court of Appeals – Registered to Practice
• Various Federal District Courts & Courts of Appeal – Registered to Practice
• United States Patent and Trademark Office – Registered to Practice

Bar Admissions:

Mr. Desmarais is admitted to practice before the following courts:

• California Bar
• New York Bar
• Washington, D.C. Bar
• U.S. Supreme Court
• Federal Circuit Court of Appeals
• Various Federal District Courts and Courts of Appeal

Recognition: Recognized Since 2006 in Best Attorney USA. Located in New York, Mr. Desmarais brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every case, dedicated to providing clients with strategic legal guidance and achieving favorable outcomes. He is committed to staying at the forefront of intellectual property law and leveraging his expertise to protect his clients’ valuable assets.