Overview

Louis Fogel, an accomplished litigator and office managing principal of the firm’s Chicago office, leads complex, high-stakes patent litigation for clients spanning all areas of the life sciences, with a particular focus on biologics, small-molecule pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. In addition, Louis leads trade secret litigation across a broad range of industries.  

Louis’s extensive experience, coupled with a Ph.D. in chemistry, enables him to quickly grasp the technology at the heart of a dispute and translate those insights into positive results for clients. He has litigated for innovative life sciences companies across a variety of technologies, including those related to immuno-oncology, ophthalmology, cardiovascular health, and innovative platforms. Throughout his career, Louis has led dozens of life science cases involving biologics (BPCIA), small molecules (Hatch-Waxman), trade secrets, and medical devices. Among his past accomplishments is the representation of a biotechnology company in biologics litigation over a drug to aid in post-chemotherapy recovery; a victory in district court and on appeal allowed the company to launch its first-ever product.

Louis also represents clients in trade secret disputes, helping companies across all industries protect proprietary business information and other valuable intellectual assets while developing practical strategies aligned with their unique business objectives. In addition to his litigation practice, Louis is admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and has experience representing clients in post-grant proceedings.  

Clients appreciate the intellectual curiosity Louis demonstrates with inventors and expert witnesses, as well as the straightforward, down-to-earth style he brings to courtrooms and boardrooms. As a legal counselor, he’s presented legal advice and strategy to the leadership of companies ranging from early-stage clients to Fortune 500 corporations.  

Louis devotes a significant amount of time to pro bono causes, including asylum cases, expungement cases, and civil rights matters. He is also a frequent speaker and author on intellectual property issues.      

Professional associations

  • American Bar Association, Fellow (2018-present); American Bar Association law school accreditation site visit team (2019-present)

  • The Richard Linn American Inn of Court (2020-present) 

  • Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI), Board Member (2018-2024)

     

Community

  • Chandler Newberger Hillel at the University of Chicago, Board Member (2014-present) 
  • The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Board Member (2018-2024) 
  • University of Chicago Alumni Board, Board Member (2016-2020) 
  • Chicago Chess Foundation, Founding Board Member 

Pro bono activities

Represented the EDGAR Association in a patent dispute over the organization’s system for detecting unusual play patterns indicative of cheating in the game of bridge. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia granted Fish’s motion to dismiss at the Rule 12 stage, invalidating two patents asserted by Hammond Software, Inc., on Section 101 grounds. 

Louis represented a high school track athlete with cerebral palsy in litigation against the Illinois High School Association. The suit requested the IHSA establish a separate track division that would allow disabled athletes who are not in wheelchairs to compete at the state level.