Harry B. Shubin is a Director who focuses his practice in the areas of chemistry and chemical engineering, including a variety of applications such as hydrocarbons and plastics. He is primarily involved with patent prosecution, counseling clients on their patent portfolios, developing patent strategies for his clients, and providing patent opinions.
Mr. Shubin, who has been with the firm since 1985 ,was for over 20 years one of three partners who served as managing partner of the firm on a rotating basis. As managing partner, he made decisions that have helped the firm grow and establish itself on a firm footing for the future.
Mr. Shubin served as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office from 1983 to 1985, in the area of fine chemicals. He has maintained his close ties with the PTO since then, as a member of focus groups of patent attorneys who meet on a regular basis and provide practitioners’ input to the PTO. He has participated in these groups, covering biotech, pharmaceutical, and chemical patents, since 1995.
Mr. Shubin works closely with most of the firm’s longstanding clients, including major pharmaceutical companies, an energy and hydrocarbon processing research institute, and a major chemical company.
From 2004 to 2019,Mr. Shubin taught chemical patent practice at the George Mason University School of Law in Arlington, Va.
Mr. Shubin is interested in all forms of technology, both past and present. He frequents antique shows and collects items that he describes as the ordinary technology of the past, including rotary phones, fountain pens, and mechanical wristwatches. He gives back to the community by being active in animal rescue, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Feline Foundation of Greater Washington.
Education
The College of William and Mary – Marshall Wythe Law School (J.D. 1983)
University of Virginia (B.A. with Distinction in Chemistry 1980)
Languages
French
Membership and Affiliations
American Chemical Society
American Intellectual Property Law Association
Intellectual Property Owners Association
Admissions
Virginia State Bar 1983
District of Columbia Bar 1985
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit 1983
Admitted to practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office 1985
Speaking Engagements and Publications
- Mr. Shubin is a co-author of the chapter on Patent Term Extension in the United States from the Book “Patent Term Extensions – Erganzende Schutzzertifikate,” a manual which comments on relevant PTE statutory provisions and the relevant case law in the U.S., Korea, Russia, Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, and Israel, for pharmaceutical patents.
- Mr. Shubin is currently working on a revision to the iconic text “Chemical Patent Practice” originally authored by John Leslie White.
Teaching Experience
Adjunct Professor, George Mason University School of Law 2004 – Present: Chemical and Biotech Patent Practice
