Atty. Edward Donovan

Atty. Edward Donovan

Ed Donovan is a partner in Kirkland’s Washington, D.C., office where he focuses on intellectual property and technology-related litigation. His experience includes trials, arbitrations and preliminary injunction proceedings in federal and state courts and before the International Trade Commission.

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Profile Summary

About Edward Donovan at a glance

Edward Donovan is a patent attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Educated at The George Washington University (J.D., 1993). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent (2026). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Ed Donovan is a partner in Kirkland’s Washington, D.C., office where he focuses on intellectual property and technology-related litigation
  • His experience includes trials, arbitrations and preliminary injunction proceedings in federal and state courts and before the International Trade Commission
  • Ed has substantial experience in patent infringement litigation in district courts across the United States
  • As lead counsel, he has tried patent infringement cases to verdict in bench and jury trials
  • Ed frequently represents clients in Section 337 proceedings, where he has successfully obtained and defeated exclusion orders
  • His experience spans a variety of technical subject matters including semiconductors, mobile phones, data storage, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices
  • Ed has substantial experience in legal and regulatory issues involving standards essential patents, including trying cases involving SEP and FRAND issues as both plaintiff and defendant
  • Ed has been recommended in Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business every year since 2008
  • In the 2018 edition of Chambers USA, Ed is described as having a strong litigation practice focused on life sciences and technology patents, as well as corresponding unfair competition and antitrust matters
  • According to Chambers USA 2016, Ed is viewed as a "very smart and strategic" lawyer who "can really position a case well for trial
  • In the 2014 edition, Ed has been praised as an "outstanding lawyer" by client sources
  • For the past eight years, he has been listed among the leading patent litigation attorneys by Intellectual Asset Management magazine
  • In 2016 and 2018, he was also recommended for his International Trade Commission work
  • He was selected as a "Washington, D.C., Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyers magazine for 2014–2021 and was named an “IP STAR” by Managing IP magazine for 2014–2022
  • Ed was selected as one of "Washington, D.C.’s Best Lawyers" in the area of intellectual property by Washingtonian magazine for 2013–2014
  • Ed is a former Federal Circuit clerk and is frequently involved in appeals
  • He has also been active in pro bono work, representing clients before administrative agencies, trial courts, and appellate courts
  • He is a frequent volunteer at the D.C
  • Legal Aid Clinic

Practice Areas Explained

Edward Donovan's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Edward Donovan handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Patent Law

Edward Donovan is one of 20,749 patent attorneys indexed nationally. Browse patent attorneys in District of Columbia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia

Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Edward Donovan

Where is Edward Donovan's law office located?
Edward Donovan's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Kirkland & Ellis LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Edward Donovan handle?
Edward Donovan focuses on patent. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
Where did Edward Donovan go to law school?
Edward Donovan earned their education at (J.D., 1993).
How can I contact Edward Donovan for a consultation?
You can contact Edward Donovan directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Edward Donovan received?
Edward Donovan's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
The George Washington University
- 1993

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent
- 2026

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