Susan Friedman
Susan Friedman is a seasoned intellectual property attorney with more than 15 years of experience representing clients ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies. Her career began in technology as a software engineer, where she worked in aerospace and wireless technologies, including at Qualcomm and Northrop Grumman, before transitioning into law. That technical foundation, paired with experience at both boutique and large international firms, gives Susan a distinctive perspective on the intersection of technology, business strategy, and legal protection.
Her practice spans patent preparation and prosecution, trade secret, trademark registration and enforcement, brand protection, corporate and IP litigation, data privacy and compliance, and emerging areas including artificial intelligence and gaming law. Susan has drafted and managed patent portfolios across diverse industries, including software, electronics, mechanical devices, and life sciences, and she has represented major corporations such as Walmart, Apple, GE, and Qualcomm. With her extensive litigation background, she approaches IP development with an eye toward enforceability and long-term strategic value.
Known for her client-centric approach, Susan tailors her strategies to align with each client's business objectives. She frequently advises startups and women-founded businesses, driven by her passion to level the playing field in industries where venture capital is scarce. In addition to her legal practice, Susan has participated in angel investment funds, conducting IP due diligence for investors and financial institutions. Her ability to blend technical expertise, litigation insight, and business pragmatism makes her a trusted advisor for entrepreneurs and established companies alike.
Beyond her legal career, Susan's background as both a former professional poker player and a triathlete, along with her work as a dog rescuer, has shaped her competitive, compassionate, disciplined, and strategic mindset—qualities she brings to every patent application, courtroom, and negotiation.
Susan is admitted to practice in California, the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Central Districts of California, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. She earned her B.S. in Computer Science from the University of California, San Diego, and her J.D. from the University of Arizona. She is conversational in Spanish, Hungarian, and Hebrew.
Experience
- Experienced in complex IP litigation with a focus on enforceability and long-term strategy.
- Advises startups and women-founded businesses on IP protection and growth.
- Performed IP due diligence for angel investors and financial institutions.
- Skilled in emerging legal areas: artificial intelligence, gaming law, privacy, and data compliance.
Contact Susan Friedman
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