About Robert Michael Harkins
Robert Michael Harkins Jr. is a partner at Cherian LLP, located at 2001 Addison Street, Suite 275, in Berkeley, California. He specializes in intellectual property law, a field that encompasses patent litigation, trademark disputes, and trade secret cases. Admitted to the California State Bar in 1995, Mr. Harkins has built a robust legal career focusing on the details of technology-related legal issues. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Davis School of Law, in the same year he was admitted to the bar. Prior to this, Mr.
Harkins obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his legal expertise. Before joining Cherian LLP, he served as the director of Intellectual Property and Litigation for a prominent Silicon Valley semiconductor company. This role provided him with invaluable insights into both the technical and business aspects of technology companies, enhancing his ability to navigate the intricate landscape of intellectual property law. Mr. Harkins's practice focuses primarily on patent litigation, where he has served as lead trial counsel in significant cases. His experience extends beyond patents; he is experienced in trademark, copyright, and trade secret litigation.
His expertise spans various sectors, including computer hardware, software, system design, medical devices, telecommunications, television and satellite broadcasting, as well as internet-related technologies. This diverse knowledge allows him to effectively represent clients in many legal matters. Recognition of his work is evident in his inclusion in the Northern California Super Lawyers list from 2023 to 2026. This accolade supports his excellence in the field of intellectual property law. Mr. Harkins is an active member of both the American Bar Association and the Federal Circuit Bar Association. His professional affiliations enable him to stay current with legal trends and best practices, further benefiting his clients.
In addition to his legal qualifications, Mr. Harkins is admitted to practice before multiple courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the Third Circuit, and the Ninth Circuit. He is also authorized to practice in various U.S. District Courts, such as the Central, Eastern, Northern, and Southern Districts of California, the District of Colorado, and the Eastern District of Texas. Fluent in English and conversational in Spanish, he effectively communicates with a diverse client base, ensuring that he can advocate for their interests with clarity and precision.
