Benjamin S. Fernandez

Benjamin S. Fernandez is a Partner at WilmerHale, focusing on intellectual property law. He advises clients on patent and trademark portfolio management, IP diligence, and competitive landscape analysis. With over 20 years of experience, he helps companies navigate complex IP matters and align legal strategies with business goals.

Benjamin earned his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School, where he served as President of the Intellectual Property Law Students and as Note and Comment Editor of the Journal of Telecommunications & High Technology Law. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, cum laude, from Colorado State University.

Benjamin advises clients on freedom-to-operate and competitive landscape matters, helping them launch new products while reducing risk. He guides clients on how to avoid, design around, or license patents. He also has strong experience in pre and post America Invents Act patent laws and USPTO post grant proceedings.

Benjamin works across many industries, including medical devices, energy, clean technology, software, financial services, and telecommunications. His experience includes orthopedic and cardiac implants, algae technology, and shale oil extraction. He also handles design patents for retail products, including molded goods and fashion items released on seasonal cycles.

Benjamin conducts intellectual property diligence for buyers, sellers, licensors, licensees, debtors, and creditors. He works closely with corporate teams to ensure smooth transactions and strong IP positioning. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado School of Law, supporting student attorneys in the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic.

Benjamin has received several awards, including Best Intellectual Property Lawyer by Law Week Colorado in 2017 and 2018 and Denver Patent Law Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America in 2022. He has also been recognized by Managing IP and Lawdragon for his work in intellectual property law.

Benjamin S. Fernandez is admitted in Colorado and before the US Patent and Trademark Office and speaks French. He is co founder and chair of ProBoPat Colorado, supporting inventors with limited resources. His work reflects strong technical knowledge, clear guidance, and a practical approach to intellectual property law.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
• Member, Colorado Bar Association

Licensed State

• Colorado

Education

• University of Colorado Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Colorado State University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges