Thomas D. Kohler

Thomas D. Kohler is a registered patent attorney, and a director at Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC in Burlington, Vermont, with broad experience in intellectual property law. His work covers patent preparation, patent prosecution, patent litigation, post-grant proceedings, portfolio development, licensing, trade secrets, and intellectual property transactions. He has advised individuals, start-ups, technology companies, and large corporations in fields that include medical devices, consumer products, renewable energy, electric power generation, spinal implants, dental products, electronics, and injection molding technology. His practice combines legal skill with practical business judgment daily.

Thomas earned an LL.M. in European Intellectual Property and Comparative Antitrust from the London School of Economics and Political Science, with merit. He earned a J.D. from the College of William and Mary, Marshal-Wythe School of Law. He also completed a Certificate in International and European Community Law at the University of Exeter. His technical background includes a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University, which supports his work with inventions, patents, product design, and complex technology disputes across industries.

Thomas began his career with major international law firms and later worked as a partner at an intellectual property boutique in New York City. He has handled patent litigation, counseling, and prosecution for clients in the United States and abroad. His matters have involved federal courts in Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Idaho, Utah, and California. He has also worked with clients and matters connected to the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Korea, and Japan in practice.

Thomas D. Kohler has helped clients protect ideas, reduce risk, and build value through strong intellectual property strategies. He helped a start-up grow a worldwide patent portfolio for a spinal fixation implant before its acquisition by a major corporation. He has defended clients in patent claims, secured settlements, sustained patents during reexamination, and supported licensing transactions. He also guides businesses on avoiding intellectual property problems while developing portfolios that support growth, market strength, and long-term protection for their business goals.

Law Office Affiliations

• Director, Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, Connecticut Bar Association
• Member, The State Bar of California

Licensed State

• New York
• Connecticut
• California

Education

• London School
  Master of Laws (LLM)
• College of William and Mary, Marshal-Wythe School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Clarkson University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges