Joseph F. Key

202.470.6457

202.470.6464 fax

joe@brakehughes.com

Joseph F. Key is a Principal of Brake Hughes Bellermann LLP. Mr. Key’s practice focuses on drafting and prosecuting patents in a wide range of technologies including computer software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, enterprise software solutions, database technologies, cloud computing, business methods, virtual and augmented reality, user interface, wearable, touch and gesture technologies, wireless networks and devices, networking, semiconductor devices and circuits, mechanical devices and consumer products, computers, microprocessors and other hardware systems. He has extensive experience in the drafting and prosecution of utility patent applications in these areas, as well as design applications. Mr. Key also provides patent analysis and client counseling including infringement and validity opinions, freedom to operate opinions, as well as pre-suit and pre-purchase due diligence related to existing patents or patent portfolios.

Prior to joining Brake Hughes Bellermann LLP, Mr. Key was Senior Group Patent Counsel at The Black & Decker Corporation (now Stanley, Black & Decker), where he managed patent portfolios across multiple business units and conducted pre-product launch freedom to operate opinions. Mr. Key also was responsible for handling patent assertions against Black & Decker, developing and presenting offensive patent cases, and negotiating and drafting licenses and other agreements involving intellectual property.

Prior to working at Black & Decker, Mr. Key worked as an associate in the Washington, D.C. office of Fish & Richardson P.C. for over five years, where he drafted and prosecuted patents in a wide range of technologies. He also performed infringement and validity analyses of patents and conducted due diligence analyses of patent portfolios.

Prior to entering law school, Mr. Key served in the United States Navy as a Naval Officer (1991-1996).

Education:
• University of Maryland School of Law, J.D., 1999
• With honor, Order of the Coif
• Symposium Editor, The Maryland Law Review
• Recipient of The William P. Cunningham Award for exceptional achievement and service to the school
• Villanova University, B.S.E.E, 1991

Bar and Court Admissions:
• District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
• U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office