BIOGRAPHY

John Harrity has been involved in the patent field for 20 years. His current practice consists primarily of client counseling, and preparing and prosecuting patent applications. John has drafted and prosecuted hundreds of patent applications in a wide variety of electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical technologies. He excels at coming up to speed quickly on inventions and converting even the most difficult inventions into an understandable patent application. John’s practice further includes filing PCT applications and prosecuting patent applications before the Patent Offices in Europe, Japan, Korea, China, Canada, and many other countries. In addition to drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the United States and foreign countries, he also analyzes inventions for infringement and validity.

Prior to forming Harrity & Harrity, John worked as a law clerk at Burns, Doane, Swecker & Mathis, LLP. He also was a Primary Patent Examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. At the Patent Office, John examined patent applications in the areas of computer hardware and software.

Prior to joining the Patent Office, John worked as an Electrical Engineer for 3 years at Cortana Corporation, where he participated in, and supervised Navy projects directed to advanced submarine technologies. His engineering experience included design and development of noise-cancellation technology, an automated submarine emergency system, and future submarine power systems.

CONTACT

JOHN HARRITY

PARTNER

Phone: 571-432-0800

View John Harrity's profile on LinkedIn

EDUCATION

The Columbus School of Law at Catholic University
(J.D.) – 1999

Grove City College
(B.S. Electrical Engineering) – 1989

ADMISSIONS

United States Patent and Trademark Office
Virginia

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Interview. “Community DC Interview | 2023 Lawyers Have Heart 10K, 5K and Fun Walk,” Jenni Chase for iHeartRadio WMZQ (May 2023).

Panelist. “2022 Adult ECMO Multidisciplinary Hybrid Seminar,” Inova Hospital (September 2022).

Panelist. “Building an Exceptional Law Firm Culture,” Managing Partner Forum (August 2021).

Interview. “John Harrity on Upcoming ‘Lawyers Have Heart’ American Heart Association Fundraiser Event,” Rachel Kirkland for WashingtonExec (June 2021).

Panelist. “How Allyship Advances Diversity & Inclusion in the IP Legal Profession: Part 3 – Practical Tips for Pulling it All Together,” Webinar, Intellectual Property Owners Association (March 2021).

Panelist. “How Allyship Advances Diversity & Inclusion in the IP Legal Profession: Part 2 – The Necessity of White Male Allyship in the Legal Profession,” Webinar, Intellectual Property Owners Association (February 2021).

Guest Speaker. “Tell Me Something Good with Steve Nudelberg,” On The Ball (February 2021).

Interview. “Law Firm Matches $255,000 for Charity,” Christy Matino for WDVM News (November 2020).

Panelist. “The Importance of a Good Firm Culture and Giving Back,” Webinar, Managing Partner Forum (October 2020).

Interview. “Virtual School a Struggle for Working Parents,” Lauren DeMarco for FOX 5 DC (August 2020).

Interview. “Virginia Teen Thanks First Responders with Pizza Deliveries,” Christy Matino for WDVM News (August 2020).

Guest Speaker. “Episode 11: John Harrity,” Clause 8 Podcast (June 2019).

Panelist. “Implementing Successful Diversity Initiatives,” Association of Legal Administrators (June 2017).

PUBLICATIONS

Interview. “Harrity & Harrity Co-Founder On Disrupting Law Firm Models,” by Aebra Coe, Law360 Pulse (March 2023).

Co-Author, How to Improve Diversity in the Legal Profession. American Bar Association Law Practice Magazine (July 2022).

Interview. “Virginia Lawyer Saved by CPR Shares Story to Raise Awareness,” by Diane Bernard, Public News Service (May 2021).

Co-Author, Harrity & Harrity’s 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Report (February 2021).

Interview. “Harrity & Harrity Launches Academy To Diversify Patent Law,” by Sameer Rao, Law360 (December 2020).

Interview. “How 7 IP Firms Weathered The COVID-19 Pandemic,” by Dani Kass, Law360 (December 2020).

Interview. “Harrity & Harrity LLP to match up to $100,000 for the American Heart Association,” NOVA Chamber Newsletter (December 2020).

Interview. “How do you make your workplace culture into one that will be embraced?” by Danielle Braff, ABA Journal (October 2020).

Interview. “External ownership of law firms could herald an IP revolution but clients will need to be convinced,” by Richard Lloyd, IAM Media (October 2020).

Interview. “VA Teen Delivers Pizzas To Thank Fairfax County Fire & Rescue,” by Mark Hand, The Patch (August 2020).

Interview. “2019 Citizenship Awards: Harrity & Harrity and the American Heart Association of Greater Washington,” by Emily Van Zandt, Washington Business Journal (November 2019).

Interview. “Law Firm Leaders: Harrity & Harrity’s John Harrity,” by Aebra Coe, Law360.com (October 2019).

AFFILIATIONS

Executive Leadership Board Member- Lawyers Have Heart
Board of Directors – American Heart Association
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO)
Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
Virginia State Bar Association

AWARDS

2023 Bar Association of DC’s Patent Prosecutor of the Year

2023 Corporate International Magazine Global Award – Patents Lawyer of the Year in Virginia

2022 Distinguished Achievement Award – American Heart Association

2022 Corporate International Magazine Global Award – Patents Lawyer of the Year in Virginia

2022 Lawyer Network Annual Awards – Patents Law Firm of the Year in Virginia

2021 Corporate International Magazine Global Award – Patents Lawyer of the Year in Virginia

2021 Lawyer Network Annual Awards – Patents Law Firm of the Year in Virginia

2019 Washington Business Journal – Corporate Citizenship Award

2018 IAM Patent 1000 – Top Patent Professional

2016 Client Choice Award – Excellence In Client Service