Washington, DC – Wiley is pleased to announce that Scott A. Felder has been named chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property (IP) Practice, effective October 1, 2026.
Felder advises clients on the acquisition, protection, and enforcement of IP rights, with particular experience at the intersection of intellectual property and government contracting. His work includes patent prosecution and litigation, advising government contractors regarding rights in technical data and computer software, and IP licensing and strategic counseling.
“Scott has a deep understanding of the role IP plays in advancing clients’ broader business objectives and the ability to align the right resources to address complex challenges,” said Wiley Managing Partner Peter D. Shields. “He is well positioned to lead the practice as we sharpen our focus on the areas where Wiley’s IP capabilities can deliver the greatest value to clients.”
Under Felder’s leadership, Wiley’s IP Practice will continue to expand its work helping clients protect and maximize the value of their innovations and brands, defend competitive positions, and resolve IP disputes that can shape market access, product strategy, and commercial growth. The team regularly addresses matters where IP intersects with government contracts, FDA regulation, international trade, and other legal and regulatory issues that shape litigation and business strategy.
“Clients need IP lawyers who understand the broader decisions surrounding a dispute, transaction, or investment,” Felder said. “Our strength is bringing together the right experience across the firm to help clients protect what they have built, resolve disputes, and make informed decisions about what comes next. I am excited to lead this collaborative group and build on the breadth of experience our lawyers bring to clients.”
The practice’s recent achievements include winning summary judgment that protected nLIGHT’s ownership over a key patent portfolio; securing a Federal Circuit victory for AeroVironment in a patent dispute involving NASA’s Mars Helicopter Ingenuity; prevailing for a major generic pharmaceutical manufacturer in a patent infringement lawsuit involving a lymphoma and leukemia treatment; and obtaining a $68 million judgment and permanent injunction for a leading iGaming technology company in a trademark and copyright enforcement action targeting more than 1,000 counterfeit websites.
The appointment follows the return of pharmaceutical industry legal and policy leader Karin A. Hessler, who rejoined Wiley’s IP Practice in September 2026.