Former USPTO Solicitor Farheena Rasheed Joins Orrick’s Supreme Court & Appellate Practice to Focus on Life Sciences
2 minute read | January.13.2026
Partner
Washington, D.C.
Farheena Rasheed is a nationally recognized leader in appellate advocacy, patent litigation and life sciences, recently serving as the Solicitor of the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). As the agency’s chief IP litigation attorney and principal advisor on national IP policy, Farheena shaped how the intellectual property legal system influences innovation across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and diagnostics. She brings a rare combination of scientific fluency and litigation expertise, making her an invaluable asset to clients navigating complex IP challenges.
At the USPTO, Farheena led the government’s litigation strategy in hundreds of Federal Circuit appeals, arguing 25 cases herself—an accomplishment that places her among the most experienced appellate advocates in the country.
Farheena’s deep experience in life sciences patent litigation allows her to offer practical, scientifically grounded counsel. She holds a Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, with a background in molecular biology and chemistry. Her unique credentials and experience are ideally suited to supporting pharmaceutical clients with district court litigation and sophisticated USPTO matters.
Prior to her USPTO service, Farheena clerked for the Honorable Marvin J. Garbis of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and the Honorable Arthur J. Gajarsa of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. She also spent five years in private practice at White & Case LLP in New York and Washington, D.C., focusing on patent litigation.
2 minute read | January.13.2026