John Thorne

John Thorne is a seasoned patent litigator and a partner at Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick, P.L.L.C.. His practice areas encompass intellectual property, antitrust, and other complex commercial litigation, serving technology companies, media firms, financial services providers, app developers, and consumer products companies. He specializes in legal reforms that promote innovation and competition.

Thorne has extensive experience representing both patent holders and accused infringers, having participated in over 100 patent disputes. While his tracked case at Kellogg Hansen is on the plaintiff side, his professional background demonstrates a balanced approach to patent litigation. Prior to joining Kellogg Hansen, he served as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Verizon, where he led the intellectual property, competition, and privacy groups. His IP group at Verizon was recognized globally as a top-tier performer.

Beyond federal and state courts, Thorne has tried and won cases before the U.S. International Trade Commission and the Copyright Royalty Board, and has successfully argued appeals in multiple circuits. He also represents clients before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). His notable appellate experience includes serving as counsel of record in Verizon v. Law Offices of Curtis V. Trinko, LLP and representing Verizon's predecessor in NYNEX v. Discon, both victorious 9-0 Supreme Court cases, and representing the lead petitioner in Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly. He also testified before Congress on the impact of the TC Heartland decision on patent litigation.

Thorne earned his J.D., cum laude, from Northwestern University School of Law in 1981, where he was Order of the Coif and an Articles Editor for the Northwestern University Law Review. He received his A.B., summa cum laude, with high honors in mathematics from Kenyon College in 1978. Following law school, he clerked for Chief Judge Walter J. Cummings of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.