Todd G. Vare

Todd G. Vare is a highly experienced trial and appellate advocate specializing in complex, high-stakes patent litigation. His practice encompasses a broad array of technologies, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, software, telecommunications, integrated circuits, internet-based systems, and mechanical devices. He also counsels clients on related intellectual property matters such as trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, technology licensing, and data protection and privacy issues.

Mr. Vare maintains a balanced practice, representing both plaintiffs (4 appearances) and defendants (5 appearances) in patent disputes. His work in this area is notably evidenced by his representation of Miracor Medical SA as both a plaintiff and defendant in ongoing patent infringement cases against Abbott Laboratories, focusing on medical device technology in the Northern District of Illinois.

Currently a Partner and Trial and Global Disputes Co-Chair at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Mr. Vare has been with the firm for the majority of his tracked patent litigation career, with one prior appearance noted at Foley & Lardner. He is recognized for his appellate experience, having argued patent cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, securing reversals of adverse claim constructions. He also represents clients before the Patent Trial and Appeals Board (PTAB) in inter partes review (IPR) matters, as seen in cases such as Unified Patents v. Miracor Medical SA et al. and Abbott Laboratories v. Miracor Medical SA before the PTAB. Beyond patent litigation, he famously argued United States v. Santos before the U.S. Supreme Court, which resulted in a landmark decision on the federal money laundering statute.

Mr. Vare earned his J.D., summa cum laude, from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 1995, an M.B.A. from Indiana University in 1989, and a B.A. from Miami University in 1987. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and Indiana, as well as before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Federal Circuit, and various U.S. District Courts. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent, including "Lawyer of the Year" in Indianapolis for Litigation - Intellectual Property in 2017 and 2025.