Patrick D. Duplessis

        Partner

        Patrick maintains a diverse IP practice, including patent drafting and prosecution, patent and trademark portfolio management, strategic IP counseling, and litigation. Patrick serves as lead counsel for domestic and international clients of all sizes, from large corporations to venture-backed startups and individuals.

        Patrick has drafted and prosecuted countless patent applications in a wide range of technical fields, including medical devices, aerospace systems, manufacturing tools, analog and digital circuitry, signal processing, software and computer engineering, cybersecurity, and consumer products. He brings a litigation-informed perspective to his patent practice and excels at conveying complex ideas in a simple manner understandable to all.

        Patrick works with clients to develop and implement comprehensive IP strategies that set the stage for capital funding, commercialization, and long-term growth. Patrick conducts freedom-to-operate studies, counsels on product design, and drafts opinions that help his clients assess and manage risks associated with launching new products. He also drafts IP-related agreements and provides day-to-day counseling regarding protection of trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, and other proprietary information.

        Patrick also advocates for clients in litigation and other contested matters related to patents, trademarks, copyrights, false advertising, contracts, privacy, and free speech. Patrick has appeared in U.S. district and appellate courts, and in post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

        Prior to joining Verrill, Patrick practiced at an IP boutique firm and in the IP group of a large full-service firm. Before graduating law school, he was a law clerk at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research in La Jolla, California, and he held undergraduate research positions at Massachusetts General Hospital and Northwestern University.

        Services/Industries

        Education

        • University of San Diego School of Law (J.D.)
          • Executive Editor, San Diego Law Review
        • Boston University (B.S.)
          • Biomedical Engineering

        Bar Admissions

        • California
        • Connecticut
        • Massachusetts

        Court and Other Admissions

        • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
        • U.S. District Courts (California, Massachusetts and Connecticut)
        • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

        Memberships

        • Judge Janet Bond Arterton American Inn of Court
        • The Federalist Society

        Firm Highlights

        Published Works

        Four Verrill Attorneys Co-Author Massachusetts Trends and Developments Chapter for Chambers and Partners Child Relocation 2026 Guide

        Verrill attorneys Mary H. Schmidt, Rachel A. Deering, Hannah R. Zukoff, and Mariah G. Tappan co-authored the “Trends and Developments” chapter...
        Blog

        A New Protected Class in Maine: Holders of Final Protection Orders

        In the lead-up to Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, employers may be taking a closer look at how their policies and practices respond to...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        Verrill Secures SJC Victory for Boston Legacy FC in White Stadium Litigation

        Verrill has secured a significant appellate victory for Boston Legacy FC in the litigation challenging the redevelopment of White Stadium in...
        Blog

        Hurry Up and Wait

        This is the third in a series of Verrill blog posts on Maine’s packaging extended producer responsibility (“EPR”) law[1]. In July we reported...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Discusses First Brands Chapter 11 Case in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was recently quoted in a Law360 article examining the rejection of First Brands Group's Chapter 11 plan and the...
        Media Mentions

        Cybersecurity and AI Governance: Scott Anderson Featured in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

        Verrill Managing Partner Scott Anderson was recently featured in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly discussing how law firms can build attorney buy-in for...
        Blog

        Section 530A Account Update: ERISA Status of Trump Accounts

        The Department of Labor has issued important guidance addressing whether employer programs that permit contributions to Section 530A accounts (and...
        Press Releases

        97 Verrill Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® 2027, Including Four Named Lawyers of the Year

        AUGUSTA, Maine, BANGOR, Maine, BOSTON, Mass., PORTLAND, Maine, and WESTPORT, Conn., (August 20, 2026) – Verrill is proud to announce that 97...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        SEC’s Proposed “Reg Crypto”: What Founders Need to Know

        Startup founders and emerging-growth companies have a number of options for raising capital under the federal securities laws, including Regulation D...
        Blog

        After 45 Years, the IRS Speaks on DCAP Nondiscrimination Testing – And It’s Good News

        Employers that provide a Dependent Care Assistance Program will be pleased to learn that for the first time in 45 years, the IRS has issued guidance...
        Media Mentions

        U.S. Courts Highlights Annabel Rodriguez’s Journey from Fellow to Mentor

        Verrill attorney Annabel Rodriguez was featured in a recent U.S. Courts article titled “From Fellows to Mentors: Alumni Share Lasting Lessons from...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Discusses Bankruptcy Auction Strategy in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach spoke with Law360 article examining the complex bankruptcy auction process that resulted in the sale of 23 summer...