Ani Agrawal is an experienced patent attorney focusing on IP strategy and patent and trademark prosecution before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in foreign countries. His diverse experience includes consumer- and technology-focused clients in the medical device arena, retail, and computer technology, among other industries. Most recently, he has worked with online retailers to assist them in complying with Amazon’s new “Brand Registry” requirements.
Since joining NK Patent Law, Ani has concentrated on helping clients build their patent and trademark portfolios by preparing, filing, and prosecuting chemical, biomedical, and mechanical patent applications. In addition, he renders patentability, validity, and freedom-to-operate opinions and counsels clients on a variety of intellectual property issues.
Before joining the firm, Ani spent six years in intellectual property litigation work for numerous corporations and universities across a broad spectrum of technologies, managing several attorneys in IP litigation matters.
Mr. Agrawal works locally and nationally with startups and mid-sized and large corporations.
Before obtaining his law degree, Mr. Agrawal worked in cryogenics research and taught organic chemistry for over six years at the University of Illinois Chemistry Department.
In addition, he stays abreast of current legal issues while teaching continuing legal education courses. Recently, he led a course on intellectual property issues, including patents, trademarks, and M&A.
Ani regularly volunteers time with local entrepreneurial groups in the Triangle and Charlotte.
- Franklin Pierce Law Center, Juris Doctor
- University of Illinois, BS Chemical Engineering
- North Carolina State Bar
- United States Patent and Trademark Office
Legal 500 U.S. Elite (2025)
Business North Carolina Legal Elite (2020, 2023-2026)
- Carolina Patent Trademark & Copyright Law Association, Board of Directors, and NC CLE Committee Member, 2025
- Volunteer, First Flight Venture Center
- Lecturer in Intellectual Property, North Carolina Central University School of Law (2012-2013)
- Adjunct Professor, College of Computing and Informatics, UNCC
- Advised a mid-sized SaaS company on the identification, protection, and enforcement of its trade secrets during an employee transition. Trade secret confidential information included proprietary algorithms, client data processes, and internal pricing models. Drafted comprehensive confidentiality agreements tailored to technical employees and senior staff.
- Developed a comprehensive patent portfolio for an electronic waste recycling company, strengthening its intellectual property position and contributing directly to its successful acquisition by a multinational corporation.
- Successfully negotiated a settlement between an electric vehicle technology company and a multinational engine manufacturer, amicably resolving trademark dispute and bringing an end to protracted and costly proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.