Norton Rose Fulbright Bolsters IP Practice with Stuart Nelson Joining as Minneapolis Partner

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has further expanded its intellectual property practice with the addition of Stuart Nelson, who joins the firm as a partner in Minneapolis. Nelson arrives from Fish & Richardson, bringing a market-recognized practice focused on patent prosecution and post-grant proceedings.

Nelson advises both emerging companies and global enterprises on patent portfolio development, strategic counseling, and post-grant disputes. His expertise strengthens Norton Rose Fulbright’s capacity to provide comprehensive intellectual property counsel, covering early-stage portfolio creation through enforcement, licensing, and high-stakes disputes across technology-driven industries.

Jeff Cody, Norton Rose Fulbright’s Global and US Managing Partner, emphasized the strategic nature of Nelson’s hire: “Stuart’s addition reflects our continued investment in offering clients a premier IP platform that supports every stage of innovation. His work at the intersection of prosecution, disputes and business strategy aligns perfectly with our focus on helping clients build, protect and leverage commercial value from their intellectual property on a global scale.”

Nelson manages patent portfolios for clients operating in consumer markets, medical devices, technology, digital health, transportation, aerospace, and telecommunications. He supports large corporations in expanding and managing global patent portfolios and guides early-stage companies through their initial patent filings and portfolio strategies.

With over 20 years of experience, Nelson has developed successful strategies across litigation, mediation, arbitration, and post-grant proceedings. He has represented both petitioners and patent owners in more than 100 inter partes reviews. Additionally, he regularly advises clients before litigation, conducting freedom-to-operate analyses, pre-litigation risk assessments, and issuing opinion letters.

Tim Kenny, Norton Rose Fulbright’s US Head of Intellectual Property, highlighted Nelson’s fit within the firm: “Stuart is exactly the kind of lawyer we look for as we grow our IP practice: a trusted advisor in the prime of his career with deep technical skill, strong client relationships and a strategic mindset. His mechanical engineering background complements our patent team’s technical strengths that inform coordinated strategies across the full spectrum of IP disputes and counseling matters.”

Nelson’s arrival follows other recent strategic hires, including patent litigation partners Sanya Sukduang and Jon Davies in Washington, DC. These additions underscore Norton Rose Fulbright’s commitment to supporting clients in key markets amid a landscape where intellectual property disputes continue to pose significant business risks, as detailed in the firm’s 21st Annual Litigation Trends Survey.

Nelson expressed enthusiasm about joining the firm: “I was drawn to Norton Rose Fulbright for its comprehensive IP offering, genuine cross-office collaboration and a platform that can serve my clients at every stage, from prosecution through enforcement. I’m looking forward to growing my practice and serving clients across the full spectrum of IP services, backed by the extensive resources of a global firm.”

Licensed in Minnesota and with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Nelson holds a law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology. He has been recognized in the IAM Patent 1000 since 2020 and was named a Pro Bono Champion of the Year by the Great North Innocence Project in 2024.

Norton Rose Fulbright’s intellectual property practice comprises more than 250 lawyers, patent attorneys, and trademark agents worldwide, including over 100 in the United States. The practice offers multidisciplinary support for clients navigating complex patent and trade secret litigation, trademark and brand protection, patent prosecution, and technology transactions.