Need a straight shooting, direct attorney who can explain, guide and protect? Tom Dunlap.Experienced pilot, airport commissioner KJYO, former military, AOPA Panel, NBAA, LPBASecret clearance and former Army officer, working defense and other government contract industries.Author of "How to IP" for Lawyers. Top 100 Power Lawyer - Don't settle your case. . . Win.Aggressive former prosecutor and Army officer with more than a decade of litigation experience.
Tom’s practice focuses on patent, trademark, trade secret, commercial, entertainment law, business, government contracts disputes, litigation, and transactions. Tom has authored numerous books and appeared on national television and radio, including Fox, Sundance T.V., and NPR, speaking on various subjects in his fields of practice. In addition to the state and federal courts of D.C., VA, and M.D., he is a member of the Federal Courts in Puerto Rico, Colorado, and Texas, as well as the Court of Federal Claims, the Federal Circuit, where he has recently argued and won three appellate matters, the Veteran’s Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court, where he was lead counsel on a False Claims Act case (See United States ex rel. Carter v. Halliburton Co.) and in the T.C. Heartland LLC v. Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC (U.S. May 22, 2017) (No. 16-341) case involving jurisdiction in patent infringement cases. Other recent litigation victories where Tom served as lead trial counsel include a $12,317,500 verdict in Zuru v Telebrands et al. (EDTX 2017) (patent infringement) and a $2,600,000 verdict in DPX Gear v Prince et al. (Loudoun Circuit Court 2017) (breach of contract & fraud).Tom has authored and taught numerous classes for the last 20 years to attorneys, law students, and businesses, most recently these include; Copyright Clearance Issues (2018) (internal for AMC Networks), Intellectual Property Essentials (2018) (Virginia CLE), Intellectual Property Issues in Sports and Entertainment Law (2017)(NBI), Reasonable Royalties in Patent Damages (2017)(NBI), and Patent Damages: The Rise of the Footprint Approach (2016) and the revised editions (2013, 2015 and 2017) of the Virginia Lawyer’s Deskbook, Chapter 8 - Intellectual Property (Virginia CLE).
Tom holds a JD, MBA, and MS in biotechnology, and is a former Army officer (Armor and Cavalry), a former special prosecutor (Loudoun County), has served as co-chair of the ABA’s Copyright CLE subcommittee and is formerly a board member and the past president of the Loudoun County bar association. Tom is also a founder, patent-holder and former CEO and Chairman of Ceres Nanosciences Inc. whose Lyme disease diagnostic test received the FDA’s “Breakthrough Device” designation in July of 2018 (http://www.ceresnano.com/press-release-breakthrough) and which has completed more than $20 million in funding since its inception. As an instrument rated pilot, he also served as a commissioner for the largest executive airport in Virginia (KJYO), the executive feeder airport for Dulles.
Most recently Tom was again named a SuperLawyer (2012-2014, 2016-2022) for intellectual property (top 5% in DC and Virginia). Thomas Dunlap named a Washington SmartCEO Centers of Influence Award Honoree. Tom has also been named a top Virginia lawyer (for litigation). The firm has for the sixth year in a row been named a “Best Law Firm in Virginia” by Virginia Living and the PCT Global Law 2016 and 2018 Intellectual Property Firm. Outside of his legal practice, Tom is a PADI Master Diver, instrument pilot with high-performance and complex aircraft ratings, a member of MENSA, and participates in marathons and triathlons.
Education Narrative: I received a BA from Lafayette College (Dean’s List), a Juris Doctor from Washington & Lee University (Phi Delta Phi Legal Honors Fraternity) an MS in Biotechnology & MBA from the University of Maryland (Magna Cum Laude).
Military Narrative: Until resigning in 2009, I was a Captain (Armor & Cavalry) in the Army National Guard, and a graduate of Army OCS having served in various US and overseas locations as a Recon Scout Platoon Leader, and Executive Officer (XO) (A Troop, 1-158th CAV (RECON)), and aide de camp to Division Commanding General, (Major General Wyman, 29th Infantry Division) and as the Commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 116th Infantry (116th BSTB) (includes the military police, NBC and Recon units for the Battalion).
Community: I serve as an airport commissioner for the Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO, 2008- present) and have served on the boards of the United Way RAC in the National Capital Area and the Loudoun Community Free Clinic. I presently serve as a Historic District Review Commissioner for Loudoun County, Virginia. I am an alumni representative for Lafayette College and have taught as an adjunct at Washington & Lee University (Intellectual Property) and presently serve on the Washington & Lee Entrepreneurship Advisory Executive Board.
Personal: I am SCUBA certified as a Master diver (with O2 and Nitrox) and have completed the PADI Archeology Diver program through the Maritime Archeological Historical Society (www.mahsnet.org), with whom I dive to assist with the recovery and preservation of historic artifacts as well as deep diver, cave diver and a variety of other PADI certifications. I have held a Humvee and M1 Tank drivers licenses and I am a former National Silver Medalist in full contact Burmese kickboxing, called Bando (2002). As an original founder and co-patent holder/ inventor on certain diagnostic and research nano-particle technology, I served as the CEO of Ceres Nanosciences, Inc. (2007-2010), a biotechnology company based in Manassas, Virginia, and served as the Chairman of their Board of Directors until 2017 when the company completed its $9 million Series A round (www.ceresnano.com). I have completed numerous marathons and the Vineman Ironman 70.3 Triathlon. I am an avid sailor having crewed for months on the RV Westward (3-masted staysail schooner) as part of a joint research effort by Boston University and NOAA. I am also an experienced pilot and own a Cirrus SR-22 airplane (high performance and complex instrument pilot ratings). I live with my wife and two children in Loudoun County.
Other Memberships include Rotary International, American MENSA, Freemasons: Olive Branch 114, Scottish Rite Freemasons – Alexandria (32nd), Leesburg Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 1177), Leesburg American Legion Post, and AOPA.
Practice areas
Tom has served as lead counsel in numerous cases, including a recent (2017) $12.3 million verdict for patent infringement for a global client, and three successful oral arguments before the Federal Circuit.
23 years, 200 cases
Secret clearence, fomer military officer (US Army). Joint Ventures (SBA), bid protests, teaming agreements, ITAR, export matters, debarment and clearance matters. Buyer & Seller side diligence. Contract lead for firm on IDIQ to NIH and HHS.
23 years, 50 cases
Winning a 2017 verdict for $2.6 million for breach of commercial contract and fraud, appearances before the US Supreme Court and Virginia. Tom's success and experience are second to none.
23 years, 200 cases
Licensed instrument pilot and certified as a panel attorney for AOPA. Has handled numerous cases involving the FAA. Aircraft transfers and accidents, pilot and part 135 representation. Airplane transactions, disputes, and issues.
23 years, 100 cases
A speaker for AMC at Sundance (2016-2018) and representing studios and artists alike, including Voltage (Hurt Locker) and others. Named top 100 Power Lawyers in Entertainment Law. Represented various filmmakers, producers, artists, and studios.
23 years, 5,000 cases
Languages spoken
French
Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig
8300 Boone Blvd
Suite 550
Vienna, VA, 22182
Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig
1200 G St NW
Washington, DC, 20007
Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig
211 Church Street SE
Leesburg, VA, 20175-2715
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
DC | Good Standing | 2001 | 06/08/2022 |
MD | Active | 1999 | 07/12/2022 |
VA | Authorized to Practice Law | 1999 | 07/02/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Member | Who's Who In American Law | 2011 |
SuperLawyer | Law & Politics Magazine | 2011 |
Top 100 Power Lawyers in Entertainment | Hollywood Reporter | 2010 |
SuperLawyers | Law & Politics Magazine | 2009 |
SuperLawyers | Law & Politics Magazine | 2008 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Managing Partner | Dunlap, Grubb & Weaver, PLLC | 2002 - Present |
CEO | Ceres Nanosciences, Inc. | 2007 - 2011 |
Special Prosecutor | Loudoun County | 2005 - 2005 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Leesburg Executive Airport | Commissioner | 2008 - Present |
Maryland State Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section, Membership Committee | Board Member | 2007 - Present |
Airline Owners & Pilots Association | Panel Attorney | 2004 - Present |
American MENSA | 1998 - Present | |
Loudoun Community Free Clinic | Vice Chair/ Board Member | 2005 - 2014 |
Loudon County Bar Association | President | 2004 - 2005 |
Loudoun County Bar Association, Board | Board Member | 2003 - 2006 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Electronic Signature In Law: Second Edition | Chapter 8: E-Sign & UETA - Electronic Signatures in the United States | 2007 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Maryland | MBA | 2012 |
University of Maryland | Master of Science | 2010 |
Washington and Lee University School of Law | Juris Doctor | 1999 |
Lafayette College | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1994 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
How-To: Intellectual Property | How-To: Intellectual Property | 2011 |
Sports & Entertainment Law Symposium | Copyright Litigation in Film & Television Piracy | 2011 |
Loudoun SBDC Business Conference | Intellectual Property for Small Business | 2010 |
Washington & Lee | Intellectual Property Basics | 2010 |
VA CLE - Speaking Objections | Speaking Objections | 2009 |
International Conference on Electronic Evidence | Electronic Evidence in US Federal Courts | 2008 |
National Notary Conference Los Angeles | Electronic Signatures and Federal Law Esign and UETA | 2007 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Tinnus Enters., LLC v. Telebrands Corp. | Prevailed in a multi-day jury trial in the Eastern District of Texas Federal Court obtaining a $12.3 million verdict. |
Swimways Corp. v. Zuru, Inc., No. 2:13CV334, 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 98092 (E.D. Va. July 18, 2014) | Judge Davis of the Norfolk Division of the EDVA found, as a matter of law, that a patent was either anticipated or rendered obvious by the prior art. Summary judgement for the Defendant (our client) Zuru, LLC invalidating the patent. |
United States ex rel Carter v. Halliburton Co | The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the dismissal of a qui tam action that the district court held was barred by the statute of limitations and the first-to-file bar under the False Claims Act (“FCA”). |
In re: World Airways, Inc., Government Accountability Office (GAO) Case B-402674 | Bid protest for $485 million under Department of Defense for air cargo transportation services of fixed-price ID/IQ air cargo transportation services within CENTCOM. |
Buffalo Wings, Factory, Inc. v. Charbroil Grill of Wordlgate, Inc. | Obtained judgment & $81,000 in sanctions and fees |
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Kevin Streit, Intellectual property Attorney on Dec 14, 2016
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
Tom Dunlap is a dynamic lawyer and individual with a first-rate command of intellectual property law and litigation strategy. He is a natural leader, capable of handling any matter placed in his hands.
Daniel Smith, Intellectual property Attorney on Sep 15, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Tom is an extremely knowledgeable and dedicated lawyer whose expertise and attention to detail set him apart, particularly in the areas of intellectual property and civil litigation. I had the privilege of working for Tom years ago and fully endorse him as an attorney. He is truly focused on producing favorable results for his clients.
James Pravel, Patent infringement Attorney on Jun 1, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Tom is a sharp, assertive litigator who can be depended upon to pursue the client's goals diligently, accurately and efficiently. He has the ability to get right to the relevant issues on a wide range of subject areas. It is always a pleasure to work with Tom on patent cases and I would highly recommend him to represent you or your company on any complex and/or challenging civil litigation matters
Chananel Nakasaka, Intellectual property Attorney on Oct 13, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Dunlap is an outstanding attorney whom I had the privilege of working with years ago. He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced particularly in intellectual property law. I completely agree that he is truly a rare find.
David Ludwig, Intellectual property Attorney on Apr 5, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
Tom is a skilled attorney with expertise in a wide variety of practice areas, without sacrificing the depth of knowledge of a specialist. Equally at home a boardroom or a courtroom, Tom is consistently able to help his clients achieve their goals in an efficient and effective manner.
Cortland Putbrese, Litigation Attorney on Jan 23, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I highly endorse this attorney. Without question, Tom is one of the most talented and skilled lawyers I know. He is highly experienced in all aspects of complex litigation and has a long track record of achieving very favorable results for clients.
Douglas Blecki, Litigation Attorney on Feb 3, 2011
Relationship: Co-worker
Tom is an intelligent, seasoned attorney who uses years of practical experience to his advantage. He is results-oriented and is always focused on producing favorable outcomes for his clients in the most efficient way possible.
Todd Bennett, Intellectual property Attorney on Jan 21, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Attorney Dunlap is one of the most talented, ethical and efficient attorneys I have ever had the pleasure of working with. His expertise in intellectual property matters is only rivaled by extremely professional and collegial demeanor, and it is obvious in interacting with him that his clients’ best interests are always his top priority. I regularly refer business to Tom, and would encourage anyone else who needs to refer a client to a skilled intellectual property practitioner to do the same.
Jeffrey Weaver, Litigation Attorney on Jan 20, 2010
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
I endorse this lawyer's work. Tom is a fantastic litigator and obtains excellent results for his clients. His ability to work efficiently and think outside the box is tremendous, and it is a privilege to practice law with him. His clients are very pleased with the results he is able to obtain for him.
Randolph Brombacher, Litigation Attorney on Jan 20, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I fully endorse this lawyer's work.
Ellis Bennett, Litigation Attorney on Sep 24, 2009
Relationship: Co-worker
Tom is a well respected member the legal community. In addition to his vast knowledge of the law, he is a tireless worker that always keeps his clients' best interest in mind. I highly recommend him to any person or business who needs the assistance of a highly qualified and competent attorney.
Lee Berlik, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Feb 13, 2009
Relationship: Co-worker
Tom is skilled in a wide variety of practice areas, including bankruptcy and complex trusts and estates work. I recommend him highly.