Krista Vink Venegas, Ph.D., is an intellectual property (IP) litigator and trial lawyer with over 20 years of experience representing global high-tech companies in highly regulated industries. As co-leader of the firm’s IP life sciences practice and a member of the firm’s life sciences and medtech industry teams, Krista has experience with complex IP disputes, including patent infringement, trade secret misappropriation, false advertising, unfair competition, and related contractual disputes. She has litigated in a variety of US venues including district and appellate courts, the International Trade Commission, and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, as well as coordinated strategy across European and Asian venues.
Krista strategically counsels life sciences clients on IP disputes and litigation avoidance, and advises on the interrelated regulatory, antitrust, and corporate aspects which impact market exclusivity. She also regularly advises on internal IP practices and protocols, as well as IP implications of transactions, risk reduction, and disputes arising therefrom.
Krista is also a co-leader of the firm’s Women in Tech initiative, and a former member of the Pro Bono Committee.
Previously, Krista conducted research at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, using a multidisciplinary approach (molecular biology, cellular biology, physiology, anatomy, and behavior) to study gene expression and regulation of neuropeptides by hormones in the brain. Krista applies her multidisciplinary degree to our high-tech clients working in industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, dental products, computer systems, and other consumer products.
Pro Bono Representations
Listed, Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Chicago (2025)
Listed, Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Patent, Chicago (2025)
Co-Chair of the Corporate Counsel Committee, Federal Circuit Bar Association
Member, Practice Group of the Year, Intellectual Property, Law360 (2019)
Recommended, Intellectual property: Patents: litigation (full coverage), The Legal 500 US (2019, 2022–2024)
Recommended, Intellectual property: Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings), The Legal 500 US (2019)
Vice Chair, Corporate Counsel Committee, Federal Circuit Bar Association
Member, Federal Circuit Bar Association
Member, Finance Board, Healthy Schools Campaign
Volunteer, Homewood Science Center