Biography

Robert S. Brennen is a trial lawyer who aggressively represents businesses, universities, and individuals in disputes involving patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property, control of corporations, contracts, and real estate.

His clients have included manufacturers, distributors, importers, entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, insurance underwriters, real estate developers, on-line brokerages, software designers, financial institutions, and recording companies. The one characteristic that his clients have in common is that they all want their business disputes resolved as quickly and cost-effectively as possible by an aggressive and responsive lawyer who understands their business goals.

Bob has represented clients in both arbitration and mediation. He has 100 hours of training as a mediator and has served as a Court-appointed mediator for over ten years.

Education

  • Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., cum laude, 1987)
  • University of Pittsburgh (B.A., magna cum laude, 1983)

Bar Admissions

  • Maryland, 1987

Professional Affiliations

  • Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association: Board of Governors (2015-present), President (2022-2023)
  • American Bar Association: Litigation Section; Intellectual Property Section
  • Federal Bar Association: Alternative Dispute Resolution Committees; Business Torts; Litigation Section
  • Maryland State Bar Association: Litigation Section

Special Honors

  • Baltimore SmartCEO Magazine:  Listed as "Smart Lawyer" (2008)
  • Benchmark Litigation: Listed as a Litigation Star in Maryland (2026); in Maryland for General Commercial Litigation (2013-2014)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: "Lawyer of the Year," Litigation - Real Estate, Baltimore (2017-2018; 2022, 2026); Litigation - Intellectual Property, Baltimore (2020); Litigation - Patent, Baltimore (2021, 2023); Banking and Finance Law, Baltimore (2024); Real Estate Law, Baltimore (2024)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Selected for inclusion in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent, and Litigation - Real Estate (2009-2026)
  • Baltimore Magazine "Top Lawyer" for Intellectual Property Rights (2026)
  • Chambers USA - America's Leading Lawyers for Business: Listed in the area of Litigation: General Commercial-Maryland (2017-2025)
  • Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating: AV Preeminent® Rated
  • Maryland Super Lawyers®:  Selected for inclusion in the area of Intellectual Property Litigation, Business Litigation, General Litigation (2007-2012); Intellectual Property Litigation (2013-2021, 2024-2025)
  • Super Lawyers - Corporate Counsel Edition: Listed in the area of Business Litigation (April 2008 and March 2009)

Community Activities

Court Admissions

  • Supreme Court of Maryland
  • United States Supreme Court
  • United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • United States District Court for the District of Columbia
  • United States District Court for the District of Maryland

Recent Matters

View All

Conducting Internal Investigations for Harassment Complaint

Another client received a complaint from one of its employees and a virtually simultaneous anonymous complaint alleging that a high-level employee had engaged in sexual harassment of his subordinates. Miles...

Defended a CEO against Securities Fraud Claims

Represented a CEO of financial services company in defense of securities fraud claims.  We reached a settlement that was favorable to our client and breach of fiduciary duty was dismissed....