Michael J. Bonella

Michael J. Bonella is a shareholder in the firm’s Intellectual Property Department and serves as a member of the firm's Board of Directors. Michael has more than 25 years of experience in handling complex litigations and intellectual property matters. He is a first-chair litigator and has argued cases before the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition, Michael has led numerous district court litigations, representing both plaintiffs and defendants, and is well‐versed in all aspects of district court litigation. His approach to litigation is to develop a legal, factual, and equitable case theory and focus on trial from the onset of litigation through resolution. By developing a case theory early in the case, Michael is able to strategically manage the entire case with specific purposes and goals in mind. 

Michael successfully argued on behalf of Biosig Instruments, Inc. at the Federal Circuit and established the strategy for the indefiniteness standard adopted by the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark case Biosig Instruments, Inc. v. Nautilus.  Michael has recently successfully defended Mapillary and Neuronetics, Inc. in defending against patent infringement allegations in the cases Location Based Servs. LLC v. Mapillary and Design 408 LLC v. Neuronetics, Inc. 

Michael is also experienced in post‐grant proceedings, including reexamination, opposition, and inter partes review (IPR), before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Additionally, he has experience managing patent portfolios and counseling clients on intellectual property issues. 

With an emphasis on understanding his clients’ goals, products, and competition, he develops patent strategies tailored to each individual client aimed at protecting their core business. 

As a former Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer, Michael has a diverse technical background that includes mechanical, electrical, and nuclear engineering. His technological background provides him with unique insight into the technologies behind medical devices, telecommunications, software, and electrical hardware technology. Furthermore, he has specific experience working with gas turbine engine technology.

Michael holds an LL.M. in Trial Advocacy and is also a registered patent attorney. Prior to his legal career, Michael was certified in nuclear engineering by the U.S. Naval Submarine Program and received advanced training in electrical engineering from the U.S. Navy. He received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Duke University School of Law and his B.S. in mechanical engineering, cum laude, from Villanova University.

• Named to the Patent 1000 List, 2024, by IAM for Patent Prosecution (Silver Band)
• Selected as a ‘Leader in the Field’ of Intellectual Property, Pennsylvania, Chambers & Partners USA, 2024, Band 4 Rankings, 2024
• Selected to Best Lawyers in America® in the areas of Intellectual Property Litigation and Patent Litigation, 2014 - 2025
• Named a Pennsylvania "Super Lawyer,” 2018, 2019, 2021 - 2024 by Thomson Reuters, publishers of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers

A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolades are based can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.