Howard I. Sobelman, P.C., Partner at our Phoenix law office
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Howard I. Sobelman, P.C.

Partner
Biography

Howard Sobelman is a senior intellectual property partner and certified licensing professional, with over 30 years of experience advising clients on their intellectual property law matters. A leader within the firm, Howard is also co-chair of the firm’s intellectual property practice.

Howard’s practice is concentrated in patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, licensing, and due diligence. His experience and knowledge include working with an array of technologies including blockchain technologies, big data, software, hardware, internet, business methods, aerospace, solar tracking, financial services, financial planning, insurance products, medical products, mechanical, biotechnology, fiber optics, holography, among many others. Howard works with clients to develop creative global protection strategies.

Over the course of his career, Howard has become well-known for his knowledge and skill in the intellectual property space. He is an AV Preeminent lawyer as designated by Martindale-Hubbell® and is annually recognized by leading industry and legal publications such as IAM Patent 1000, Intellectual Property Magazine, The Best Lawyers in America®, and Super Lawyers®. He was named a Phoenix Lawyer of the Year for patent law, copyright law, and IP litigation for several years.

Within the community, Howard is a strong advocate for those with neurodiversities, with an emphasis on those with autism spectrum disorder. He serves on the Board of Directors for First Place AZ, a residential development that supports autistic adults. Howard also serves on the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center Board of Directors.

Howard offers proven experience and results, technical insights, and seamless client service in his efforts to provide exceptional intellectual property legal services across the United States.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

  • Arizona
  • United States Patent and Trademark Office


Court Admissions

  • Supreme Court of Arizona
  • United States District Court, District of Arizona


Education

  • Arizona State University, College of Law (J.D.)
  • University of Arizona (B.S., Engineering Physics, magna cum laude)
Experience

Awards & Recognition

  • Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business®, Intellectual Property (2024)
  • Certified Licensing Professional (CLP)
  • Peer Review Rated AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
  • IAM Patent 1000 (2022-2023)
  • IP Stars, Managing Intellectual Property Magazine (2015-2018, 2022,2023)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Copyright Law, Patent Law, Trademark Law (2012-2025); Intellectual Property Litigation (2014-2025); Intellectual Property Law (2008-2011)
    • Phoenix Lawyer of the Year, Patent Law (2016, 2025)
    • Phoenix Lawyer of the Year, Intellectual Property Litigation (2015)
    • Phoenix Lawyer of the Year, Copyright Law (2014, 2020)
    • Phoenix Lawyer of the Year, Patent Law (2013)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Business Edition, Intellectual Property Law (2012)
  • Southwest Super Lawyers®, Intellectual Property (2007-2016, 2024)
  • Super Lawyers®, Intellectual Property – Business Edition (2011)
  • Super Lawyers®, Intellectual Property – Corporate Counsel Edition (2008-2010)
  • Ranking Arizona: The Best of Arizona Attorneys, Intellectual Property Law (2010-2011)
  • Arizona’s Top Lawyers, AzBusiness Magazine (2010)
  • Forty Under 40, Phoenix Business Journal (2004)
  • Outstanding Volunteer Award, Arizona State University Homeless Legal Assistance Project (Past)

Previous Professional Experience

  • Jones, Skelton and Hochuli, Attorney, Phoenix, AZ (1994-1995)
  • Lewis and Roca, Legal Analyst, Phoenix, AZ (1993)
  • Arizona State Senate, Legal Intern, Phoenix, AZ (Spring 1993)
  • United States Congress, Legal Intern, Washington, DC (Summer 1992)
  • General Electric Medical Systems, Diagnostic Imaging Representative, Dallas, Milwaukee, Los Angeles (1989-1991)
  • Pima County Public Defender, Legal Investigator, Tucson, AZ (Summer 1988)
  • Honeywell, Inc., Fiber Optics Researcher, Phoenix, AZ (Summer 1987)

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • State Bar of Arizona
    • Intellectual Property Section

Community Involvement

  • One Step Beyond, Inc., Board of Directors (July 2024-Present)
  • First Place AZ, Board of Directors (May 2018-Present)
  • Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, Board (2005-Present)
    •  Board Chair (2008-2017)
  • CASS Homeless Shelter, Board Member (2000-2005)
  • Trial Court Appointment Commission Selection Committee (Past)
  • Homeless Legal Assistance Project, Board of Directors (1993-1999), Chair (1998-1999)
  • University of Arizona, Legislative Liaison (Past)
  • Pappas School for Homeless Children (Past)
  • Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer (Past)
  • St. Vincent DePaul Food Bank, Volunteer (Past)
  • Arizona Autism Society (Past)
  • Vista Monterey Homeowners Association, Board President (Past)

Representative Presentations and Publications

  • “Blockchain Technology and Patenting Overview”, Co-Presenter (November 6, 2017)