Robert is Co-chair of the firm’s ITC Practice. For two decades, he has managed high-stakes, competitor litigation at the ITC and in the other major patent venues. Robert has first-chair ITC trial experience, having represented some of the world’s most iconic companies in 30 Section 337 investigations. He has a deep working knowledge of the ITC’s unique procedures and jurisprudence and is frequently called upon to litigate and advise on complex issues of first impression or with limited precedent.
Robert’s technical experience encompasses a broad range of industries, including wireless communications, consumer electronics, semiconductors, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, genomics, and clean energy.
Robert currently serves as an executive committee member for the ITC Trial Lawyers Association. His thought leadership includes numerous publications on patent reform and Section 337 investigations. He has been recognized with industry honors including a Bronze Ranking from IAM Patent 1000 and a Key Lawyer distinction from The Legal 500.
Prior to joining Mintz, Robert served as a partner at a large firm based in Washington, DC, where he rebuilt and co-led its ITC practice. Before that, he spent over 15 years in the Washington, DC office of another large firm.
News & Press
Mintz has again been ranked by Patexia, a leading intellectual property platform, in its Intelligence Report, a comprehensive list of the “best performing” and “most active” ITC Section 337 attorneys and law firms.
Mintz Continues Strategic Growth of Its Patent Litigation Team with San Francisco Partner and Litigator for Life Sciences Innovators
February 24, 2026
Mintz is pleased to welcome Tung-On (T.O.) Kong, who has joined the firm as a Member in its Intellectual Property Division. A nationally recognized life sciences patent strategist, T.O. brings more than two decades of trial and appellate experience representing pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostics companies in bet-the-company disputes.
‘Renewed Interest’: Firms Bulk up ITC Expertise as Work Increases
February 16, 2026
ITC Practice Co-chair Robert Vlasis shared insights with Managing IP in an article about the surge in ITC filings and the market’s increased reliance on the ITC for patent disputes. The article shares how the ITC’s growing impact is reshaping both patent litigation strategy and deal due diligence.
Big Law Ramps Up Hiring in Trade Practices Amid High Demand
February 4, 2026
The National Law Journal highlighted the addition of Robert Vlasis to Mintz. He joins as a Co-chair of the firm’s International Trade Commission practice, further strengthening the firm's intellectual property services.
Mintz Adds Leading ITC Litigator Robert Vlasis as Practice Co-chair
February 02, 2026
Robert Vlasis has joined Mintz as Co-chair of the firm’s International Trade Commission (ITC) Practice and as a Member in its IP Litigation Practice in Washington, DC, bringing a rare breadth of ITC experience that complements the firm’s globally recognized IP capabilities.
Mintz Adds Winston & Strawn ITC Practice Co-leader in DC
February 2, 2026
Law360 highlighted the addition of Robert Vlasis to Mintz. The article noted Robert’s deep experience handling 337 Section investigations. He joins as a Co-chair of the firm’s International Trade Commission practice, further strengthening the firm's intellectual property services.
Robert is Co-chair of the firm’s ITC Practice. For two decades, he has managed high-stakes, competitor litigation at the ITC and in the other major patent venues. Robert has first-chair ITC trial experience, having represented some of the world’s most iconic companies in 30 Section 337 investigations. He has a deep working knowledge of the ITC’s unique procedures and jurisprudence and is frequently called upon to litigate and advise on complex issues of first impression or with limited precedent.
Recognition & Awards
Ranked by Patexia among the Most Active ITC Attorneys (2026)
IAM Patent 1000 (2024 – 2025)
The Legal 500 United States: Intellectual Property: Copyright, Intellectual Property: Patents Litigation (2023)
Robert is Co-chair of the firm’s ITC Practice. For two decades, he has managed high-stakes, competitor litigation at the ITC and in the other major patent venues. Robert has first-chair ITC trial experience, having represented some of the world’s most iconic companies in 30 Section 337 investigations. He has a deep working knowledge of the ITC’s unique procedures and jurisprudence and is frequently called upon to litigate and advise on complex issues of first impression or with limited precedent.
Involvement
- Executive Committee Member, ITC Trial Lawyers Association
- Editorial Board Member, ITC Trial Lawyers Association
- Member, Customs & International Trade Bar Association
- Member, American Bar Association
- Advisory Board Member, District of Columbia LGBTQ+ Bar Association
- Past Board Member, District of Columbia LGBTQ+ Bar Association
- Member, National LBGTQ Bar Association
- Past Chair, Eastern Caucus Campaign Board, LGBTQ Victory Fund
- Past Member, Levine School of Music Virtuoso Society Steering Committee
- Past Member, Human Rights Campaign Federal Club
- Past Member, Lambda Legal Liberty Circle
- Past Chair, Milby High School Leadership 2000 Mentoring Program
Recent Insights
Mintz has again been ranked by Patexia, a leading intellectual property platform, in its Intelligence Report, a comprehensive list of the “best performing” and “most active” ITC Section 337 attorneys and law firms.
Mintz is pleased to welcome Tung-On (T.O.) Kong, who has joined the firm as a Member in its Intellectual Property Division. A nationally recognized life sciences patent strategist, T.O. brings more than two decades of trial and appellate experience representing pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostics companies in bet-the-company disputes.
ITC Practice Co-chair Robert Vlasis shared insights with Managing IP in an article about the surge in ITC filings and the market’s increased reliance on the ITC for patent disputes. The article shares how the ITC’s growing impact is reshaping both patent litigation strategy and deal due diligence.
