Chandrika Vira is a director in Sterne Kessler’s Trial & Appellate and Biotechnology & Chemical Practice Groups. Chandrika represents clients in complex intellectual property matters in federal district courts, before the International Trade Commission, in contested proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and before the Federal Circuit on appeal.
Chandrika has litigated cases involving a broad range of technologies, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology products, medical devices, and electrical equipment. In the biotech space, Chandrika recently delivered an eight-figure jury verdict for a client. Additionally, Chandrika has successfully represented and counseled clients in cases involving small-molecule pharmaceuticals under the Hatch-Waxman Act, and biologics and biosimilars under the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA). Chandrika has also litigated cases that protect her client’s trademark rights.
Chandrika serves as a strategic advisor to her clients on matters of patent rights as well as trademark, copyright, and false advertising rights. Chandrika regularly writes and speaks on complex patent issues, offering insight and practical advice to her clients. Chandrika is a contributing author of Pre-ANDA Litigation: Strategies and Tactics for Developing a Drug Product and Patent Portfolio, Second Edition, published in 2018 by the American Bar Association.
In addition to her robust practice, Chandrika chairs the firm’s Professional Development Committee and is active in Sterne Kessler’s pro bono practice. Chandrika was recognized by Best Lawyers as “One to Watch in America” in 2024, and by Profiles in Diversity Journal® as a “Women Worth Watching in STEM” in 2023.
Prior to law school, Chandrika worked as a consultant for two technology companies, where she advised companies on implementing technological solutions. While in law school at The George Washington University, Chandrika participated in the Law Students in Court Clinic, where she had the opportunity to represent clients in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in the Criminal Division. Chandrika received her B.A. in molecular biology from Coe College.
Technical Publications
- Vira, C. (1998). “Optical and physical properties of bismuth borate glasses related to structure,” Phys. C hem. Glasses, 39(2), 83-6.
- Vira, C. (1999). “A Structural analysis of the physical properties of bismuth and lead based glasses.” Phys. C hem. Glasses, 40(6), 326-32.
- TwinStrand Biosciences, Inc. and the University of Washington v. Guardant Health, Inc., 21-1126-GBW-SRF (led TwinStrand and the University of Washington to an $83.4 million win before a jury).
- In re Certain Non-Invasive Aesthetic Body-Contouring Devices, Components Thereof, And Methods Of Using Same, 337-TA-1219 (counsel for Complainant, BTL Industries, Inc. in an ITC investigation pertaining to magnetic body contouring machines)
- Adapt Pharma Ops. v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA (D.N.J.) (counsel for Teva in litigation concerning naloxone, a treatment for opioid overdose)
- Genentech, Inc. et al. v. Sandoz, Inc. (D.N.J.) (counsel for Sandoz in BPCIA litigation on patents concerning rituximab)
- Mayne Pharma v. Actavis Elizabeth LLC (D. Del.) (counsel for Actavis and Teva in Hatch-Waxman litigation on patents concerning doxycycline dosage forms)
- Sony Corporation v. ARRIS Enterprise LLC (counsel for ARRIS in IPRs concerning broadband technology)
- Allergan, Inc. v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. et al. (E.D. Tex.) (counsel for Teva in Hatch-Waxman litigation on patents concerning mesalamine)
- Akorn, Inc. v. Senju Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. et al. (counsel for Akorn in an IPR and subsequent appeal on a patent patent concerning difluprednate)
- Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. v. Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited (D.N.J.) (counsel for Alembic in Hatch-Waxman litigation on patents concerning aripiprazole)
- Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. Novel Laboratories, Inc. (D. Del.) (counsel for Novel in Hatch-Waxman litigation on patents covering mesalamine)
- Best Lawyers, “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America” (2025 – 2024)
- Profiles in Diversity Journal®, “Women Worth Watching in STEM” (2023)
- DCA Live, “Emerging Women Leaders in Law” (2020)
- Super Lawyers, “Rising Star – Washington, D.C.” (2018-2017)
- J.D., The George Washington University Law School
- B.A., Molecular Biology, Coe College
- District of Columbia
- New York
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- United States Patent & Trademark Office
- American Intellectual Property Law Association
- New York Bar Association
- District of Columbia Bar Association