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BethanyBengfort

Partner

Bethany is a seasoned litigator with a proven track record of success in high-stakes intellectual property disputes. She focuses on representing clients in cases involving a diverse array of technology, including everything from video games and artificial intelligence software to pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Bethany is known for both her sharp analytical mind and deep understanding of intellectual property law, skillfully navigating the technical and legal intricacies of each case to deliver optimal outcomes for her clients.

Bethany has litigated cases before the U.S. District Courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Her experience spans all phases of litigation, including pre-suit investigations, claim construction, discovery, dispositive motions, trial preparation, and appeals. She brings valuable insight from her judicial clerkships for the Honorable Kara F. Stoll of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the Honorable S. James Otero of the United States District Court for the Central District of California. In addition to her litigation expertise, Bethany provides comprehensive counseling to clients on intellectual property strategy, including pre-suit analyses of patent validity and infringement.

Bethany was included in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, and has frequently been featured in Law 360’s “Litigators of the Week.” Prior to joining Thompson Hine, Bethany was counsel at an IP litigation boutique in Silicon Valley.

Bethany earned her J.D. from Stanford Law School. Outside of her practice, she frequently speaks at industry conferences, conventions, and seminars on intellectual property law and the intersection of law and pop culture.

Recognized in Best Lawyers Ones to Watch 2027

Focus Areas

  • Included in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Technology Law
  • Named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation list, IP Litigation

Professional Associations

  • Federal Bar Association
  • Women’s Intellectual Property Lawyers Association
  • ChIPs
  • San Francisco Bay Area IP Inn of Court

Education

  • Stanford Law School, J.D., 2016
  • University of Maryland, College Park, M.P.P., 2010
  • University of Maryland, College Park, B.A., 2009

Bar Admissions

  • California

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
  • U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court