Daniel W. McDonald

Dan has won trials, secured expedited relief, and succeeded in securing multi-million dollar awards for his clients. He has represented clients ranging from individual inventors to the British Post Office, in cases involving a broad spectrum of technologies, from software, digital imaging, telecommunications and electronics to apparel, aerospace, printing, and materials handling. He has obtained an "exceptional" case finding after trying a patent case to verdict, obtaining attorneys' fees and punitive damages affirmed on appeal. Dan's practice areas include: patent litigation, copyright litigation, trademark/trade dress litigation and trade secret litigation. Dan is Best Lawyer’s® Lawyer of the Year for 2015 for Patent Litigation in Minneapolis. Dan has been recognized by Chambers USA as one of the Leading Individuals in IP Litigation in Minnesota and is a Minnesota Law & Politics Super Lawyer.

Dan McDonald has over 30 years of experience litigating and trying intellectual property cases concerning patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade dress and trade secrets. His technical background in engineering bodes well for his clients, who have ranged from individual inventors to Fortune 500 companies to the British Post Office. Although he focuses his practice on the electronics, software, and internet industries, Dan has also handled a broad spectrum of technologies such as digital imaging, telecommunications, apparel, housewares, aerospace, printing, and materials handling.

Dan brings the depth and breadth of knowledge and reason that only decades of practicing law and trying cases can accomplish. His client wins include securing multi-million dollar judgments and awards, securing expedited injunctive relief, obtaining an “exceptional” case finding after trying a patent case to verdict, punitive damages, and awards of attorneys’ fees for both plaintiffs and defendants. He is comfortable both in court and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in contested proceedings.

Dependable and creative, Dan is a skilled leader who focuses on ultimate goals and desired results. Colleagues call him prepared and someone who doesn’t take guff from anyone. Coworkers say he encourages a collaborative atmosphere and enables his teams to excel. He values diverse teams to better evaluate issues from all angles and think of innovative solutions.

An ardent supporter of the University of Minnesota, Dan has been a regular volunteer for decades. He serves as Past Chair of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) Board of Directors, where he helped set the strategic direction of the UMAA. He continues to advocate for and represent the UMAA and the University in a number of settings.

A few highlights among Dan’s career awards include Best Lawyer’s 2015 Lawyer of the Year for Patent Litigation in Minneapolis ­­and Minnesota Lawyer’s 2015 Attorney of the Year. He has been recognized by Chambers USA as one of the leading individuals in intellectual property litigation in Minnesota, and he is also a longtime Minnesota Law & Politics Super Lawyer.

Dan and his wife are emerging empty nesters who enjoy travel, bicycling, and glass art.