Sheila Niaz
Sheila Niaz
Biography
Sheila Niaz’s practice spans intellectual property law and product liability and consumer disputes. Her dual focus enables her to provide comprehensive counsel to clients, particularly in cases where product liability intersects with intellectual property concerns.
Focusing on patent prosecution and litigation, Sheila leverages her background as a former software engineer to handle cutting-edge technologies including machine learning, IoT devices, blockchain and fintech. She has extensive experience in patent litigation before various courts and the USPTO's Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
In product liability and consumer disputes, Sheila represents clients in complex litigation matters, helping to defend against claims related to product defects, consumer fraud and regulatory compliance. This work involves analyzing technical specifications, collaborating with expert witnesses and developing strategic defenses. Sheila also advises on risk management strategies to help clients mitigate potential liabilities while protecting their innovations.
Sheila previously served as a law clerk to the Honorable Wilhelmina M. Wright, United States District Court Judge for the District of Minnesota, and the Honorable Patrick J. Schiltz, United States District Court Chief Judge for the District of Minnesota. She is actively involved in pro bono work, which includes providing legal services to entrepreneurs and inventors from underserved communities, representing individuals in housing court, serving as a special assistant public defender and volunteering to help domestic abuse victims.
Professional experience
Representative experience
Representative experience
- Represented a major national retail corporation in patent litigation involving point-of-sale technology.
- Defended a leading financial services company against patent infringement claims related to online banking systems.
- Prosecuted patent applications for IoT devices on behalf of a Fortune 500 technology company.
- Conducted IP due diligence for a high-profile merger in the software industry.
- Developed comprehensive IP strategy for a startup in the augmented reality space.
- Managed patent portfolio for a leading innovator in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.
Rankings and recognitions
Rankings and recognitions
- Notable Diverse Leader in Law, Twin Cities Business, 2024
- Patent Practitioner Pro Bono Recognition, United States Patent and Trademark Office, 2021
- StepUp Pro Bono Challenge Honoree, Federal Bar Association, 2022–2023
- North Star Pro Bono Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2020–2023
Education
Education
- JD, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, 2020
- BA, Computer Science, University of St. Thomas, 2017
Sheila is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
Admissions
Admissions
- Minnesota State Bar
- US Patent and Trademark Attorney
Publications
Publications
- Author, “Empowering Her Justice: A Conversation with the Honorable Wilhelmina M. Wright,” ChIPs, October 2023
- Author, “A Conversation with the Honorable Jimmie V. Reyna: Insights from the Bench and Beyond,” The Federal Lawyer, Winter 2025
Speaking engagements
Speaking engagements
- Moderator, “Engineering a Legal Career: The Honorable Elizabeth Cowan Wright on IP, Litigation, and the Federal Bench,” Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association (MIPLA) Stampede Conference CLE, April 2025
- Panelist, “Mentorship Matters: Building Careers, Breaking Barriers,” Minnesota State Bar Association CLE, January 2025
- Panelist, “IP Odyssey: Navigating the Latest Developments in Intellectual Property Law,” Federal Bar Association CLE, May 2023
- Speaker, “Expert Witnesses: A Primer and Practical Tips,” Honorable Jimmie V. Reyna Inn of Court CLE, April 2023
Memberships and activities
Memberships and activities
- Member, Honorable Jimmie V. Reyna IP American Inns of Court, 2019–Present
- Treasurer, 2024–Present
- Board Member, Chiefs in Intellectual Property (ChIPs) Twin Cities Chapter Advisory Board, 2021–Present
- Board Member, Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association, 2022–Present
- Chair, Intellectual Property Practice Group, Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter, 2022–Present
- Board Member, Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association, 2024–Present
Languages
Languages
- Farsi
- French
Insights and news
