Karen Irene Boyd is the esteemed Founding Partner of Turner Boyd LLP, an award-winning intellectual property litigation boutique based in San Mateo, California. With a career spanning over two decades, Karen has spearheaded the growth of Turner Boyd from its humble beginnings as a two-person operation to its current status as a nationally-recognized firm, boasting lawyers from prestigious law schools, clerkships, and top-tier law firms across the country.

Karen’s journey to success includes pivotal roles at Google, where she served as a litigation management consultant through alternative legal services provider Axiom, transitioning to a business development-focused position. Prior to her tenure at Turner Boyd, she held principal and associate positions at Fish & Richardson P.C., where she honed her expertise in intellectual property litigation, particularly in patent litigation across diverse technological domains.

With her graduate work at UCLA in molecular biology, Karen has clients who have relied on her integration of legal and technical expertise to help them navigate their intellectual property issues.  She has represented clients in connection with gene therapy, non-invasive pre-natal and cancer testing, DNA-encoded libraries for small molecule drug discovery, transgenic animals for Alzheimer’s research, microfluidic platforms for antibody discovery, and medical devices for treatment of diseases ranging from kyphosis to hypertension.  Beyond representing clients in court, Karen is frequently sought out for advice for litigation avoidance, alternative dispute resolution, and intellectual property strategy.

Karen’s professional journey also includes notable experiences such as serving as a Litigation Manager at Applied Materials and as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Paul Michel at the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Karen’s academic achievements are equally impressive, with a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, where she served as Articles Editor for the High Technology Law Journal. She also holds a master’s degree in molecular biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a bachelor’s degree in environmental biology from California State University, Northridge.

Karen’s dedication to excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including being named a Woman Leader in Tech Law by The Recorder and Lawyer of the Year by The Best Lawyers in America for Trade Secrets Law. She has been consistently recognized as a Top Intellectual Property Lawyer in California by the Daily Journal and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Litigation – I.P., Patent Law, and Trade Secrets Law.

Beyond her professional achievements, Karen is deeply committed to public service, serving on the board of California State University Northridge Foundation, and holding leadership positions in organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area, Berkeley Law Alumni Association, The Aurora Singers, and Schola Cantorum.

Karen Boyd’s exemplary leadership, legal expertise, and dedication to both her profession and her community underscore her role as a distinguished figure in the legal landscape.

Character: Karen Irene Boyd demonstrates integrity, dedication, and leadership through her commitment to excellence in legal practice and community service.

Knowledge: With extensive academic achievements and over two decades of experience in intellectual property litigation, Karen possesses profound expertise in legal matters, particularly in patent litigation across diverse technological domains.

Strategic: Karen strategically navigates the growth and success of Turner Boyd LLP, from its inception as a small boutique to its current status as a nationally-recognized firm, and she has played key roles in business development and recruitment throughout her career.

Communication: Through effective communication with clients, colleagues, and community organizations, Karen fosters strong relationships, drives success, and leaves a lasting impact in both professional and public service realms.