Spotlight On: Kevin Kocun, Managing Partner, Lerner David

Key points:

• Lerner David’s exclusive focus on intellectual property law positions the firm at the center of clients’ most innovative moments.

• Demand for IP protection is expanding beyond large corporations as smaller and mid-sized companies view IP as a core business asset.

• Emerging technologies, especially AI and software, are reshaping IP strategy while reinforcing the need for specialized expertise and human oversight.

February 2026 — In an interview with Invest:, Kevin Kocun, managing partner of Lerner David, discussed the firm’s specialization in intellectual property law, calling it a differentiator in the legal arena. “Unlike many legal fields that deal with disputes or crises, IP law focuses on helping companies during their most innovative moments,” he said.

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What have been some big cases or highlights for Lerner David over the past year?

We have been performing well as a firm. We specialize exclusively in intellectual property law, which sets us apart. I often joke that I am not a real lawyer but rather a patent attorney. The firm has maintained strong relationships with long-standing clients while also attracting new ones through business development efforts and the addition of new team members.

A significant portion of our work involves patent prosecution and right-to-use analyses, ensuring that our clients’ ideas are protected while also minimizing legal risks. When litigation and other IP-specific proceedings become necessary, we handle those matters as well. Over the past year, we have managed numerous important cases, including several post-grant proceedings at the USPTO. Our client base includes many large and influential companies, reflecting the firm’s strong reputation in intellectual property law.

How has the intellectual property landscape in New Jersey evolved in recent years, and what role has Lerner David played in that evolution?

Lerner David takes pride in its diverse client base, which includes not only prominent New Jersey-based companies but also clients worldwide. While the firm’s global reach is extensive, there is a special emphasis on serving local businesses in New Jersey. The ability to meet clients face-to-face fosters stronger relationships and allows for more personalized legal counsel, which is particularly valuable in intellectual property law. 

Unlike many legal fields that singularly deal with disputes or crises, IP law focuses on helping companies during their most innovative moments, whether securing patents for new inventions, protecting trademarks, or ensuring that clients have the ability to launch products without infringing on the IP of others. This aspect of the work is deeply rewarding, as it contributes directly to a company’s growth and success rather than simply managing its challenges.

New Jersey’s thriving technology sector further enhances this dynamic, as the state is home to cutting-edge research, pharmaceutical advancements, and engineering innovations. Being situated in such a technologically rich environment allows Lerner David to engage with groundbreaking developments firsthand, reinforcing the firm’s expertise and commitment to the field. The combination of global reach, local engagement, and a focus on innovation makes working in New Jersey’s IP landscape both a privilege and a point of pride for us.

What trends are you observing in the types of clients seeking IP protection, particularly in New Jersey?​

There has been a noticeable increase in awareness of intellectual property rights among businesses of all sizes. While larger companies have long prioritized IP protection, medium-sized and smaller businesses are now investing more heavily in securing trademarks, patents, and other IP assets.

This shift reflects a broader understanding that intellectual property is not just a legal formality, where you pay an attorney for a service, but a valuable business asset. Companies recognize that investing in IP protection yields tangible benefits, whether in safeguarding innovations or enhancing market competitiveness. This trend has been encouraging, as it demonstrates a growing appreciation for the strategic importance of IP.

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How does Lerner David engage with local universities and research institutions to support innovation and IP awareness?

We work closely with several academic institutions, with Rutgers University being one of our most prominent partners. Beyond standard legal representation, we have launched initiatives to educate students about intellectual property.

My partner, Kelly Y. Hwang, leads a program that offers engineering students hands-on exposure to IP law. Over the past five or six years, we have hosted two or three students each summer, providing them with an overview of patent law and its real-world applications. Now in 2025, we are expanding the program to include additional universities, including Villanova, where I have been mentoring a student interested in IP. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of IP professionals and strengthen the talent pipeline in this field.

In what ways have emerging technologies influenced the demand for IP legal services in the region?​

I am a mechanical engineer by background, so if something can be built and seen, I can understand it. However, a lot of the innovation today is not in that space. The focus is on software, artificial intelligence, and similar fields. We have seen a significant increase in demand for legal services related to these areas. As a result, we have had to identify and hire individuals with the expertise to handle such matters. While I may work on mechanical patents, I recognize the importance of having specialists who can navigate AI and software-related intellectual property.

Regarding the technologies we are using, artificial intelligence is the main topic. We are exploring its potential to improve efficiency in certain tasks, but we are proceeding cautiously. In the intellectual property field, confidentiality is a major concern. While we see the value in AI, we are mindful of protecting our clients’ interests. If I had to predict the most impactful technology for our firm in the coming years, it would be AI. However, we are taking measured steps to ensure security and confidentiality. The industry is moving toward greater automation, which is both fascinating and daunting for someone like me who prefers tangible, mechanical innovations. Nevertheless, the significance of these advancements cannot be ignored.

What measures are suggested to clients to safeguard their intellectual property against cyber threats, especially with the rise of AI?​

One of the primary concerns with open AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, is the risk of unintentional disclosure. Under intellectual property law, particularly patent law, public disclosure of an invention without confidentiality protections can have serious consequences. Both our firm and our clients are cautious about this. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about the role of AI in invention. If businesses use AI to develop new technologies, questions arise regarding who should be considered the inventor, and we anticipate that these debates will likely continue for some time.

Our clients are cautiously optimistic about AI. While it may enhance productivity, I do not believe it will replace human inventors entirely. For example, as an architect, you understand that while AI could theoretically design buildings, the human element remains essential. The same applies to intellectual property. Whether drafting patent applications or evaluating inventions, human oversight will always be necessary. AI may assist, but we are still determining the extent of its role.

What are the main challenges at Lerner David, and how are you navigating these?

The biggest challenge is talent retention and recruitment. We prioritize finding the right individuals who align with our firm’s culture and values. Unlike larger firms that may hire extensively, we focus on quality over quantity. With approximately 50 to 60 attorneys, we are the largest intellectual property boutique firm in New Jersey, but we remain selective in our hiring. Our goal is to maintain a team of professionals who are not only skilled but also committed to long-term client relationships.

Another challenge is preserving the personal aspect of legal services. In an era where digital interactions dominate, we emphasize face-to-face engagement and lasting client relationships. Many of our institutional clients have been with us for decades, and we take pride in that continuity. Finding team members who share this commitment is essential to our success.

Looking ahead, what are the firm’s top priorities and goals for the next two to three years?

Growth is a key priority. As a leader, I aim to expand our practice by bringing in more talented professionals and acquiring new clients. However, growth must be balanced with maintaining high morale and a positive work environment. The past few years have been turbulent, and sustaining a motivated team is crucial. When people enjoy their work and take pride in their contributions, the quality of service naturally follows.

Another goal is to continue working with exceptional clients. When you collaborate with clients you respect and admire, the work feels rewarding rather than burdensome. Our focus will remain on delivering high-level service while fostering strong, long-term relationships.

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