14 Jul 2026
Patent partners Al Araiza and Lena Petrovic join Dorsey & Whitney LLP in Palo Alto
"Dorsey & Whitney LLP has hired patent partners Al Araiza and Lena Petrovic in Palo Alto to join its Patent practice, focusing on AI, wireless, energy, software, and digital media."
Al Araiza joins Dorsey & Whitney as a partner in the Patent practice. He advises clients on developing and implementing patent strategies that align with corporate objectives and support growth initiatives, financing efforts, and exits including initial public offerings and acquisitions. He counsels on building, managing, and optimizing patent portfolios across a broad range of emerging and frontier technologies, with particular depth in wireless communications, artificial intelligence, and energy innovation. Prior to practicing law, Al gained engineering experience in the defense industry working on energy system modeling and communications circuitry design, and he conducted biomedical research with findings published in peer-reviewed journals. He has been recognized in the IAM Patent 1000 for his work advising clients on patent strategy and portfolio development. Al received his J.D. from Duke University School of Law, his M.E. in Biomedical Engineering from Tulane University, and his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from UCLA.
Lena Petrovic joins Dorsey & Whitney as a partner in the Patent practice. She works across the software and hardware industries to develop clear, well-supported patent applications, guides clients through the prosecution process, and advises on global trademark and copyright matters including licensing and portfolio management. Lena regularly supports clients developing technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, fintech, cryptography, interactive and immersive experiences, and digital media, and she works with companies in entertainment, gaming, and sports. Before practicing law, Lena spent a decade at Pixar, contributing to major films including The Incredibles, Ratatouille, WALL‑E, and Brave. She received her J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, her M.S. in Computer Science from Princeton University, and her B.S. from the California Institute of Technology.
Gina Cornelio, Patent Practice Group Co-Leader, said the firm is thrilled to welcome them to the Patent team and the growing Palo Alto office.