Senate IP counsel set for Covington switch

Aaron Cooper, chief counsel for IP and antitrust law in the US Senate Judiciary Committee, is to join law firm Covington & Burling LLP.

Cooper will begin working in the firm’s global public policy and government affairs practice, based in Washington, DC, from December 9.

He has experience in the life sciences area as well as copyright, trademarks and trade secrets from his work on the judiciary panel.

“I look forward to joining one of the most respected public policy teams in the nation, and building a niche in intellectual property and related policy areas to help clients navigate and shape global policy developments,” Cooper said.

Timothy Hester, chair of the firm’s management committee, welcomed the move.

“Aaron’s extensive experience in IP, antitrust law and policy development will be an important addition to our capabilities in helping clients address the multiple IP issues moving through Congress, the executive branch and the courts.”

At Covington, Cooper joins Jon Kyl and Howard Berman, former members of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, with whom he used to work with on IP matters. Additionally, Richard Hertling, former chief counsel of the House Judiciary Committee, joined the firm’s public policy practice in April.

Cooper started his legal career at Covington as an associate in 2001.