Benjamin K. Riley

Practice areas

Intellectual Property Litigation, Business Litigation, Antitrust Litigation, Business/Corporate, Communications, Securities Litigation

Focus areas

Trade Secret

Benjamin K. Riley, an astute and well-informed lawyer, offers his clients expert legal advice on intricate business matters encompassing areas such as intellectual property (IP), securities litigation, corporate law, communications law, and antitrust law, among others. He has gained a notable reputation for his adept handling of trade secret disputes and his extensive involvement in IP cases involving patents, trademarks, copyright infringements, and license agreements underscores his commitment to providing top-notch legal representation.

Serving as a principal attorney at Bartko Zankel Bunzel & Miller, A Professional Corporation, located in San Francisco, California, and also a member of the law firm’s Executive Committee, Mr. Riley’s legal experience spans an impressive four decades. His sharp legal insight greatly benefits his clients by empowering them to regain control over their business’ IP ownership. In recognition of his contributions to the legal field, he has received numerous accolades and honors from prestigious organizations including:

• Acknowledgment from The Best Lawyers in America for his exceptional work in patent and commercial litigation, as well as arbitration.
• Designation by The Daily Journal as a Top 100 California Lawyer, in addition to being named California Attorney of the Year (in 2003 and 2022).
• Ranking by Chambers and Partners USA as one of California’s top 15 lawyers for Intellectual Property Litigation focusing on Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets.
• Inclusion as one of the top 20 attorneys in California for Private Wealth Disputes by Chambers High Net Worth Guide.
• Conferment of the title of Master by the Edward J. McFetridge American Inn of Court.

After completing his undergraduate studies in religion at Dartmouth College in 1979, Mr. Riley pursued his legal education at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, where he served as an associate editor for the California Law Review. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1983 and was subsequently granted his license to practice law in California the same year.

Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Riley maintains strong affiliations with notable legal organizations, including the Litigation Counsel of America (where he holds the position of Senior Fellow), the Association of Business Trial Lawyers (where he serves as president of the Northern California Chapter and editor), and the American Bar Foundation (where he is recognized as a Fellow). Furthermore, he was chosen by the judges of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to represent as a Lawyer Representative for the Ninth Circuit. He has also authored numerous published articles for esteemed journals and magazines such as the Daily Journal, Litigation Magazine, and the Los Angeles Daily Journal.