Taniel E. Anderson

As Chair of the Brazil Desk, Tan leads the firm’s Brazil practice, advising Brazilian clients on litigation, regulatory compliance, and business operations in the United States. His Portuguese fluency enables him to communicate directly with Brazilian clients, witnesses, and personnel, providing seamless representation in cross-border disputes. His Brazil-focused practice encompasses patent litigation, trade disputes, regulatory enforcement, and criminal defense matters involving Brazilian parties and interests.

Tan has successfully litigated and tried cases in US District Courts nationwide, the US International Trade Commission, state courts, arbitrations, and administrative tribunals. His patent litigation experience spans all phases, including pre-suit strategy, pleadings, discovery, expert testimony, hearings, trials, and appeals. At trial, Tan has handled matters ranging from pharmaceutical products and bulk welding wire to complex technical systems. He successfully represented a client in a criminal case involving violations of nuclear export-control statutes, demonstrating his capability in high-stakes criminal defense litigation.

Tan advises clients on legal issues arising from artificial intelligence technologies, including AI-generated content, intellectual property protection for AI systems, and regulatory compliance. He has worked with leading AI companies, including ElevenLabs, on matters involving AI voice synthesis technology, patent issues, copyright issues, and commercialization strategies. His AI practice includes patent litigation for AI-powered technologies, trade secret protection, licensing negotiations, and regulatory counseling for companies deploying machine learning and generative AI systems.

With a background as a nuclear engineer and years of hands-on experience, Tan brings technical expertise in electrical, mechanical, nuclear, chemical, and systems engineering to his litigation practice. This technical foundation allows him to quickly master complex technologies and effectively communicate technical concepts to judges, juries, and opposing counsel.

Previous Work

Prior to joining ArentFox Schiff, Tan was an intern for the Honorable Wallace W. Dixon, Middle District of North Carolina (2008 – 2009) and the Honorable J. Douglas McCullough, North Carolina Court of Appeals (2008).

Before law school, Tan served as a nuclear submarine officer aboard the USS Nevada, where he completed five strategic-deterrent patrols. During his service, Tan gained experience in the operation, maintenance, and overhaul of complex technical systems, including nuclear power generation, steam power, hydraulics, compressed air, chemistry, radiation, and electrical power generation and distribution.

Professional Activities

Tan is the Chair of the Brazil Desk, DC Vice Chair of the Pro Bono Committee, and the Co-Chair of the AFS Veteran’s Group. 

Publications, Presentations & Recognitions

• “Trade Secret Litigation in the US, Civil and Criminal,” Zhong Lun Law Firm (Oct. 18, 2024)
• “Intellectual Property Protection: The Value of Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights to Your Business” How to Prepare: Veterans Venture Bootcamp; Washington, DC; October 2013
• Super Lawyers “Rising Star” (2014-2018)

Celebrating ArentFox Schiff’s Veterans: Tan Anderson on Going From Military Service to Client Service

Tan served in the US Navy for 10 years, ending his career as a Lieutenant Commander with distinction. After completing patrols on a nuclear submarine, Tan moved to reserve duty. He served with the Office of Naval Research and Naval Research Lab as a science & technology liaison officer.

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