Steven A. Burkhart is a commercial attorney specializing in international standards compliance and captive insurance company counseling, formation, and compliance. His practice includes engagement with international companies, authorities, and courts.
Steve serves in leadership roles for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM), the Case Selection Committee for the Product Liability Advisory Council (PLAC), and is President of the U.S. Lighter Association and serves on its board.
Representative Experience
Representative Matters
- Led acquisition team purchasing a startup company from venture capital investors
- Led entrepreneurial research team responsible for launching alternative energy products
- Completed joint development and technology sharing agreements with large consumer technology companies
Professional Highlights
Pro Bono Experience
Teaching in-house corporate practice at law schools in the United States for over 25 years.
Professional Activities
Director and President, U.S. Lighter Association, 2018-present
Director, Writing Instruments Manufacturing Association, 2019-2020
Director and Chair, PLAC, 2010-2020
Convener, TC61/SC4/WG10 International Organization for Standardization, 2011-present
Recognition & Accomplishments
Legal 500, Dispute resolution - Product liability, mass tort and class action - automotive/transport - defense, 2023-2025
U.S. Patent 11,909,219 (2020)—Inventor, portable device for charging electronic devices
U.S. Patent 10,374,449 (2019)—Inventor, battery charging/ignition device
Speaking Engagements
Lead, Captive Insurance and Risk Management Conference, 2003-present
Board Memberships & Community Service
Director, U.S. Lighter Association, 2009-present
Publications
“Trademark Infringement Isn’t Just Bad Business—Sometimes It’s Dangerous," The Trademark Lawyer, Issue 1, 2019
Credentials
Education
The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law (J.D. 1989)
Health Law Journal
Law and Public Policy Scholarship
University of Washington (B.A. 1986)
Admissions
Maryland