Warner Norcross and Judd's patent attorneys represent clients in the strategic searching, procurement, licensing and enforcement of patents.
All of our patent attorneys have technical undergraduate degrees, and some additionally have postgraduate technical degrees. Many of our patent attorneys have worked as engineers and specialists within their respective fields. Consequently, our patent team understands and appreciates the technical considerations and practicalities of patent issues.
We conduct every kind of patent searching, including inventor-name searches, company-name searches, patentability searches, infringement searches and validity searches. Our search expertise includes mechanical, electrical, chemical, biological and materials. Industry expertise is wide ranging, including life sciences, medical devices, digital devices, renewable energy, business methods, plastics and automotive.
Our patent attorneys strategically and creatively draft and prosecute patent applications in the United States and every other country in the world. The prosecution of patent applications involves extensive interaction with the patent examiners within the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In addition to conducting written correspondence, members of the firm frequently visit Washington, D.C. to meet personally with patent examiners to negotiate the best possible protection.
We assist clients in analyzing, developing and maximizing the value of their patent portfolios. As part of this process, our patent attorneys assist clients in identifying and prioritizing patentable inventions and in establishing company procedures for managing patent portfolios. This process also includes the strategic review and evaluation of patent applications and patents for which maintenance fees are due.
Our patent attorneys also are experienced in handling "post grant" procedures related to issued patents, including reissues and reexaminations. These procedures are vitally important in the on-going process of evaluating a patent’s scope, strength and validity.
Our patent attorneys work regularly with clients to evaluate patents and patent portfolios, for example, of target companies. This process, often referred to as "due diligence," provides information regarding the strength, scope and validity of selected patents or an entire patent portfolio.
Our team is experienced in assisting with technology transfers including the licensing and sale of both patented and unpatented technology. We have represented clients in both inbound and outbound transfers. We work closely with clients to develop strategic approaches to negotiations with the goal of maximizing the client’s position in such negotiations.
We also work closely with clients in the enforcement of patents and in the defense of enforcement actions. Our goal is to resolve disputes when possible in a constructive manner that avoids litigation. In those instances where litigation becomes necessary, we have a strong patent litigation team.