The patent prosecution team at Williams Mullen includes highly-skilled attorneys with technical degrees and, in some instances, industry experience, all of whom are admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We prosecute domestic and international patents related to a broad range of high-tech innovations all over the world. The patent group’s strength comes from the diverse skill set of its members. We routinely conduct novelty, validity and patentability assessments, design-around and product clearance analyses, invalidity and infringement investigations and intellectual property audits for due diligence and asset management programs.
The patent prosecution team at Williams Mullen includes highly-skilled attorneys with technical degrees and, in some instances, industry experience, all of whom are admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We prosecute domestic and international patents related to a broad range of high-tech innovations all over the world. The patent group’s strength comes from the diverse skill set of its members. We routinely conduct novelty, validity and patentability assessments, design-around and product clearance analyses, invalidity and infringement investigations and intellectual property audits for due diligence and asset management programs.
As part of our approach to portfolio management, we routinely provide a number of services to our clients that help manage risk and optimize value. These services include targeted patent watch services, legal updates, portfolio reviews for patent term extensions based on changes in the law, reissue applications to ensure claim validity and filtering out patents that no longer meet the client’s business goals and value criteria.
Our intellectual property group also has a robust litigation and post-grant review practice. With experience as counsel to government agencies, businesses and universities, our patent attorneys offer clients a perspective focused on solving real-world business issues and legal challenges.
Technical Areas
- Biotechnology
- Business Information Processing
- Chemistry and Chemical Compounds
- Computer Software and Hardware
- Electronics
- Mechanical Devices, Electro-mechanical Devices, Power Generation
- Medical Devices
- Optical Devices, Photovoltaics
- Veterinary Devices
- Pharmaceuticals
- Refrigeration/De-humidification
- Sensors
- Telecommunications
- Information Networks
- Wireless Infrastructure
- Wireless Devices
Patent Services
- Domestic and Foreign Patent Applications
- Freedom-to Operate and Patentability Analyses
- Confidentiality and Development Agreements
- Government and Technology Transfer
- Intellectual Property Audits
- Invalidity and Infringement Investigations and Opinions
- Litigation and Post-Grant Review Proceedings
- Novelty, Validity and Patent Assessment Searches
- Patent Licensing and Assignment
- Research and Development Contracts
Appeal of Patent Infringement Judgment in United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Appeared before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to brief and argue an appeal of a judgment of non-infringement and partial invalidity of patent.
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Defended National Discount Retailer Against Claims of Copyright, Trade Dress, and Patent Infringement on Paper Punches
Defended national discount retailer against claims of copyright, trade dress, and patent infringement.
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Defended International Maufacturer of Furniture Products In Patent License Arbitration
Represented outdoor patio furniture manufacturer in arbitration over client's alleged failure to pay royalties, pursuant to a patent license agreement between the parties.
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Defended National Wireless Carrier in Patent Infringement Case
Defended client in patent infringement case involving the same patents previously asserted against the manufacturer of the "Blackberry" device.
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Defended National Manufacturer of Food Products Against Claims of Patent Infringement
Williams Mullen was lead counsel in patent case filed in New Jersey federal court in which client was accused of infringing a patent covering cholesterol-lowering use of palm-oil based chemical composition.
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Served as counsel in a patent infringement case brought in Los Angeles federal court. The accused product was manufactured in China and Williams Mullen litigated the case all the way through discovery, Markman claim construction proceedings, and summary judgment. Case settled immediately prior to trial.
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Defended Southeastern Communications Company Against Patent Infringement Claims
Served as local counsel for broadband communications company-client against allegations by competitor of patent infringement related to Voice Over Internet Protocol.
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Defended Validity of Patent in an Infringement Lawsuit
Represented client in litigation involving claims that competitor's product infringed client's patent. Representation included conducting Markman claim construction proceedings, expert discovery and fact witness depositions. Following re-examination of client's patent, which upheld validity of most claims of the patent, the competitor redesigned the accused product and the parties negotiated a settlement.
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Jury Trial of Patent Infringement Case
Williams Mullen was lead counsel in jury trial of patent infringement case. Litigation occurred in the "Rocket Docket" in the Eastern District of Virginia.
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Represented Former President of a Company in Claims for Back Pay, Ownership of Company and Patents and Inventions
Pursued back pay claims and claims for ownership of company and various patents and inventions on behalf of former President of company.
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Represented Manufacturer of Aquatic Toys in Design Patent Infringement Claims
Filed suit for design patent infringement and trade dress infringement of two aquatic toy products, including an underwater skateboard and a spring float.
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News
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03.27.2023
Triangle Business Journal Ranks Williams Mullen as the Sixth Largest Patent Law Firm in The Triangle
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11.03.2022
Williams Mullen Nationally Ranked in 16 Practice Areas by U.S. News - Best Lawyers ‘Best Law Firms’ 2023
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08.18.2022
123 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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02.10.2022
Janet Cho and Jen McLemore Help Middle School Robotics Team Prepare for Houston Lego Competition
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12.09.2021
Licensing Your Patents? Make Sure the Federal Government Pays Its Fair Share.
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11.18.2021
PODCAST: Five Popular Misconceptions about Patents
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08.23.2021
124 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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08.23.2021
13 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named "Lawyers of the Year" by Best Lawyers®
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07.08.2021
Supreme Court Upholds but Narrows Assignor Estoppel: What This Means For Your Company and its Employees
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03.26.2021
Williams Mullen Ranked Number Seven in Triangle Business Journal’s Largest Patent Law Firms
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11.05.2020
Williams Mullen Nationally Ranked in Practice Areas by U.S. News – Best Lawyers ‘Best Law Firms’ 2021
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08.20.2020
116 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©; Most Total Lawyers in Virginia
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08.17.2020
Ten Patent Myths and How They Can Hurt Your Business
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03.27.2020
Intellectual Property Offices Offer Relief Around the World Amid COVID-19 Crisis
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11.07.2019
Williams Mullen Nationally Ranked in 13 Practice Areas by U.S. News – Best Lawyers ‘Best Law Firms’ 2020
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10.17.2019
PTAB Designates as Informative Two Decisions Regarding Examiners’ Use of “Design Choice” Rationale
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09.09.2019
Clint Brannon Discusses PTAB's Decision on IPR Depositions with Law360
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08.15.2019
15 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named "Lawyers of the Year" by Best Lawyers®
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08.15.2019
119 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in 2020 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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07.12.2019
PTAB Designates as Precedential 2014 Decision Governing Communications with Counsel During Deposition
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04.25.2019
30 Williams Mullen Attorneys, 12 Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA 2019
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02.05.2019
11 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named to 2019 North Carolina Super Lawyers List; Keith Kapp and Elizabeth Scott Named to Top Lists
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11.01.2018
Williams Mullen Ranked Nationally in 15 Practice Areas by U.S. News – Best Lawyers 'Best Law Firms' 2019
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10.15.2018
PTAB Adopts Phillips Claim Construction Standard for AIA Challenges
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10.09.2018
Williams Mullen Adds Patent Attorney Clint Brannon to Intellectual Property Practice
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08.15.2018
110 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in Latest Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©
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06.08.2018
Williams Mullen Adds IP Attorney Jackie Knapp in Raleigh
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12.12.2017
Williams Mullen Welcomes Three Associates in Richmond
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11.01.2017
Williams Mullen Ranked Nationally in 14 Practice Areas by U.S. News – Best Lawyers’ “Best Law Firms” 2018
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08.14.2017
114 Williams Mullen Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2018
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05.24.2017
Back to the Future: Supreme Court Narrows Patent Venue in TC Heartland Case and Returns Dispute to State of Incorporation or Where Defendant Has Regular and Established Place of Business
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11.03.2016
Williams Mullen Ranked Nationally in 15 Legal Practices by U.S. News – Best Lawyers ‘Best Law Firms’ 2017
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08.15.2016
100 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2017 Best Lawyers in America
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07.14.2016
Biosimilar “Patent Dance” Does Not Permit Sidestepping of 180-Day Notice
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01.05.2016
Mike Sajovec Brings Nearly 30 Years of Intellectual Property Experience to Williams Mullen
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08.17.2015
15 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2016 “Lawyers of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America
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08.17.2015
106 Williams Mullen Attorneys named 2016 Best Lawyers in America
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07.14.2015
Electrical Engineering Patent Attorney Andrew R. Shores Joins Williams Mullen’s IP Team
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01.27.2015
Supreme Court Cuts Out a Slice of the Federal Circuit’s De Novo Pie
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08.18.2014
100 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2015 Best Lawyers in America
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01.10.2014
Williams Mullen Named in Corporate Counsel Magazine’s “Go-To Law Firms®” List for 2014
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08.16.2013
100 Williams Mullen Attorneys Named 2014 Best Lawyers in America
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Thomas F. Bergert
Partner- Phone:434.951.5710
- Email:Email
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Clinton H. "Clint" Brannon
Partner- Phone:703.760.5226
- Email:Email
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Aaron Fadden
Associate- Phone:919.981.4025
- Email:Email
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Richard T. "Rick" Matthews
Partner- Phone:919.981.4070
- Email:Email
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F. Michael Sajovec
Partner- Phone:919.981.4026
- Email:Email
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Dr. David M. Saravitz
Partner- Phone:919.981.4094
- Email:Email
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Andrew R. "Drew" Shores
Partner- Phone:919.981.4015
- Email:Email