Robert D. Leonard
Overview
Emblematic of Rob’s approach is his dedication to close communication with his clients. He continuously considers his approach to improve communication and efficiency, and to provide innovative ways to serve clients and deliver optimal IP counsel and value. Having worked at two large, publicly traded companies in an in-house capacity, Rob understands the client’s perspective.
Rob works shoulder-to-shoulder with clients, focusing on strategic patent prosecution with an eye toward patent monetization. His approach includes evaluating the technical and legal aspects of patent infringement and validity during the prosecution phase, leading to the creation of high-value assets. He is experienced in patent portfolio development and strategy, patent acquisition due diligence, patent divestitures, and mining of currently owned patent assets.
Rob’s practice includes patent prosecution in anticipation of litigation, prosecuting family members of patents in litigation, developing claim charts and patent validity and infringement analysis, and counseling clients on portfolio strategy. Rob directs worldwide patent prosecution, particularly in Europe and Asia. Rob also handles various post grant proceedings before the USPTO, including Ex Parte Reexamination and Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceedings.
Previous Work and Industry Experience
Prior to joining the firm, Rob worked as a process engineer manufacturing specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals. He also designed and constructed process equipment and associated control systems and electronics (cell culture reactors, fermentors, and filtration units) for several large biopharmaceutical companies.
Life Beyond Law
Rob is a travel and exercise enthusiast. Running and CrossFit helps him keep up with his two daughters. Skiing, SCUBA, and sailing are what he looks forward to when not in the office.
Newsroom
Newsroom
Insights & Resources
Podcasts
- 02.24.2021
This week on IP Goes Pop! fellow Volpe Koenig Shareholder Robert Leonard joins host Michael Snyder to talk about artists' rights, and attempts by musicians to regain rights to their original recordings.
From Taylor Swift to Prince, IP Goes Pop! looks at what’s at stake when giving up rights to master recordings. In this episode, Michael and Rob explore how musicians try to “take back the music” and discuss how different artists navigated disputes over their intellectual property, and how the internet coupled with the likes of TikTok may be turning the industry on its flip-side.
Never miss an episode! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and other favorite media player platforms.
Experience
Experience
Rob’s technology focus extends to:
- LEDs
- Software
- Semiconductors
- ATSC 3.0 next-generation broadcast television standard
Honors and Activities
Recognition
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Selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® - Rising Star list, published by Thomson Reuters, (2012-2017) View methodology used for selection.
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Professional Affiliations
Licensing Executives Society, Philadelphia Chapter Chair
IP Services
Technologies
Education
Temple University Beasley School of Law, J.D.
University of Maryland, College Park, B.S., Chemical Engineering
Admissions
- Pennsylvania
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office