Applied patent and IP counsel for mechanical products
Rory Foster counsels on patent prosecution, intellectual property (IP) licensing, transactional due diligence and other IP issues for clients producing and operating:
- Mechanical devices
- Hydraulic systems
- Valves
- Controls and algorithmic inventions
- Optical systems and machine vision
- Fluid management and other process technology
Rory previously worked as a mechanical engineer on the upstream side of the oil and gas industry and received his engineering degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Experience in Action
- Prosecutes patent applications in a variety of technology classes. Clients reach out to Rory for patent applications for mechanical, electronic, hydraulic and algorithmic inventions. He also helps clients with strategic building and management of global patent portfolios and preparation of infringement and freedom-to-operate opinions, including in preparation for inter partes reviews.
- Advises on infringement risks and enforcement and defensive strategies. He also drafts and negotiates all manner of IP-focused transactional agreements, including for the purchase, sale and licensing of rights in patents, software, know-how and trade secrets.
- Assists clients with IP due diligence for a variety of business arrangements, including mergers and asset transfers for both large and small entities.
- Helps clients navigate the complexities of joint technology development. Rory trains clients on best practices for non-legal staff and assists in the detailed structuring and management of formal joint development agreements.
- Advises clients regarding non-U.S. patent litigation. He has served as U.S.-based coordinator and strategic lead for defensive and offensive patent suits in Europe, Asia and South America.
Capabilities
News & Insights
Education
- Harvard Law School (J.D., 2010)
- Tenant Advocacy Project (Advocate, Intake Director, and Board Member)
- University of Wisconsin - Madison (M.S., 2005)
- Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (B.S., 2004)
- Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Sigma Chi Fraternity (President)
- Derby Days Inter-Collegiate Charity (Organizer)
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts
- Wisconsin
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, 2011
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 2011
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin, 2014