Eric is a registered patent attorney with 16 years of experience working in the patent field. Eric focuses his practice primarily on patent procurement, due diligence, opinion work, portfolio management and strategic client counseling. Eric has represented clients ranging from small start-up companies concerned with a limited number of critical patents to large multi-national corporations having extensive global patent portfolios.

Eric assists clients in obtaining and maximizing the value of patent portfolios. He utilizes insight he acquired working at the Patent Office to help clients obtain broad and valuable patent protection in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

Eric has drafted and prosecuted numerous domestic, foreign and international (PCT) applications in a wide variety of technology spaces including biomedical, mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical, and computer-related arts. He has handled technologies such as stents, implants, endoscopes, wound closure devices, dialysis systems, medical imaging systems, reconstitution devices, catheters, infusion pumps, orthopedic devices, medical diagnostic systems, medical monitoring systems, water pumps and systems, packaging devices, deep brain stimulation systems, algae harvesting systems, sensors, electrical fuses, windmills, temperature control systems, artificial turf systems, gaming systems, consumer appliances, electronic display devices, sporting and outdoor equipment.

Eric has experience analyzing competitors’ technologies and patent filings for potential strategic licensing, litigation, or acquisition opportunities. He has performed numerous freedom to operate and clearance projects and provided invalidity, non-infringement and design around advice and opinions.

Eric also has experience assisting with US patent litigation matters and handling US and European Patent Office (EPO) post-grant proceedings including EPO oppositions at the Opposition Division and Appeals Board, where he has attended and managed oral proceedings.

Tom Leigh