Sectors
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David P. Britton

Senior Counsel

David P. Britton

Senior Counsel

David Britton provides patent prosecution and counseling services for innovative companies and supports intellectual property aspects of corporate transactions. His patent prosecution and counseling practice spans various interdisciplinary technologies, including surgical robotics, medical devices, medical physics, smart fitness equipment, and other health care technologies as well as artificial intelligence, optimization, and controls solutions for smart buildings and sustainability. David also has experience in technologies for forestry, landscaping, commercial kitchens, and product packaging. In those spaces, David manages worldwide patent portfolios, drafts and prosecutes patent applications, develops freedom-to-operate opinions, and identifies targets for enforcement and monetization of intellectual property rights.

Supporting clients in the acquisition of innovative companies through intellectual property due diligence and related counseling is also a major aspect of David’s practice. He has experience in corporate transactions relating to cutting-edge solutions in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) security, sensor networks, controls, data center infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, automotive manufacturing, aerospace, modular buildings, medical robotics, surgical devices, cancer treatment, manufacturing automation and robotics, content distribution, and vehicle electrification, among other industries.

Before joining Foley, David conducted research in neurosurgical device development and scholarship at the intersection of law, robotics, and human-machine interaction, in support of a master’s degree in mechanical engineering earned while enrolled in law school at Duke University.

Pro Bono

  • Pro bono work with the Eviction Defense Project, combatting homelessness in Milwaukee
October 9, 2026 Upcoming Events

22nd Annual IP Conference

Foley & Lardner LLP is back in Boston for our 22nd Annual IP Conference! Join us on Friday, October 9, 2026, for a full day of insightful discussions led by industry voices from across the corporate and intellectual property landscape. This premier event will explore emerging trends, best practices in IP management, and key legal considerations, providing a valuable opportunity to:
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June 29, 2026 Foley Viewpoints

IP Due Diligence in Government-Funded Industries

For a target company that used government funding to develop its technology, intellectual property (IP) due diligence must extend beyond ownership confirmation to evaluate the practical impact of government license rights on the business value of the target’s patent portfolio.
June 18, 2026 Foley Viewpoints

iEdison: Remediation of Bayh-Dole Reporting Omissions

Notices from government funding agencies about noncompliance with iEdison reporting obligations should be taken seriously — failure to comply can put patent ownership at risk. However, a good-faith effort to remediate reporting deficiencies is likely to resolve the situation.
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June 10, 2026 Foley Viewpoints

Government-Funded Inventions and iEdison  

Inventions conceived or reduced to practice during the performance of work funded by the U.S. federal government are subject to various obligations under the Bayh-Dole Act. Fulfilling these obligations is important to maintaining ownership of such inventions and complying with the terms of government contracts.
February 25, 2026 Deals and Wins

Foley Advises Velocity One in Acquisition of Kaney Aerospace

Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal advisor to Velocity One, an aerospace and defense platform backed by leading middle-market private investment firm Charlesbank Capital Partners, in its acquisition of Kaney Aerospace.
December 30, 2025 Deals and Wins

Foley Advises Helm Bank USA in Sale to Banco de Crédito del Perú

Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal advisor to the shareholders of Helm Bank USA in their agreement to sell 100 percent of the bank to Banco de Crédito del Perú (BCP), a subsidiary of Creditcorp Ltd.