Foley Expands Intellectual Property Litigation Practice With David R. Melton
IP Litigator Recognized for Pro Bono Victory In Illinois Voter Registration Case.
Foley announced today that David R. Melton has joined the firm as a member of the IP Litigation Practice in the Chicago office.
“With his extensive experience providing legal services to manufacturing, financial services, high-tech and telecommunications clients, David will be a great resource to Foley in further developing our IP Litigation practice both in Chicago and nationally,” said Sharon R. Barner, chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department. “His commitment to pro bono work also supports the firm’s dedication to a firmwide pro bono initiative.”
Melton focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation in the areas of patent, trade secret, copyright and trade dress cases. He has represented Fortune 500 companies, start-ups and mid-sized companies across the country, including high-tech and telecommunications companies, consulting firms, manufacturing companies and futures exchanges.
His representations have included a major telecommunications company over a branding dispute; a technology company in cases filed in connection with a program to license patents related to the use of alpha and beta hydroxy acids in cosmetics; a futures exchange in international arbitration over rights to a source code for improvements to a licensed software system; and a professional indoor football league in a combined patent, trademark and
copyright case.
Melton also has a long history of pro bono dedication and service. Among his significant pro bono representations, Melton served as lead counsel for Cook County Clerk David Orr against the State of Illinois in litigation that convinced the state of Illinois to comply with the federal “Motor Voter” statute designed to make it easier for people to vote in federal elections. The case also compelled the state to replace its two-tier voter registration system with a simpler, fairer system. His leading role in this litigation prompted the Independent Voters of Illinois Independent Precinct Organization to honor him with the Legal Eagle Award.
He is a frequent speaker and writer on topics related to IP litigation including copyright and trade secret law, business method patents and litigation strategy. He is also a board member for the Chicago Council of Lawyers, where he served as president from 2001 to 2003.
Foley & Lardner LLP provides the full range of corporate legal counsel. Our attorneys understand today’s most complex business issues, including corporate governance, securities enforcement, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property counseling and litigation, outsourcing and information technology, labor and employment, and tax. The firm offers total solutions in the automotive, emerging technologies, energy, entertainment and media, financial services, food, golf and resort services, insurance, health care, life sciences, nanotechnology, and sports industries.