Experienced IP Litigators Join Foley in San Francisco and Silicon Valley

Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that intellectual property attorneys Duane Mathiowetz and Rick Chang have joined the firm’s IP Litigation Practice in the San Francisco and Silicon Valley offices. Mathiowetz and Chang have worked closely together for over a decade and, together, bring a wealth of patent litigation and intellectual property experience with them.

“Duane and Rick’s combined experience will greatly benefit our clients and enhance our ability to handle additional patent litigation matters in the Northern District of California,” said Bill Robinson, chair of Foley’s IP Litigation Practice.

Mathiowetz, a registered patent attorney with a graduate degree in mechanical engineering design, primarily represents clients in patent litigation before U.S. district courts and the International Trade Commission and in post-grant proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office across diverse technologies. He also provides patent counseling and licensing services and represents clients in copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and complex commercial disputes. His clients have spanned diverse industries including advanced semiconductor manufacturing, devices and materials; consumer electronics; automotive technologies and hybrid systems; mechanical and medical devices; biotechnology; and e-commerce.

Chang, also a registered patent attorney, is a seasoned intellectual property litigation and transactions lawyer representing technology clients in patent, trade secrets, ANDA and complex commercial matters in the district court; AIA procedures before the Patent Office; and Section 337 investigations at the International Trade Commission. Leveraging his in-house experience at Apple negotiating business agreements and IP licenses, Chang also provides counseling to start-ups in technology transactions, patent licensing, and IP strategy.

“We are thrilled to join Foley’s robust IP practice. The firm’s capabilities are impressive, and its collaborative approach will greatly benefit our clients,” Chang said.

Both Mathiowetz and Chang also are adjunct professors at Golden Gate University School of Law.

Tom Carlucci, managing partner of Foley’s San Francisco office, added: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Duane and Rick to the firm. Their experience and presence will help bolster the firm’s capabilities in patent litigation and other IP matters.”

Prior to joining Foley, Mathiowetz and Chang were shareholders at LeClairRyan LLP.