Robert D. Leonard
Overview
Rob helps clients build and manage patent portfolios with business value in mind. His practice focuses on strategic patent prosecution, patent monetization, Inter Partes Reviews (IPRs), and Ex Parte Reexaminations. Drawing on in-house experience at two large, publicly traded companies, Rob approaches IP counseling from the client’s perspective, with attention to communication, efficiency, and practical business goals. Rob is a strong believer in AI technologies and is an early adopter in using AI to bring value to patent prosecution.
He works with clients on patent prosecution strategies that anticipate enforcement, licensing, and portfolio positioning. He evaluates technical and legal issues related to patent infringement and validity during prosecution so that patent assets are developed with monetization in mind. His work includes prosecuting patent family members during litigation, preparing claim charts, and analyzing validity and infringement issues.
His technology experience includes LEDs, software, semiconductors, the ATSC 3.0 next-generation broadcast television standard, artificial intelligence, medical devices, wireless communications, processing and manufacturing, and cannabis-related technologies.
Previous Work and Industry Experience
Prior to joining the firm, Rob worked as a process engineer manufacturing specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals. He also designed and constructed process equipment and associated control systems and electronics for several large biopharmaceutical companies, including cell culture reactors, fermentors, and filtration units.
Life Beyond Law
Rob is a girl dad with two college-age daughters. He is a travel and exercise enthusiast. Skiing, running, and sailing are what he looks forward to when not in the office.
Newsroom
Newsroom
Insights & Resources
Podcasts
- 02.24.2021
This week on IP Goes Pop! fellow Volpe Koenig Shareholder Robert Leonard joins host Michael Snyder to talk about artists' rights, and attempts by musicians to regain rights to their original recordings.
From Taylor Swift to Prince, IP Goes Pop! looks at what’s at stake when giving up rights to master recordings. In this episode, Michael and Rob explore how musicians try to “take back the music” and discuss how different artists navigated disputes over their intellectual property, and how the internet coupled with the likes of TikTok may be turning the industry on its flip-side.
Never miss an episode! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and other favorite media player platforms.
Technology Experience
Technology Experience
Rob’s technology focus extends to:
- LEDs
- Software
- Semiconductors
- ATSC 3.0 next-generation broadcast television standard
Honors and Activities
Recognition
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Selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® - Rising Star list, published by Thomson Reuters, (2012-2017) View methodology used for selection.
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Professional Affiliations
Licensing Executives Society, Philadelphia Chapter Chair
IP Services
Technologies
Education
Temple University Beasley School of Law, J.D.
University of Maryland, College Park, B.S., Chemical Engineering
Admissions
- Pennsylvania
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office