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Patrick C. Woolley
Intellectual Property Department Chair
Polsinelli
As chair of Polsinelli’s Intellectual Property Department, Patrick C. Woolley has helped to grow the firm’s practice from its inception to one of the largest IP practices in the nation. In addition to management and leadership, Pat is skilled in high-end litigation, venture capital, private equity and opinions. In his practice, Pat has worked in a variety of areas including patents, trademarks, copyright, licensing, IP litigation and business advice and guidance. His practice has included both domestic and foreign issues, with Pat having done significant work in Australia, Canada, Europe and Japan. Pat has worked with startup companies, federal agencies, individual inventors and university/research institutions. In particular, Pat has managed the entire intellectual property portfolio for a Fortune 500 company, as well as for a major research institution. His duties have included patent and trademark preparation and prosecution, freedom to operate opinions, licensing and asset management, product design around and development, business guidance for new products and litigation.
Pat has issued numerous opinions on patentability, non-infringement, and validity related to a range of chemical, medical device, biotech and mechanical inventions. He spends significant time on opinion work and counseling executives and boards.
Overall areas of experience include biotechnology and life sciences, medical devices and products, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and process development, and food chemistry and processing.
Pat’s experience benefits a variety of clients ranging from a world class molecular and cell biology research center to newly established, entrepreneurial technology companies and extends to chemical, food, mechanical and software inventions.
As part of his broad proficiencies, Pat has applied his intellectual property skills to genetically modified organisms, genes, proteins, biochemical pathways, bioinformatics, iron oxide compositions, sulfur removal processes, fungicides and fertilizers, organic resins for forming coatings, bioremediation, and various food processes and products.
In addition to his patent work, Pat also provides counsel in strategic planning, unfair competition, the preparation and prosecution of trademark applications, copyright applications, technology agreements and licenses, confidentiality agreements, advises senior management and boards, works on design around and new product development, and other related issues.
Recent Articles by Patrick C. Woolley
During periods of economic instability, intellectual property (IP) can be a surprisingly attractive investment vehicle. Product innovation through patent investment can facilitate additional revenue generation through immediate lower-yield returns, as well as longer-term, higher-yield returns. When viewing IP as a true asset, the question for businesses is how to assess and maximize these advantages, particularly in challenging economic times. In-house legal departments are well-positioned to bring value to the business, particularly during an economic downturn, to create new and innovative opportunities and sources of revenue.