Overview
Chad is a Partner in the Firm's Charlotte office where he works with clients to secure and exploit their intellectual property assets. This often involves learning both the client’s business and technology to maximize his ability to effectively assist in securing patents, speaking the technical language of inventors in diverse industries to plan and execute the building of global patent portfolios, or establishing trade secret programs to protect technologies that are strategically or practically not suitable for patenting. In addition to growing patent portfolios and securing other IP assets, Chad has led patent litigation teams, including in inter partes review (IPR) proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeals Board (PTAB) and maintains an active appeals practice before the PTAB.
A former officer in the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Submarine program and instructor at the Navy's Submarine School, Chad has practical and theoretical technical training in mechanical, electrical, and nuclear engineering technologies with particularly deep experience in electric vehicles, battery technology, aviation industry, fintech, wireless communications, medical devices, software, tools, and outdoor power equipment.
Chad received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law and his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with distinction from the United States Naval Academy.
Experience
- Preparing and prosecuting patent applications, both in the U.S. and internationally, directed to telecommunication software applications, audio processing, speech conversion, user interfaces, wireless communication standards, virtual machines, data compression, machine controllers, gateway devices, routers, medical imaging devices, supply chain management software, electronic semiconductor devices, liquid crystal display devices, power generation and distribution equipment, gas/steam turbine technologies, video and image processing techniques, antennas, and blockchain technology.
- Preparing and prosecuting patent applications, both in the U.S. and internationally, directed to devices and technologies in the optical, mechanical and electro-mechanical fields including lasers, cutting devices, lumber handling devices, automated truss assembly devices, food preparation devices, aircraft design, power generation equipment, hand held tools, battery powered equipment and lawn care equipment, propulsion systems and automotive components.
- Conducting freedom to practice studies and preparing opinions related to validity and infringement issues.
- Advising and mentoring start-up companies on intellectual property related issues in wireless communication and fintech industries, including the establishment of coherent IP programs aimed at identifying and protecting patent, trademark and trade secret assets.
- Technical experience in an industrial setting relating to hydraulic, refrigeration and atmosphere control systems as well as reactor protection circuitry, nuclear instrumentation, power generation equipment and power distribution systems.
Honors & Recognitions
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®: Patent Law since 2021; Litigation - Intellectual Property (2024)
- North Carolina Super Lawyers, Intellectual Property (2023)
Newsroom
News
Speaking Engagements
Professional & Community
Professional Activities
- Naval Officer, Submarine Service (1996-2004)
- Navy Electronics Technician (1991-1992)
Paralegal/Assistant
Legal Practice Assistant
Heather Pressley
(704) 347-6422
hpressley@burr.com
