John Letchford has more than 25 years of progressive experience in intellectual property law and practices in the areas of evaluation, acquisition, transfer and enforcement of intellectual property rights involving e-commerce and the Internet, patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets.  Specializing in domestic and foreign patent acquisition in the mechanical, electrical, computer, chemical and business method arts, he has secured several hundred U.S. and foreign patents on behalf of corporations of all sizes, including several Global and U.S. Fortune 500 corporations (among them multiple Global and U.S. Fortune 100 corporations), as well as for universities and individuals.

In addition to his international patent, trademark and copyright procurement practice, Mr. Letchford also advised clients in assessing, protecting and commercializing their intellectual property.  He has offered subject matter and strategy expertise in litigation involving the assertion and defense of clients’ patent, trademark and copyright interests.  He also has provided comprehensive legal opinions addressing the registrability of new technologies and other original creations in the patent, trademark and copyright contexts, as well as infringement and validity opinions in those areas.  Additionally, he has considerable experience in intellectual property commercialization, including negotiation and drafting of licensing, transfer, confidentiality, and non-competition agreements.

John began his legal career as a United States Patent Examiner.  During his four years at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, he was responsible for the examination and granting of several hundred U.S. and international patents in the petroleum, heavy equipment and construction industries.  While serving as a Patent Examiner, he acquired invaluable insight into the patent procurement process, both in the U.S. and internationally.  Capitalizing on that experience, he has effectively incorporated and leveraged his unique “insider” knowledge into his professional career as a client advocate in all fields of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets