J. Derek Mason, Ph.D., CLP, Partner

J. Derek Mason, Ph.D., CLP, a chemical industry IP attorney and Certified Licensing Professional, is a partner in the Chemical Patent Prosecution practice group, and chair of the IP Transactions practice group. Dr. Mason focuses his practice on patent preparation and prosecution, licensing, intellectual property issues arising in various types of corporate transactions, client counseling and opinions on various intellectual property issues.

A former chemist with a doctorate in organic chemistry, Dr. Mason works with both companies and other law firms, advising on a broad range of intellectual property concerns. He conducts due diligence investigations and risk assessment with respect to intellectual property ownership in corporate mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, he helps both foreign and domestic companies establish and develop patent portfolios, avoid infringement when launching new products, and formulate and implement procedures to protect their innovations and enhance their use and value.

Dr. Mason represents both international and domestic clients on a wide array of chemical and related technologies including medical and biotech diagnostic devices, polymers, nanotechnology, textiles, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. He also counsels on creative design-around strategies, and the interplay of utility and design patents, trade-secret protection, and litigation avoidance.

Dr. Mason’s thorough understanding of the sciences and technical aspects of his clients’ innovations enables him to skillfully represent their interests. While achieving his doctorate and undergraduate degrees, Dr. Mason studied organometalloid chemistry and conducted research in the area of organic photochemistry, publishing and presenting papers in both of these areas. Prior to entering patent law, he also worked as a chemist for a diversified international chemical company.