Damien Howard advises on strategic patent procurement for domestic and international clients involved in the electronics, medical devices, and software industries. Damien is also skilled in post-grant proceedings, such as Inter Partes Review, as well as due diligence initiatives and licensing deals. Damien has counseled clients that range from individual inventors and start-ups to large corporations, including a number of Fortune 500 companies. Notably, several of his start-up and smaller clients have been successfully acquired.
Damien is well-versed in a wide variety of technological disciplines. He has written and successfully prosecuted patents relating to semiconductors, computer processors, power amplifiers, couplers, telecommunications, medical devices, consumer electronics, network and Internet technologies, video games, augmented reality, computer security, weapon systems, automotive vehicles, marine vehicles, sportswear, logistics and asset management, packaging, and food and beverage. Further, Damien advises clients on emerging technologies, including blockchains, distributed ledgers, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning technologies.
Damien is skilled in protecting his clients’ IP and steering clear of any obstacles that stand in the way. A prolific writer and speaker on IP and technology law, Damien thrives when working on breakthrough innovation that changes the way people live. Regardless of the size or complexity of the matter at hand, Damien is valued by clients and colleagues alike for consistently superior work product and intelligent legal advice.
Before joining the firm, Damien worked as a Patent Engineer preparing and prosecuting patents for several large technology companies. Prior to his legal career, Damien worked as an engineer at a defense contractor, where he developed software, and designed antenna systems and power dividers. He also worked as a software developer at a large telecommunications company. Clients appreciate his real world engineering experience and ability to apply the law in a way that actually makes sense to their business.
Extern Experience
Judicial Extern, Honorable Sidney I. Schenkier, United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Northwestern University School of Law, J.D., Executive Articles Editor, Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property, 2008-2010 Joan Marie Corby Scholarship Recipient
University of California – Davis, M.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering
Columbia University, B.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering
State Bar of California
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Communications Technology
Cellular Networking & Communications
Fiber Optic Networks
Internet Telephony
Low-Power Networks
Radio
Television
Videoconferencing
Wireless Local Area Networks
Consumer Products & Services
Food & Beverage
Sporting Goods & Recreation
Electrical, Semiconductor & Computer Technology
Electronics & Semiconductors
Healthcare Information Technology
Software & IT
Fashion & Beauty
Jewelry
Financial Services & Business Methods
Blockchain & Smart Contracts
Cloud Computing
Cryptocurrency & Encryption
Media, Advertising & Entertainment
Mobile Applications
Online Games
Social Media
Video Games and Interactive Entertainment
Medical Devices & Procedures
AI & Machine Learning
Diagnostics
Glucose Monitoring & Insulin Infusion
Imaging
Infusion Pumps
Medical Informatics & Software Systems
Mobility Preservation
Orthopedics
Ultrasound
Wound Care
Transportation & Vehicles
Automotive Transportation & Powersports
Electronics (Audio / Video, Communication, Navigation, Security)
Engines & Engine Components
Fleet Management
Passenger Transportation
Shipping
Design Patents
Due Diligence
Global Portfolio Management
Infringement Risk
IP Strategy
IP Transactions and Agreements
Licensing
Opinions Counseling
Patent Strategy & Prosecution
Patentability
Tech Transactions
U.S. Patent Prosecution
- Named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch guide, which “recognizes lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice”, for Technology Law (2022 – 2024)
