David Steffes Email & Phone Number

IP consultant (with partner- and senior executive-level experience) with a passion for protecting and leveraging intellectual assets. Currently working with various clients to strategically leverage their intellectual property including evaluating potential litigation/licensing options in light of business objectives, preparing for potential litigation, and managing outside counsel. The focus of my consulting is most impactful for companies that have obtained IP (e.g., patents, trademarks, trade secrets), but do not have in-house expertise or experience evaluating, building, and leveraging their IP against competition. Previously, i was a senior executive for nearly 10 years at a multinational corporation leading various global teams of patent professionals. Prior to that, I was a partner at a major multinational law firm conducting IP litigation, performing due diligence, and preparing various complex transactions. Specific expertise includes patent litigation (US, CN, and throughout Europe), strategic portfolio creation and management, due diligence, and technology transactions including licensing, collaboration agreements, M&A and joint ventures.Accomplishments include creating and integrating a North American IP team within a year of arriving at company, decreasing multi-million dollar IP budget by greater than 50% within 3 years, with increase in service quality. Created and strengthened technology transaction and litigation competencies within a multi-cultural team. Lead defense of various IPR challenges - won 8 out of 10. Evaluated dozens of business segments/projects and designed and implemented effective IP strategies to protect and promote those businesses. Evaluated dozens of cases regarding potential IP litigation in various jurisdictions including US, Europe and China to advise businesses if/how to proceed. Lead teams and developed IP strategy in various complex patent litigations resulting in major advantageous settlements, including a multi-year 9-figure license & supply contract, and an 8-figure license royalty payment. Lead multiple IP negotiations involving M&A deals, licensing arrangements, and successful Joint venture creation.

Listed skills include Registered Patent Attorney, Patent Litigation, Patent Prosecution, Patent Due Diligence, and 20 others.