April 3, 2014 / Press Release

Willis bolsters Porter Wright's Cincinnati patent team

Ryan L. Willis has joined Porter Wright’s Cincinnati office as a partner in the firm’s Intellectual Property practice. He is a registered patent attorney and has extensive experience in both U.S. and foreign patent prosecution, patent litigation and intellectual property transactions.

“We are excited to have Ryan join our Intellectual Property Group and believe that his technical knowledge, experience and energy will provide great synergy for our team,” said Holly Kozlowski, chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group.

Willis’ patent prosecution experience includes the drafting and prosecution of patent applications in a wide range of material science, mechanical and medical device technologies, including thermoelectrics, chemical coatings, medical/surgical implants and equipment, and microchannel separation and synthesis technology. Prior to engaging in private practice, he served as a patent examiner with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office examining patent applications involving semiconductor technology.

Willis frequently counsels clients regarding patentability, patent validity, infringement and freedom to practice matters. He works with clients to maximize the value of their intellectual property portfolios and, to this end, regularly prepares and negotiates intellectual property licenses and development agreements. His in-depth experience in patent litigation includes dispositive motion practice and due diligence for defending against and enforcing issued patents.

He received his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and completed his law degree at the University of Dayton School of Law.

Raised in northwest Dayton, Ohio, Willis now resides in Deerfield Township with his wife and 1-year-old daughter.