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Robert H. McWilliams, Jr.

Robert H. McWilliams, Jr.

Partner

Meridian
1320 Main Street
17th Floor
Columbia, SC 29201
T 803.255.9380
F 803.255.9831
301 S. College Street
23rd Floor
Charlotte, NC 28202
T 704.417.3000
F 704.377.4814
robert.mcwilliams@nelsonmullins.com
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A registered patent attorney, Robert focuses his practice on patent litigation, strategic counseling, IP diligence in corporate transactions, and portfolio management. He has extensive experience analyzing patent infringement and validity issues across the mechanical and electrical arts and frequently advises clients on avoiding freedom to operate risks.

Robert represents clients in patent litigation and other intellectual...

A registered patent attorney, Robert focuses his practice on patent litigation, strategic counseling, IP diligence in corporate transactions, and portfolio management. He has extensive experience analyzing patent infringement and validity issues across the mechanical and electrical arts and frequently advises clients on avoiding freedom to operate risks.

Robert represents clients in patent litigation and other intellectual property matters in jurisdictions nationwide. In addition to district court litigation, he has significant experience in administrative proceedings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where he has handled ex parte reexaminations, Inter Partes Reviews, Covered Business Method Reviews, and Derivation Proceedings.

Robert H. McWilliams, Jr.

property matters in jurisdictions nationwide. In addition to district court litigation, he has significant experience in administrative proceedings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where he has handled ex parte reexaminations, Inter Partes Reviews, Covered Business Method Reviews, and Derivation Proceedings.

Experience

The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Experience

  • Represents clients in federal district and appeals courts in connection with patent litigation and license agreement matters.  Has also represented clients in federal district court in trademark and unfair competition litigation matters.
  • Served as a member of the Drafting Committee for the Local Patent Rules in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.  
  • Represents clients in administrative proceedings at the USPTO and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, including Ex Parte Reexaminations, Inter Partes Reviews (IPR), Covered Business Method Review (CBMR), and Derivation proceedings.
  • Provides strategic advice and management to several global businesses regarding their worldwide patent property portfolios, including in the areas of medical devices, commercial and industrial vehicles, electronics and mechanical systems, consumer products, and waste equipment.  
  • Frequently advises clients with regard to freedom to operate (FTO) in the areas of medical devices, mechanical systems, electronics, aerospace, payment processing, and radio frequency communications systems.
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Experience

  • Represents clients in federal district and appeals courts in connection with patent litigation and license agreement matters.  Has also represented clients in federal district court in trademark and unfair competition litigation matters.
  • Served as a member of the Drafting Committee for the Local Patent Rules in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.  
  • Represents clients in administrative proceedings at the USPTO and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, including Ex Parte Reexaminations, Inter Partes Reviews (IPR), Covered Business Method Review (CBMR), and Derivation proceedings.
  • Provides strategic advice and management to several global businesses regarding their worldwide patent property portfolios, including in the areas of medical devices, commercial and industrial vehicles, electronics and mechanical systems, consumer products, and waste equipment.  
  • Frequently advises clients with regard to freedom to operate (FTO) in the areas of medical devices, mechanical systems, electronics, aerospace, payment processing, and radio frequency communications systems.

Media

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Recognitions

The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.

A registered patent attorney, Robert focuses his practice on patent litigation, strategic counseling, IP diligence in corporate transactions, and portfolio management. He has extensive experience analyzing patent infringement and validity issues across the mechanical and electrical arts and frequently advises clients on avoiding freedom to operate risks.

Robert represents clients in patent litigation and other intellectual... property matters in jurisdictions nationwide. In addition to district court litigation, he has significant experience in administrative proceedings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where he has handled ex parte reexaminations, Inter Partes Reviews, Covered Business Method Reviews, and Derivation Proceedings.

Experience

The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Experience

  • Represents clients in federal district and appeals courts in connection with patent litigation and license agreement matters.  Has also represented clients in federal district court in trademark and unfair competition litigation matters.
  • Served as a member of the Drafting Committee for the Local Patent Rules in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.  
  • Represents clients in administrative proceedings at the USPTO and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, including Ex Parte Reexaminations, Inter Partes Reviews (IPR), Covered Business Method Review (CBMR), and Derivation proceedings.
  • Provides strategic advice and management to several global businesses regarding their worldwide patent property portfolios, including in the areas of medical devices, commercial and industrial vehicles, electronics and mechanical systems, consumer products, and waste equipment.  
  • Frequently advises clients with regard to freedom to operate (FTO) in the areas of medical devices, mechanical systems, electronics, aerospace, payment processing, and radio frequency communications systems.

Education

  • University of South Carolina School of Law, JD, magna cum laude (2009)
    • Order of the Coif
    • Order of the Wig & Robe
    • Associate editor–in–chief of the South Carolina Law Review
    • Received CALI Awards in Civil Procedure I and II, Transnational Law, Trademarks & Unfair Competition, Patent Law, and Administrative Law
    • Student member, John Belton O’Neall Inn of Court
  • Georgia Institute of Technology, BS, Mechanical Engineering, cum laude (2006)

Admissions

  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina
  • U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Clerkships

  • Law Clerk, The Honorable Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina

Practice Areas

Industries

The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.