Erik specializes in helping European companies navigate the intricacies of U.S. intellectual property law in an efficient and cost-effective manner. With nearly 25 years of experience, Erik is a recognized expert in maximizing protection of his clients’ IP in the U.S. while avoiding or minimizing problems with third party rights. In addition to the filing and prosecuting of U.S. patent applications, his expertise encompasses post-grant proceedings in the U.S. Patent Office as well as patent infringement litigation in U.S. federal courts. He advises companies on the intellectual property aspects of business transactions and commercialization of products in the U.S., including infringement and validity assessments, licensing, due diligence, and capturing and leveraging of technology for start-ups.
Erik’s clients include leading companies in fields as diverse as semiconductors, domestic appliances, optics, telecommunications, electrical switching and connection devices, automotive technologies and chemical processes.
Prior to beginning his legal career, Erik spent eight years as a Navy nuclear submarine officer, during which he developed academic and hands-on experience in nuclear power, electronics, chemistry, and telecommunications. He graduated first in his class from the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School. During law school, he was managing editor of the Virginia Journal of International Law.
Erik contributes a regular column to the leading intellectual property law journal in Germany, Mitteilungen der deutschen Patentanwälte. The English language column, co-authored with fellow Leydig shareholder Thomas Canty, summarizes the latest developments in U.S. patent law.
Erik is a frequent speaker and author on U.S. patent law to European audiences. He co-manages Leydig’s Frankfurt, Germany office and speaks German.