Robert D. Leonard

Robert D. Leonard is a patent litigation attorney and Shareholder at Volpe Koenig, focusing his practice on intellectual property disputes with a diverse technological scope. His experience spans Computer Software and Artificial Intelligence, Consumer Products and Services, and Life Sciences and Chemistry, drawing on a background as a process engineer in specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals, where he designed process equipment for biopharmaceutical companies. He counsels clients on patent portfolio development, acquisition due diligence, and monetization strategies, indicating a practice oriented toward maximizing the value of intellectual property assets.

Leonard has experience representing both plaintiff and defendant sides in patent disputes. His notable plaintiff-side representation includes serving as lead counsel for Intellectual Ventures II LLC in Intellectual Ventures II LLC v. Tesla, Inc. He also frequently represents patent owners in defensive capacities, such as his role as Counsel for Patent Owner for Intellectual Ventures II LLC in Unified Patents, LLC v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC.

A significant portion of his practice involves post-grant proceedings before the USPTO, including Inter Partes Review (IPR). In ongoing IPRs related to Tesla, Inc. v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC, Leonard has represented Intellectual Ventures II LLC as Patent Owner, with recent decisions indicating active and successful defense against institution based on grounds such as inconsistent claim construction positions.

Leonard earned his J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law and holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.