William C. Neer

William C. Neer is an attorney at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, where his practice focuses on patent litigation, Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) proceedings, and counseling matters. He handles a wide array of complex technologies, including pharmaceuticals (with experience in Abbreviated New Drug Application, or "ANDA," cases), polymers, medical devices, solar technology, chemicals, cosmetics, plants, electrical, mechanical, and design technologies. His work involves developing invalidity and infringement theories, preparing for Markman hearings, working with experts, drafting briefs, and preparing witnesses.

Throughout his career, Mr. Neer has primarily represented defendants and operating companies, assisting them with navigating patent disputes and strategic counseling. His tracked appearances include serving as Counsel for Google LLC in the case Headwater Research LLC v. Google LLC. He advises clients on patent strategy, including validity and non-infringement opinions, due diligence, and prosecution, and has negotiated favorable settlements to help clients avoid litigation.

A significant aspect of Mr. Neer's practice involves the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. He is a former PTAB law clerk (September 2022 - September 2023), leveraging this experience to assist clients with IPR and PGR proceedings. During his clerkship, he aided administrative patent judges with AIA trials and ex parte appeals across diverse technologies and completed a rotation in the Office of the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), focusing on matters such as Director Review and Precedential Opinion Panel decisions. He is also a frequent author on PTAB-related developments and participates in PTAB-focused events.

Mr. Neer is a registered patent attorney. Prior to his time at the PTAB, he served as a judicial intern at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.