William Neer

William Neer is an attorney at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, specializing in patent litigation across a broad range of complex technologies. His technical expertise spans pharmaceuticals, polymers, medical devices, and solar technology, and he has experience with Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) cases.

His patent litigation practice includes developing invalidity and infringement theories, preparing for Markman hearings, working with experts, drafting briefs, and preparing witnesses. Neer has appeared on the plaintiff side in the case REC Solar Holdings AS et al. v. Maxeon Solar Pte Ltd., a dispute involving advanced solar cell technology, specifically Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) solar cell technology. This case, filed in the Eastern District of Texas, concluded with a joint dismissal without prejudice in June 2025, an outcome that often indicates a negotiated settlement.

A significant aspect of Neer's practice involves proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). He served as a judicial law clerk at the PTAB from September 2022 to September 2023, where he assisted administrative patent judges with America Invents Act (AIA) trials and ex parte appeals across chemical, electrical, mechanical, design, and pharmaceutical technologies. His experience also includes 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 policymaking. He regularly contributes to discussions on PTAB developments, including co-authoring an article on the USPTO's guidance regarding U.S. manufacturing and small business use of AIA proceedings.

Neer is a registered patent attorney. He previously served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Jimmie Reyna at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in 2019.