Linda J. Thayer is a unicorn among intellectual property attorneys — a blend of experienced litigator and patent portfolio strategist, with deep knowledge in both patent law and multiple complex technologies. She excels at guiding high tech clients in developing strong intellectual property portfolios and defending their patent assets before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and in federal courts.
Linda’s wide range of knowledge and experience allows her to offer clients skilled guidance on a multitude of IP issues. She has been recognized by Intellectual Asset Management as a leading patent litigator and a leading patent prosecutor in Massachusetts.
As a litigator, she has successfully defended clients in district court patent litigations and in the related PTAB proceeding to challenge the validity of the patent. By understanding the nuances of both fora, she can tailor the most cost-effective defense for clients.
Linda also excels behind the scenes, working to help clients avoid litigation by conducting freedom-to-operate and validity analyses, and issuing defensible opinions detailing her analysis or advising on administrative procedures before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to request review of patentability.
And because “the best defense is a good offense,” Linda works with clients to develop strong patent portfolios to protect key technologies. Defensible patents begin with a detailed, well-written patent application that adequately describes the invention and alternatives. Strategic, focused prosecution results in strong patents that provide important value to startups and established companies alike.
Linda also assists clients in building their global patent asset portfolios by conducting due diligence investigations for investments and mergers and acquisitions, and advising clients on worldwide patent portfolio development, patent licensing and sales.
Linda works with innovative companies in a variety of disciplines relating to computers and electronics, such as encryption, biometrics, data compression and storage, video games, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and robotics.
She has represented one of the world’s leading music game developers, Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., in multiple patent infringement lawsuits in Delaware and the E.D. Texas. She also represents Intertrust Technologies, a leading maker of trusted distributed computing products, in developing and defending its substantial worldwide portfolio of patents relating to digital rights management (DRM).
From her prior industry experience as a cryptologic mathematician and computer programmer at the National Security Agency, she is uniquely qualified in the areas of cryptography and cybersecurity, and experienced in software programming. She leads the firm’s robotics group and is a member of the board of editors of the Journal of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Law.
Linda regularly engages in pro bono representation of veterans before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and the Federal Circuit. She also represents domestic abuse victims for the Family Law Project of the Women’s Bar Foundation.
In her spare time, Linda has supported and contributed to the sport of women’s lacrosse for over 30 years. She was a member of the 1982 NCAA Championship UMass women’s team. She holds a National rating and has officiated at all levels, from juniors to NCAA collegiate contests.
She has been an active member of committees responsible for adapting and interpreting the rules of the women’s game, and has sat on the board of USLacrosse. Linda was inducted into the Northern California Chapter Hall of Fame for her contributions.
Education :
- American University, Washington College of Law J.D., cum laude, 1997
- George Washington University M.S., Operations Research, 1987
- University of Massachusetts B.S., Mathematics, cum laude, 1982
Admissions :
- California
- District of Columbia
- Massachusetts
- U.S. District Court, C.D. California
- U.S. District Court, E.D. California
- U.S. District Court, N.D. California
- U.S. District Court, S.D. California
- U.S. District Court, E.D. Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Veterans Claims
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Professional Activities :
- LES Data & Cybersecurity Sector (Co-chair, 2018-present)
- ChIPs—Advancing Women in Technology, Law and Policy
- American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
- Boston Patent Law Association (BPLA)
- Silicon Valley Intellectual Property Law Association (SVIPLA)
- Federal Circuit Bar Association (FCBA)
- Licensing Executives Society (LES)
Cost
Rate : $$$