Cleveland, Clifford W. (Cliff)

Tom Otterlee is a partner in our Intellectual Property Practice Group. In that capacity Mr. Otterlee focuses on utility and design patent prosecution for mechanical and electrical devices including turbines, compressors, electric motors, heat exchangers, refrigeration systems, pumps, hand tools, and the like. Mr. Otterlee works directly with clients to develop effective U.S. and foreign patent strategies. Mr. Otterlee's U.S. experience includes the execution of focused patent searches, the provision of patentability and clearance opinions, the drafting of patent applications, and the preparation of licensing and other agreements. Mr. Otterlee has developed a trusted relationship with foreign patent counsel to enable cost effective and efficient prosecution of clients' patent applications in foreign countries such as China, Canada, Mexico, and the countries of the European Union.

In addition, Mr. Otterlee's practice includes counseling clients with respect to the enforcement of their patents and the avoidance of their competitor's patents. In this regard, Mr. Otterlee has prepared opinion letters arguing non-infringement and invalidity of competitor's patents. In addition, Mr. Otterlee provides counsel regarding designing around competitor's patents to avoid infringement. Mr. Otterlee also provides services relating to intellectual property agreements such as licensing agreements, confidentiality agreements, non-disclosure agreements, joint development agreements, and service agreements. These services include the drafting of agreements as well as analysis of pre-existing agreements.