Committed to helping Nordic businesses succeed in the USA
After decades trying patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright cases to juries, I not only understand intellectual property law, but I also know how the system works, both for the companies that hold IP and for their competitors. My clients have been on both sides of the issue. I’ve helped them enforce their IP and I’ve defended them against demands from those holding patents, trademarks and copyrights. With that experience comes a seasoned perspective that allows me to provide practical advice to help clients avoid costly mistakes and expensive litigation.
One suggestion: when you first suspect that you may have a problem, set up a call with me! Your information is covered by the attorney-client privilege and there is no charge for the initial consultation.
MASTER YOUR FREEDOM TO COMPETE
Stier IP Law LLC provides the following legal services:
Freedom-to-Operate/Design-around opinions
Before launching a new product in the US, it is wise to know how to avoid patents, especially those held by an aggressive competitor. The claims of a patent define the boundaries of an inventor’s exclusive rights. Analyzing patent claims is what I’ve done for decades. I routinely advise clients on choosing the right path through a patent minefield to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Managing and Resolving IP Disputes
Throughout my career, I’ve helped clients by developing innovative solutions to disputes, leveraging my knowledge of the law with keen insight into the U.S. marketplace and legal system. I can help you manage your resources wisely to get the best possible outcome for your company.
Enforcing/Monetizing IP Rights
As a litigator, I have helped clients who own patents, trade secrets or other intellectual property decide whether, and how, to enforce their rights. Stier IP Law can advise clients on how to select trial counsel, where to sue, how to communicate effectively with an opposing party, how to estimate the value of your IP, and how to manage the costs of litigation, potentially including third-party sources of litigation funding.
Representative work for clients with IP disputes
Copyright infringement
The designer Angela Adams discovered that a rug manufacturer was selling a pattern remarkably similar to her iconic “Manfred” design. After a trial for copyright infringement, a jury awarded damages in her favor.
Trade secret misappropriation
Dr. Steven Stice developed a unique method to clone cattle from stem cells (calves Charlie and George, shown here). A competitor accused him of stealing its trade secrets. A jury cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Patent infringement
Dozens of community banks received a letter from a patent holder threatening lawsuits because their ATMs allegedly infringed his patents. The banks were inclined to pay the modest licensing fees demanded, even though they did not infringe. When I created a joint defense group, the banks had a principled alternative. The result: all lawsuits were dismissed and claims against every bank in the group were dropped.
Trade dress infringement
Bern sued five competing manufacturers of biking, skating and snow helmets, claiming that their designs were confusingly similar and infringed Bern’s trade dress. All claims against my client, Vans, were dismissed before trial.
About Stier IP Law LLC
I formed Stier IP Law after a long and satisfying trial practice, including as a partner at Pierce Atwood LLP for the last 25 years. For a more detailed cv, click here.
My focus with this new firm is intentionally narrow: using my skills and experience to advise clients on the alternatives, risks, costs, and probabilities that should be considered when a potential IP dispute arises. Stier IP Law has access to an extensive network of talented lawyers and experts, in the Nordics and in the US, as well as cutting-edge technology, to provide the most targeted and appropriate input for clients.
Why the interest in the Nordics?
I spent two years after college living in Göteborg, where I worked, attended university, and learned Swedish. I then returned to the US to study law and graduated with honors from Harvard Law School. In my early years of trial practice, I had the good fortune to defend Pharmacia Biotech in patent litigation, and I have represented clients in the Nordics ever since. I try my best to maintain my Swedish language skills and look forward to my regular visits to Sweden.
“As a new CEO for a Swedish high tech manufacturing firm, I was faced with a serious IP challenge from a competitor in the US. From the outset, Bob was highly responsive, factual, and transparent. He was able to quickly grasp complicated technical issues and articulate a clear legal defense and detailed strategy to move forward. Bob provided excellent, cost-effective legal support, often above and beyond what I would have expected.”
Chester Anderson
former CEO, Rolling Optics AB
“I hired Bob for several IP-related tasks during my active career as CEO for both pharma and medical device companies. Bob had a unique ability to quickly understand my issues, explain difficult scenarios and advise me about a constructive/win-win path. Bob was the strong hand when it was blowing hard (and it was always fun to work with Bob).”
Ulf Boberg, PhD
former CEO, Global Genomics AB, Affibody AB, Creative Antibiotics AB
“I have had the opportunity to collaborate with Bob for years on patent cases and I have always found him to be attentive to listening, capable of understanding the real needs of the client, clear in providing the most appropriate solution or strategy, and meticulous in preparation.”
Davide Petraz, Esq.
Managing Partner, GLP Srl
Get in touch with Stier IP Law LLC
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
+1 207 370 7257
Stockholm, Sweden
+46 76 676 0076
Helping businesses avoid or manage IP disputes. 