Howard R. Richman

Howard Richman has been a Member at Edell, Shapiro & Finnan since 2004 and has been involved in the patent field for over 20 years.  With a degree in Mechanical Engineering and related practical work experience, Howard’s practice focuses on the mechanical and electro-mechanical fields.  Howard has handled thousands of patent-related matters in the areas of mechanical systems, electromechanical devices, biomedical and medical devices, consumer products, toys, games, juvenile products, apparel, sporting goods, optical systems, semiconductor fabrication and tooling, automotive systems, manufacturing processes and equipment, and various other mechanical and electromechanical devices, processes, and systems.  

Mr. Richman specializes in counseling both large and small corporate clients regarding all aspects of patent legal matters including portfolio management and filing strategies, freedom to operate and right-to-use issues, patent prosecution, post-issuance procedures (e.g., reissue and reexamination), licensing, and enforcement.  Howard also has significant experience in providing patent-related due diligence services in connection with licensing, mergers, and acquisitions.  Finally, Howard also has broad experience in negotiating and preparing patent licensing agreements, and enforcing patent rights through, and defending clients in, patent litigation including: conducting pre-litigation due diligence, drafting complaints and answers, preparing claim construction contentions and briefs, handling discovery matters, and negotiating settlement.

Prior to joining Edell, Shapiro & Finnan in 2002, Howard practiced patent law at two large, well-respected, law firms and worked for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).  Howard started at the Patent Office as a Patent Examiner in the early-1990s and then joined the Office of Legislative and International Affairs as an Attorney-Advisor to the Commissioner of Patents.  After leaving the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office , Howard joined the Intellectual Property practice group at Morgan, Lewis and Bockius.  In 1999, Howard was one of a handful of select attorneys that started and quickly solidified Cooley Godward’s patent presence on the East coast.

Howard Richman received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Cum Laude, from the University of Maryland and a J.D., Cum Laude, from the Georgetown University Law Center.