Partner
Jones Day
Joe Melnik’s practice is focused on technology licensing, technology commercialization, and other technology-related transactions. Joe counsels clients on complex transactions related to a broad range of technologies including software, semiconductors, energy, data and network security, and consumer devices. He negotiates and structures license agreements, joint ventures, joint development agreements, strategic alliances, services, supply, and various other agreements for domestic and global projects. Joe also advises companies of all sizes on the development and implementation of strategies for maximizing the benefits of technology transactions; advising on intellectual property issues that arise in connection with corporate transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions; and assisting clients in developing domestic and international product commercialization strategies that utilize intellectual property positions to protect and expand market share.
Joe also represents clients in patent litigation, license disputes, and post-grant proceedings. He has successfully represented companies in patent cases relating to a wide variety of technologies, including cryptography, smart cards, biometrics, cellular telephony, SMS (text messaging), computer networking, wireless communications, semiconductors, database technologies, and financial transactions. In addition, he frequently represents companies in high-stakes licensing disputes in a broad range of technology areas and has been lead counsel on numerous inter partes review (IPR) proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).
Joe’s practice further includes the development and management of patent portfolios, freedom-to-practice opinions, and strategic counseling. In this role, he counsels clients developing robust intellectual property portfolios, mining portfolios for key assets, and managing a company’s intellectual capital to maximize commercial benefits while minimizing risks and costs.