"Todd stands out in his ability to provide practical advice from a multinational IP perspective because of his strong, unique background in patent litigation and international patent prosecution."
Client quote from Chambers USA
Todd focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation and intellectual property counseling. He counsels companies on the procurement of IP assets and management of worldwide IP portfolios with a particular focus on protecting IP assets in China. He provides Chinese companies general counseling on doing business in the U.S.
Todd’s first-chair patent trial experience includes securing a jury verdict of non-infringement for a snow plow manufacturer, obtaining a non-infringement judgment for a maker of house arrest bracelets and obtaining a series of preliminary injunctions for a manufacturer of construction products.
He was also part of a trial team that won more than $39 million for infringement of his client’s semiconductor testing equipment patent – the largest verdict in 2011 for the State of Arizona.
Todd also has experience with reexamination proceedings, inter partes reviews and derivation actions in the U.S. Patent Office.
Todd has developed and managed global patent enforcement programs for a variety of clients. These programs include obtaining preliminary injunctions in the United States while managing worldwide counsel seeking to enforce related patent rights throughout Europe and Asia.
As part of his global IP experience, he assists clients with protecting business interests and inventions in China. He has formed and managed several Chinese R&D centers and is well-versed in many aspects of Chinese IP Law, including procurement and enforcement of Chinese patents, utility models and trademarks.
Todd also has managed Chinese invalidation proceedings and is experienced with the nuances of IP licensing in China.
Todd has been tasked by several clients with the strategic management of patent portfolios, including coordinating a network of international patent counsel for worldwide patent procurement and protection of medical devices, consumer products, food packaging and construction material inventions.
He provides clients with right-to-market, patentability and non-infringement/invalidity opinions.
Todd is licensed to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and is a member of the Cleveland Intellectual Property Law Association, AIPPI, AIPLA and INTA.
Since 2016, Todd has been recognized for his work in Intellectual Property by Chambers USA, most recently ranked in 2022 in Band 2 – Ohio. Chambers USA researchers noted, "Todd takes on a range of domestic and cross-border IP disputes, including patent litigation. His experience includes matters concerning the protection of assets in China, and he regularly advises Chinese entities on US-based IP portfolios."
Clients interviewed by Chambers USA researchers commented, "Todd is sharp, responsive and understands our business and the Chinese business culture. He is deeply experienced in IP and brings a real wealth of knowledge. Todd stands out in his ability to provide practical advice from a multinational IP perspective because of his strong, unique background in patent litigation and international patent prosecution. He helps make complex processes simple."
Todd started at Calfee as an Associate in 1995, and returned to Calfee as a Partner in 2013. Todd was elected to the firm's Management Committee in 2020, and he began serving as Director of International Business in 2022.
J.D., The University of Dayton School of Law, Managing Editor, University of Dayton Law Review, 1995
B.S.E., Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, 1992
"Todd stands out in his ability to provide practical advice from a multinational IP perspective because of his strong, unique background in patent litigation and international patent prosecution."
Client quote from Chambers USA