Thomas E. Williams

Senior Counsel

Tom, a registered patent attorney and former rocket engineer, helps clients develop, enforce, defend, and monetize global patent and trademark portfolios. He represents clients in a variety of industries and technologies, including HVAC systems, retail consumer products, product dispensers and product packaging, automotive, aerospace and rail technologies, fire protection equipment and numerous web and/or software applications for technology-focused companies.

Tom's practice includes preparing and negotiating a variety of business agreements, including IP licenses, supply, vendor, joint venture, consulting, settlement, and coexistence agreements.  He manages IP-related due diligence activities in corporate transactions and handles IP matters in federal court and before the Patent/Trademark Trial and Appeal Boards (PTAB/TTAB) to protect clients’ interests.

Tom monitors trends concerning the commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones). He advises clients on the impact of emerging technologies in the field and on the evolving federal and state regulatory landscape governing drone use.

Before entering the legal profession, Tom enjoyed working as a rocket engine turbomachinery engineer on NASA’s Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). Tom’s experience supporting more than 47 successful space shuttle missions led to a position designing the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen turbopumps for the RS-68 liquid main engine for the Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV), which continues to fly critical satellite missions today. Tom draws on his substantial engineering and manufacturing experience to counsel clients on IP-related matters in diverse technical fields.

  • RBC Nice Bearings et. al. v. Peer Bearing Company, 3:06-CV-01380 (TLM) (D. CONN)/ 10-383 (2nd Cir.) - Assisted in defense of trademark and copyright infringement claims involving ball bearings. Client won partial summary judgment in the district court, which was affirmed on appeal by the Second Circuit. Plaintiff dismissed all remaining claims with prejudice.
  • Highway Equipment Company v. Cives Corporation and Monroe Truck Equipment, Inc., C04-147 LRR (N.D. IA) - Assisted in action for declaratory judgment of non infringement involving truck bodies. Patent owner dismissed all claims with prejudice after a Markman Hearing.

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois