William C. Neer

William’s practice focuses on post-grant proceedings before the PTAB, including inter partes reviews (IPRs), ex parte reexaminations (EPRs), and other proceedings involving patent validity challenges. He has extensive experience developing invalidity positions for complex litigations; drafting petitions and substantive briefing; conducting discretionary denial analyses; preparing and examining expert witnesses; and coordinating litigation strategies in parallel proceedings. William also advises clients on broader patent strategy matters, including freedom-to-operate (FTO) and validity assessments, due diligence, portfolio counseling, prosecution-related issues, and litigation risk management.

William has represented leading technology companies in matters involving wireless communications, location-based services, media systems, and voice and messaging technologies. His technical background includes matters involving pharmaceuticals, polymer science, specialty chemicals, solar and semiconductor technology, medical devices, and related technologies. This foundation allows him to bridge patent office practice and district court litigation, providing clients with integrated strategies throughout the patent life cycle.

William served as a judicial law clerk at the PTAB, where he assisted Administrative Patent Judges in adjudicating America Invents Act (AIA) proceedings and ex parte appeals spanning chemical, electrical, mechanical, pharmaceutical, and design technologies. During his clerkship, he also completed a rotation in the Office of the Director of the USPTO, working on matters involving Director Review, the Precedential Opinion Panel, delegated rehearing issues, and agency policy initiatives. Additionally, William served as a judicial intern at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC).

William also devotes a portion of his practice to pro bono matters, earning him a spot on the Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll. He has worked with asylum-seeking clients and represented clients in veterans appeals.