Tucker Ellis LLP is pleased to announce that J. Derek Mason, Ph.D., CLP, has joined the firm as a partner in the Intellectual Property Department.

A former chemist in industry with a doctorate in organic chemistry, Dr. Mason advises national and international clients across the full spectrum of chemical and related technologies, including medical and biotech diagnostic devices, polymers, nanotechnology, textiles, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. His practice encompasses patent preparation and prosecution, licensing, IP issues in corporate transactions, client counseling, and opinions on IP issues.

Dr. Mason’s experience includes conducting M&A due diligence investigations and risk assessment related to IP ownership, establishing and developing patent portfolios, helping clients avoid infringement when launching products, and crafting and implementing procedures to protect and enhance inventions and add value. His practice also includes counseling clients on innovative design-around strategies, the interplay of utility and design patents, trade secret protection, procuring plant patents and plant variety protection (PVP) certificates, and litigation avoidance.

“We’re excited to welcome Derek to our IP practice,” said Tucker Ellis Intellectual Property Department Chair Carlos Garritano. “His technical expertise will be a tremendous asset to clients seeking to protect their chemical IP, as well as to our team as we continue to grow our presence in chemical industries.”

“Derek is a great fit for our culture at Tucker Ellis,” said Tucker Ellis Managing Partner Joe Morford. “Dedicated, community-minded, and among the brightest lawyers in his field, he brings a high level of knowledge and experience to the table that will only serve to strengthen our already-robust IP practice.”

Dr. Mason received his law degree from the George Washington University National Law Center. He received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Wisconsin and his bachelor’s degree in chemistry with highest honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was Phi Beta Kappa.

About Tucker Ellis LLP

Tucker Ellis LLP is a full-service law firm of more than 215 attorneys with offices in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and St. Louis. The firm is proud to service a Fortune 250 list of national litigation clients and intellectual property clients, as well as sophisticated business clients, for whom we individually tailor our client service teams. For more information, please visit tuckerellis.com.