He also assists clients with related patent matters such as:

• Conducting patentability reviews, freedom to operate searches, and prior art analyses directed to software technologies and devices
• Drafting and reviewing contracts including master service agreements, SaaS agreements, and software licenses
• Preparing patent and licensing due diligence analyses for portfolio and code base acquisitions

Prior to joining Michael Best, Richard was an Associate in the Austin office of an international business law firm. He has also worked for a major international IP law firm as well as small IP boutique firms, giving him a well-rounded perspective and experience assisting clients ranging from global Fortune 100 companies to start-ups just getting off the ground.

Before embarking on his legal career, Richard earned his B.S. in Computer Science and spent more than 10 years working in Texas’ fast-growing software industry. He worked in software development, creating encryption, security, content management, and other programs for desktop and mobile applications. Richard led teams of up to 20 employees developing software for telecommunications, digital marketing, accounting, client services, and other uses.