+49 (0)69 713 7798-0 (direct)
+49 (0)69 713 7798-29 (fax)
Frankfurt am Main Office
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Related Practices
- Patents
- Litigation
- Pharmaceutical and Chemical Technologies
- Electrical, Computer and Software Technologies
- Mechanical Technologies
- Intellectual Property Transactions
Education
University of Virginia, J.D., 1994
U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School, 1984
Purdue University, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, 1982
Erik R Swanson
Member
Mr. Swanson focuses his practice on the U.S. intellectual property needs of European and multinational clients, with a particular emphasis on patent matters. In addition to filing and prosecuting patent applications, he files appeals and conducts reexamination proceedings in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He counsels clients on pre-litigation strategies, performs formal infringement and validity assessments, negotiates licensing agreements and advises on intellectual property issues involved in business acquisitions and divestitures. He is experienced in patent litigation in U.S. district courts and in interference proceedings before the USPTO.
Mr. Swanson’s work involves a wide range of electrical, mechanical, and computer technologies, including electronic control systems, computer hardware and software, semiconductors, sensors, optics, and telecommunications.
Prior to beginning his legal career, Mr. Swanson spent eight years as a Navy nuclear submarine officer, during which time he gained extensive experience in nuclear power, electronics, chemistry, and telecommunications. He graduated first in his class from the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School.
Mr. Swanson is a frequent speaker and author on U.S. patent law to European audiences. He is a resident in Leydig's Frankfurt, Germany office and speaks German.
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association (ABA)
- American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
- Verein für Vereiningung von Fachleuten des Gewerblichen Rechtsschutzes (VPP) (German Association of Intellectual Property Experts)
- Deutschen Vereinigung für Gewerblichen Rechtsschutz und Urheberrecht (GRUR)
- Licensing Executives Society (LES)
Articles and Publications
- "Aktuelles aus den USA," Swanson, E. and T. Canty, Mitteilungen der Deutsche Patentanwälte, January 2010
- “An Overview of Patent Infringement Damages in the United States,” Swanson, E. and J. Christiansen, Mitteilungen der Deutsche Patentanwälte, (97), pgs. 301-306, July 2006
- “Symbol Technologies v. Lemelson – Commentary,” 11 Mitteilungen der Deutsche Patentanwälte, 2005
Speaking Engagements and Presentations
- “Patentrecht USA,” presented at Management Circle, Munich, Germany, February 2010
- “US Patentrecht,” presented at FORUM, Offenback, Germany, October 2009
- Presented “Patent Enforcement and Patent Infringement in the U.S.A.,” with T. Canty, at Wissinfo Seminar in Freiburg, Germany, May 2006
- "Die CAFC Phillips v. AHW Corp. Entscheidung - und wie ein U.S. Gericht den Fall Spannschraube Entscheiden würde," Swanson, E. and T. Canty, VPP Rundbrief, December 2005
Bar Admissions and Registrations
- District of Columbia, 1996
- Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- Idaho, 1994
Languages
- German
- Spanish

