Robert Greeson

Head of Technology and Communications, Media and Entertainment, United States
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

Dallas
United States
T:+1 214 855 7430
Dallas
United States
T:+1 214 855 7430
Robert Greeson

Robert Greeson

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Biography

Robert Greeson is the U.S. Head of Technology and Communications, Media, and Entertainment, and is co-head of the Dallas Intellectual Property Group. His practice focuses on intellectual property litigation, patent prosecution, and IP licensing and transactional matters.

Patent and commercial litigation

Robert has tried cases to juries and judges. In doing so, he has not only obtained verdicts for his clients, but also attorneys' fees awards. Robert has successfully represented companies in some of their most important and challenging intellectual property matters. He has litigated complex, high-stakes patent cases (on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants) around the country, and has extensive experience in patent-heavy forums, including the Eastern and Western Districts of Texas, the District of Delaware, and the Northern District of California. 

Robert often serves as lead counsel before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office in inter partes reviews (IPRs)—successfully arguing before both.  He has also worked on investigations before the International Trade Commission (ITC).

In addition, Robert handles other IP disputes, including copyright infringement and trademark oppositions, as well as commercial matters. Robert has successfully arbitrated several commercial disputes, often involving complex technologies such as parallel computing architecture. 

Robert has a deep technological understanding in numerous areas and his work spans a range of technical fields. His background in physics and engineering enables him to efficiently understand his clients' technology and business to better achieve their goals.  He has litigated and counseled on a broad array of technical fields including:  3G, 4G, and 5G wireless systems and protocols, wireless devices (hardware and software), WiFi, GPS, Distributed Ledger Technologies, Digital Displays (hardware and software), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques, Virtual and augmented reality applications, object and feature recognition technology, Internet-of-Things (IoT), audio and video compression, eCommerce software and services, wired and wireless network infrastructure/architecture, digital camera applications, signal processing, application-specific electronic devices, semiconductor devices and manufacturing, RFID technology, display and storage hardware, image enhancement and analysis, and renewable energy systems, among others.

Patent prosecution and IP transactional matters

Robert also helps companies protect, license, monetize, and enforce patents.  Robert is adept in helping his clients develop their own in house patent programs and in managing US and foreign patent portfolios for those clients. Robert often works closely with in house counsel and inventors to develop a tailored patent program and manage that program to (1) identify strategic areas for further patent protection and (2) grow the patent portfolio while managing costs. To that end, Robert has broad experience in virtually every phase of patent prosecution, from taking invention disclosures to completing the appeal process. He has argued before the Board of Appeals and Interferences/Patent Trial and Appeal Board several times with success--each time winning a decision of reversal of the Examiner's rejections.

Robert's broad-based transactional experience includes representation of intellectual property holders, acquirers, and licensors in the preparation and negotiation of intellectual property acquisition agreements, patent licenses, technology transfers, non-disclosure agreements, and software development, license, and maintenance agreements. He leads due diligence for and counsels clients to secure, manage, and maximize profit from intellectual property rights. He also routinely assists clients in evaluating the intellectual property of others, conducting both freedom to operate evaluations and intellectual property due diligence. His patent knowledge and experience also extends to the corporate area, where he evaluates patent litigation and other patent due diligence issues arising from mergers and acquisitions as well as other corporate matters.

With regard to patent prosecution, Robert has particular experience in drafting and prosecuting patents covering several aspects of wireless communication, hardware and software design, as well as semiconductor-based (e.g., NMOS, PMOS, etc.) circuit design, memory, and microcontroller (MCU) applications.  Robert's circuit design expertise covers a broad range of wireless technologies, data compression/encoding, static and dynamic power consumption, wireless connectivity, memory access, and the like.  End use applications cover a broad range, such as media delivery, digital cameras, virtual reality displays, object/feature recognition, gaming controllers, home automation systems, and network security.  Further, with regard to virtual and augmented reality and digital camera applications, Robert has drafted and prosecuted patents that cover applications for increasing dynamic range, reducing noise and latency in multichannel data transmissions, increasing parallel data throughput, and the like.  

Distributed ledger technologies

Distributed ledger technologies, including blockchain, are impacting how companies across all sectors operate.  Robert has experience across different industries in which this technology is being implemented, and is uniquely positioned to advise clients in connection with intellectual property, data security and privacy, litigation, enforcement and investigations, transactional issues, and contractual arrangements relating to distributed ledger technology.  Robert advises clients of different sizes, including newly-formed startups to established companies, in connection with a broad array of legal and business matters relating to blockchain.  In doing so, Robert represents blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) enterprises, FinTech startups, software and e-commerce enterprises, and data security and privacy companies in matters relating to distributed ledger technologies.

Data security and privacy

Robert counsels clients on privacy, cybersecurity, and information management issues in the context of due diligence, compliance, business strategy, technology transactions, breach preparedness and response, and regulatory investigation and response strategy.  He also advises clients on privacy and security issues within data-based products and services, big data programs, cross-border data transfer, vendor management, and corporate transactions (including M&A, private equity, buyouts, public offerings and bankruptcy).

Professional experience

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JD, Baylor University School of Law, 2004
MS, Applied Physics, University of Texas at Dallas, 2001
BA, Physics, Austin College, 2000

Robert was admitted to practice law in Texas in 2004.  Robert is also admitted to practice in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States District Courts for the Southern, Northern, and Eastern Districts of Texas.  He is also registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

While completing his Master's Degree in Applied Physics at the University of Texas at Dallas, Robert worked as a graduate research assistant in the William B. Hanson Center for Space Science. During this time, he designed an automated control scheme for on-board instruments in atmospheric rockets. 

  • Texas State Bar
  • US Patent and Trademark Attorney

A brief summary of Robert's experience includes:

Lead counsel for plaintiff in patent infringement lawsuit brought by Texas-based IoT hardware and services provider in the Middle District of Florida and counsel in corresponding ITC Investigation.  The case involves Internet of Things (IoT) products and services in the multi-family residence industry.

Lead counsel for video and image editing company in a patent infringement case in the Southern District of Texas.  Plaintiff accused the company, known particularly for its animation-effects apps, of infringing five patents.  Lead counsel for defendant in appeal to the Federal Circuit brought by plaintiff and lead counsel for IPRs before the Patent Trial & Appeal Board (PTAB).

Defended multiple patent infringement lawsuits on behalf of indemnitor and its customers where plaintiff alleged infringement of several patents directed to vehicle tracking and management systems, wireless communication protocols, and GPS applications.

Defended network security company in patent infringement case in the Western District of Texas.  The case involved allegations of patent infringement related to network security technology.  Case was dismissed soon after institution of IPRs.

Lead counsel for internet and technology company in a high-profile patent infringement case in the District of Delaware. The case involved allegations that the company's apps and websites infringed several of plaintiff's patents related to search and matching-based services and messaging technologies.  Case was stayed months before trial in view of ex parte reexamination of the asserted patent in which asserted claims were found invalid.  Plaintiff's appeal is pending before the Patent Trial & Appeal Board.

Lead counsel for video hosting, sharing, and services platform provider in a patent infringement case in the District of Delaware. The case involved allegations that the company's apps and website infringed several of plaintiff's patents related to data compression and streaming functionalities.  Plaintiff agreed to dismiss claims with prejudice after exchange of expert reports.

Lead counsel for Canada-based fleet management company in a patent infringement case in the Eastern District of Texas. The case involved allegations that the company's mobile device management software infringed on several of WPEM's patents related to data transfer and synchronization.  The Court ruled company was a "prevailing party" under 35 USC 285 and awarded attorneys fees.  Served as lead counsel in plaintiff's appeal to Federal Circuit, which affirmed fee award.

Lead counsel for education technology (EdTech) company in a patent infringement case in the Southern District of New York.  The case involved allegations that the company's networking service, including underlying matching algorithms, infringed the asserted patents.  Served as lead counsel at the Federal Circuit, which affirmed the district court's dismissal and served as lead counsel at the PTAB, which found asserted claims to be invalid.

Lead counsel for internet and technology company in a patent infringement case in the Northern District of Texas.  The case involved allegations that the company's networking service, including underlying matching algorithms, infringed the asserted patents.  Served as lead counsel at the Federal Circuit, which affirmed the district court's dismissal and served as lead counsel at the PTAB, which found asserted claims to be invalid.

Representation of major technology company in defense of patent infringement in the areas of Flash memory technology, hard drive technology and computer architecture

Representation of major Chinese manufacturer in various litigation and licensing matters in the areas of LCD/Plasma drive technology

Representation of multiple clients in defense of patent infringement suits in the areas of telecommunications and banking systems

Representation of patent holder in patent infringement suits involving technology of media streaming and downloading where the defendants are Internet service providers and manufacturers of servers and computers.

Patent portfolio management for wireless broadband company with specific applications involving video and data applications such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and OFDMA/CDMA/TDD technology

Patent portfolio management for audio recognition technology company, with applications involving pattern recognition to effectuate identification of audio sources over radio, television and the Internet

Patent portfolio management for mechanical development company with applications involving mechanical torque reduction, oil recovery mechanisms and green energy methods.

  • Best Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine, 2017, 2018
  • The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Best Lawyers, 2022 - 2025
  • The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation – Patent, Best Lawyers, 2023 - 2025
  • Texas Super Lawyer, Intellectual Property, Thomson Reuters, 2013 - 2023
  • Texas Rising Star, Intellectual Property, Thomson Reuters, 2009, 2011 - 2013
  • "Smartphone Wars: Apple and Samsung remanded," Legal Update, December 13, 2016.
  • "SCOTUS curtails venue in TC Heartland decision," Legal Update, May 31, 2017.
  • "Infringement and extraterritoriality:  SCOTUS decision in WesternGeco captures foreign damages," Legal Update, June 27, 2018.
  • "Cryptocurrencies & Block chain," Business Litigation Summit, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, November 14, 2018.
  • "How to Protect Emerging Technologies:  Blockchain & Artificial Intelligence," The Center for American and International Law, 56th Annual Conference on Intellectual Property Law, November 13, 2018.
  • "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trends and Business Applications," TechFest 4.0 Panel, SXSW, Austin, TX,  March, 2018
  • "Trends In Patent Litigation," Austin College Legal Symposium, Sherman, TX, 2016
  • Co-presenter with Sheila Kadura, Mark Emery and Michael Krawzsenek, "Making Sense of Therasense: Past, Present and Future of Inequitable Conduct," Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Web Seminar, July 12, 2011
  • "Introduction to Intellectual Property Litigation," Dallas Association of Legal Professionals, April 2010
  • Co-presenter with David M. Parker, Jan K. Simpson and John Schneider, "New PTO Claims and Continuations Rules," Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Web Seminar, September 26, 2007
  • Austin College Alumni Board 
  • Austin College L Association, Board of Directors 
  • The Honorable Barbara M.G. Lynn American Inn of Court, Associate 
  • State Bar of Texas - The Pro Bono College 
  • Sigma Pi Sigma (The National Physics Honors Society)
  • IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
  • State Bar of Texas, Intellectual Property section 
  • The Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas 
  • Northern District of Texas, Pro Bono representation
    • Criminal defense matters
  • Dallas Bar Association - Pro Bono Subcommittee
  • Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, Volunteer Attorney
    • Custody disputes
    • Child Support
    • Adoptions
    • Landlord/Tenant

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