PROFESSIONALS

William L. Mentlik

A Quick Study

Bill Mentlik is a quick study. He routinely absorbs the scientific, legal, and business implications and nuances of virtually any technology, no matter how esoteric. More importantly, he can make them understandable to nontechnical audiences, especially in the courtroom. His analytical skills form the foundation of a career that has taken him into every area of intellectual property law.

Career

After a career as an IP trial and appellate practitioner spanning five decades, Bill now focuses his practice on mediating complex IP disputes, primarily involving domestic and international IP litigation and patent portfolio licensing. Foretelling his role as a mediator, at the height of his career as a litigator, he was recognized in “BUSINESS NEWS NEW JERSEY” (now “NJBIZ”) as one of New Jersey’s top lawyer deal makers. Although a battle-tested litigator, Bill’s priority is always to be the voice of reason, “get beyond everyone’s egos,” and find the most sensible outcome for any dispute. A particular source of pride for Bill is the role he developed as a valued, long-time member of the NJ Federal Bar, which prides itself on collegiality. He was the first lawyer from a dedicated IP boutique appointed to the Lawyers Advisory Committee to the Federal District Court in New Jersey, and he served on the subcommittee that drafted New Jersey’s local patent rules, which govern patent litigation in the district, and has served as a model for local patent rules in other district courts throughout the country.

Appellate Practice

In addition to his mediation practice, Bill also remains a go-to source for high-level strategic counseling—directly for clients and their lawyers—on all matters IP. At the top of the list is Bill’s long track record of successfully handling appeals in patent cases. 

Typically given just 15 minutes to argue in front of three appellate judges — all of whom are “hammering you with questions” — he is in his element, combining a thorough knowledge of the case record with a proven penchant for thinking on his feet.  Early in his career, Bill successfully argued an appeal on behalf of laser pioneer Gordon Gould, which cleared the way for the issuance and vindication of four broad patents arising out of a 1959 patent application, certain of which dominated significant areas of basic laser technology into the 21st century.  Since that time, he has argued and/or briefed more than 30 appeals in numerous U.S. Courts of Appeal, most notably, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

A Quick Study

Bill Mentlik is a quick study. He routinely absorbs the scientific, legal, and business implications and nuances of virtually any technology, no matter how esoteric. More importantly, he can make them understandable to nontechnical audiences, especially in the courtroom. His analytical skills form the foundation of a career that has taken him into every area of intellectual property law.

The Ticking Appellate Clock

Bill has a long track record of successfully handling appeals in patent cases.  Typically given just 15 minutes to argue in front of three appellate judges — all of whom are “hammering you with questions” — he is in his element, combining a thorough knowledge of the case record with a proven penchant for thinking on his feet.  Early in his career, Bill successfully argued an appeal on behalf of laser pioneer Gordon Gould, which cleared the way for the issuance and vindication of four broad patents arising out of a 1959 patent application, certain of which dominated significant areas of basic laser technology into the 21st century.  Since that time, he has argued and/or briefed more than 30 appeals in numerous U.S. Courts of Appeal, most notably, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. 

IPRs

Bill’s appellate skills come into play in prosecuting and defending the new inter partes reviews (IPRs). These proceedings place a premium on the synergistic talents of a knowledgeable litigator and a seasoned Patent Office practitioner, requiring both skill in the procedural forum and the technical depth to respond to the judges’ questions.  His experience as a former PTO Examiner and trial lawyer at the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, add to the mix.

Dealmaker

Although a battle-tested litigator, Bill will never litigate for its own sake. But when he believes that litigation is the best way to achieve a successful business objective for his clients, his skills as an experienced trial lawyer serve him well. Known as a deal maker, he always looks for the most sensible outcome to any dispute.  His deal-making skills have made him a sought‑after mediator and arbitrator across the gamut of IP matters. 

Bill’s ability to deal reasonably — to “get beyond everyone’s ego” — made him a valued long-time member of the federal bar, which prides itself on collegiality. He was the first lawyer from a dedicated IP boutique appointed to the Lawyers Advisory Committee to the Federal District Court in New Jersey, and he served on the subcommittee that drafted New Jersey’s local patent rules, which govern patent litigation in the district.

The Extra Dimension

The high degree of respect and credibility afforded Bill by the New Jersey legal community has made him a natural for doing local counsel work in national patent litigations. As most lawyers who do such work are not, in fact, patent lawyers, Bill provides more than just procedural guidance, adding an extra dimension to substantive issues as well.

  • Overview

    A Quick Study

    Bill Mentlik is a quick study. He routinely absorbs the scientific, legal, and business implications and nuances of virtually any technology, no matter how esoteric. More importantly, he can make them understandable to nontechnical audiences, especially in the courtroom. His analytical skills form the foundation of a career that has taken him into every area of intellectual property law.

    Career

    After a career as an IP trial and appellate practitioner spanning five decades, Bill now focuses his practice on mediating complex IP disputes, primarily involving domestic and international IP litigation and patent portfolio licensing. Foretelling his role as a mediator, at the height of his career as a litigator, he was recognized in “BUSINESS NEWS NEW JERSEY” (now “NJBIZ”) as one of New Jersey’s top lawyer deal makers. Although a battle-tested litigator, Bill’s priority is always to be the voice of reason, “get beyond everyone’s egos,” and find the most sensible outcome for any dispute. A particular source of pride for Bill is the role he developed as a valued, long-time member of the NJ Federal Bar, which prides itself on collegiality. He was the first lawyer from a dedicated IP boutique appointed to the Lawyers Advisory Committee to the Federal District Court in New Jersey, and he served on the subcommittee that drafted New Jersey’s local patent rules, which govern patent litigation in the district, and has served as a model for local patent rules in other district courts throughout the country.

    Appellate Practice

    In addition to his mediation practice, Bill also remains a go-to source for high-level strategic counseling—directly for clients and their lawyers—on all matters IP. At the top of the list is Bill’s long track record of successfully handling appeals in patent cases. 

    Typically given just 15 minutes to argue in front of three appellate judges — all of whom are “hammering you with questions” — he is in his element, combining a thorough knowledge of the case record with a proven penchant for thinking on his feet.  Early in his career, Bill successfully argued an appeal on behalf of laser pioneer Gordon Gould, which cleared the way for the issuance and vindication of four broad patents arising out of a 1959 patent application, certain of which dominated significant areas of basic laser technology into the 21st century.  Since that time, he has argued and/or briefed more than 30 appeals in numerous U.S. Courts of Appeal, most notably, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

  • Practices
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