As Dickinson Wright’s Intellectual Property Licensing and Transactions Practice Group Chair, Mr. Jones handles a wide range of intellectual property matters. He has substantial experience in negotiating patent license agreements and resolving IP disputes. He regularly counsels major Tier 1 automotive and material handling clients from around the world in identifying, protecting, and negotiating IP matters. His clients seek advice on customer and competitor patent portfolios, disputes, and worldwide licensing strategies. Clients from Japan, Germany, France, Canada, and Malaysia seek his advice on engineering projects, negotiating IP terms for the same, and conducting IP audits in such countries relating to those projects.
Richard’s experience in various mechanical and electrical technologies for Tier 1 suppliers is regularly sought especially as it relates to automotive industry IP terms and conditions, licensing, and competitor disputes. In addition, he is known for the creation and implementation of IP identification, protection, and management procedures.
Education & Credentials
Education
Michigan State University
B.S.M.E., 1987University of Detroit
J.D., 1993Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- The Legal 500 United States
- Intellectual Property - Patents, Licensing, 2022-2023
- Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business
- Intellectual Property
- Best Lawyers in America®
- Patent Law, 2017-2024
Prominent Assignments
Representation of OEM in connection with divestiture of Military related IP assets.
Representation of OEM in connection with Global Vehicle Design and Assembly Agreement.
IP Attorney - Major OEM representation of supplier bankruptcy and licensing issues.
Representation of Tier 1 Automotive Supplier in Divestiture of IP Assets.
Division IP Counsel- Major Automotive Supplier; Preparation/Prosecution of Electrical and Electromechanical Products.
Preparation and Prosecution of Mechanical and Electromechanical Products for Prominent Industrial Material Handling Corporation.
Division Counsel, Assistant Secretary, and Executive Committee Member for Tier 1 automotive supplier having responsibilities including all divisional related legal matters.
Successfully defended major Tier 1 automotive supplier in dispute resolution over technical assistance agreement.
Successfully led IP and engineering team in the due diligence and acquisition of major IP assets and equipment from South African division of international conglomerate.
Counsel to clients on pre-litigation issues including indemnification, clearance reviews and design-around studies.
Counsel to numerous clients on Intellectual Property related business transactions including cooperation, joint development, research, joint venture, licensing, acquisition, and divestiture related agreements.
Successfully led team of attorneys in the development of an Intellectual Property Management System for a major ASEAN oil and exploration company.
Counsel to major ASEAN company in joint engine development program with major Japanese engine manufacturer.
Professional Involvement
- State Bar of Michigan, Intellectual Property Law Section
- American Intellectual Property Lawyers Association, Japanese Subcommittee
- Japan America Society
- Japanese Business Society of Detroit
- MEMA Technology Advisory Board – Serves as counsel to the board
Court Admissions
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Publications/Presentations
- Michigan Business Torts (ICLE), Contributor, Second Edition, 2003
- Inside the Minds - Intellectual Property Settlements and Negotiations