Robert Sovesky’s practice focuses on commercial intellectual property (IP) law with a strong emphasis on technology transactions, government contract IP provisions, IP procurement, and strategic advisement. His experience focuses on aligning IP strategies with technology-driven business objectives, government contract requirements, and investment timelines. Robert advises clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to emerging startups, offering tailored guidance in navigating complex technology transactions and IP frameworks.
In the realm of technology transactions, Robert excels in negotiating and structuring licensing agreements, conducting due diligence for IP-related deals, and providing strategic counseling on technology roadmaps and worldwide patent application filings. His experience includes freedom-to-operate analyses, clearance searches, patentability and landscape analyses, as well as infringement/non-infringement and validity/invalidity opinions—all critical to facilitating successful technology transfers and partnerships. Additionally, Robert advises on the valuation and management of patent and trademark portfolios to support business growth and transactional outcomes.
With respect to government contract IP provisions, Robert is skilled in addressing subject invention determinations, compliance with federal IP regulations, and the management of IP rights under government-funded projects. He provides general advisement on optimizing IP strategies within the constraints of government contracts, ensuring clients maintain competitive advantages while meeting contractual obligations.
Robert’s technical experience lies in chemical, material science, nuclear, mechanical, and biotech fields, making him a go-to advisor for industries involving advanced technologies. His experience includes metallurgy, additive manufacturing printing (3D printing), nanomaterials, batteries, thermal interface materials, aerospace, polymers, foams, coatings, sealants, hydrocarbon processing (oil and gas), catalysis, wood chemistry, plasma chemistry, pharmaceuticals, automotive, fasteners, medical equipment and procedures, nuclear chemistry, food production, proteins, and renewable energy devices. This broad technical knowledge informs his ability to counsel clients on both transactional and government-related IP matters effectively.
Prior to joining the firm, Robert has consulted for the oil and gas industry and has worked for a hydrocarbon processing company in the development of catalysis based reactors. Additionally, Robert has worked for a large corporation as a chemical engineer and as an intellectual property coordinator in the development of chemical/biological agent sensors and treatments for the remediation of chemical/biological agents. Additionally, Robert has worked for a boutique intellectual property law firm in the D.C. metro area.
- Pittsburgh Intellectual Property Law Association
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers
- American Chemical Society
- Duquesne Law Alumni Association
- Speaker, "How to Protect the Intellectual Property of Your Business? (Webinar)," SBDC Pennsylvania, 2 November 2022
- Speaker, "How to Protect The Intellectual Property of Your Business?," Small Business Development Center Pennsylvania, 12 October 2021
- Moderator for a session on “Cutting-edge Technology and the Resources Available to Entrepreneurs” presented at the Omni William Penn Hotel, Pittsburgh, 5 March 2020
- “Start-up, Spin-out, don’t burn out: Protecting your Intellectual Assets on a Shoe String Budget” presented at the AIChE Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Orlando on Monday, 11 November 2019
- “The Importance of Intellectual Property (IP) for Startups: The Need to Develop an IP Strategy Early and Evaluate it Often” presented at K&L Gates, Pittsburgh, 21 March 2019
- “Helsinn v. Teva: The Meaning of ‘On Sale’ After the AIA” presented at K&L Gates, Pittsburgh, 11 March 2019
- “Preparing and Prosecuting U.S. Patent Applications” presented at Half Moon Seminars, Pittsburgh, 26 February 2019
- “‘Fencing off’: Protecting market products under US patent law,” World IP Review, 23 September 2022
- "Zoom bombing," Intellectual Property Magazine, November 2020
- Mentioned, “Sharon Tiger Techs Robotics Team wins awards at FIRST World Championship,” The Herald, April 2024
