Bio

Wil is shareholder/partner at McAndrews, Held & Malloy, Ltd., a firm known for its exceptional, hands-on IP practice. He is a seasoned patent lawyer with over 20 years of prosecution and trial experience. He is recognized by both IAM Patent 1000 and IAM Strategy 300, as well Managing Intellectual Property’s IP Stars. IAM has highlighted his “international reputation for quality” and that his “strategic advice … is flavored by unique litigation and prosecution insights.” They said that he “can be counted on to deliver exactly what’s needed both legally and commercially,” and that “clients turn to him “when victory in a dispute is a commercial imperative.” In addition, the publication noted that he maintains “many long-term connections with those he represents, not least as a result of his ability to productively and commercially address any patent issue.” Patent owners and challengers alike entrust their patent portfolios and patent infringement cases to Wil Rao. He has worked with the firm since 1997 and counseled clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to small startups and individuals. His practice focuses on all facets of IP, including IP litigation and procurement, as well as technology transfer, licensing, and IP strategy. He frequently writes and presents on these IP topics in media publications and conferences throughout the world. He leverages both litigation and procurement mindsets to strategically counsel clients, an uncommon skill combination that has delivered exceptional results. He is a trial-experienced litigator. He has handled all sides of complex litigation from pre-filing investigations to examining witnesses at trial. His court successes range from patent jury trials – including one that defined the written description law – to a landmark trade secret case under section 337 proceedings before the U.S. International Trade Commission. His cases have included both single patent, single forum cases and multi-venue, multi-IP, multi-party litigations that proceed in numerous countries. In IP procurement, he harnesses his litigation experience to provide forward-thinking strategic counseling in patent prosecution, written opinions, licensing, and inter partes/post-grant reviews. His work here has involved a wide range of technology areas, including medical devices, gaming equipment, sporting goods and equipment, HVACR, railway equipment, heavy machinery, baby/children’s products, consumer electronics, graphical user interfaces, furniture, hardware and tools, dental equipment, pigments, lubricants, and product design.