Robert C. Mattson

Partner

contact

650.666.0514

rmattson@krameralberti.com

Robert is a seasoned courtroom attorney with over 25 years of experience navigating complex cases in district courts, the International Trade Commission (ITC), and the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). As Chair of the firm’s International Trade Commission Practice, he spearheads teams in high-stakes litigation, ensuring strategic counsel that leads to successful, business-oriented outcomes.

Specializing in navigating complex patent disputes, Robert has demonstrated expertise as a case lead, achieving victories across a spectrum of technology sectors such as embedded systems, power electronics, automotive parts, mobile phones, and robotics. He not only leads but inspires teams, actively engaging in day-to-day activities “in the trenches” with his colleagues. With a nuanced understanding of the interplay between district court, ITC, and PTAB proceedings, Robert provides clients with comprehensive guidance throughout every stage of the litigation process.

Prior to joining Kramer Alberti, Robert founded his own law firm dedicated to patent litigation, opinions, and strategic counseling. His extensive background includes serving as a patent examiner at the USPTO, where he honed his expertise in speech-signal processing and artificial intelligence. As an equity partner at a prestigious intellectual-property boutique, he led the litigation practice group and played integral roles in management and compensation committees.

Robert is a sought-after speaker at industry events, sharing his insights on effective ITC and district court litigation strategies. He has also contributed to the academic community as an adjunct professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, covering topics such as willful infringement, induced infringement, and opinions of counsel.

Committed to serving the legal community, Robert has provided pro bono representation to indigent defendants in coordination with the Federal Public Defender Office. His dedication to achieving justice extends beyond patent litigation, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the highest standards of legal practice.

significant matters
Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd. et al. v. Ajinomoto Co., Ltd. (Delaware)  Lead counsel in case involving fermentation of food-grade MSG. Obtained early findings during claim construction that rendered competitors’ reissue patent invalid.
Ricoh Company, Ltd. v. Katun Corp., PNA Holdings LLC, General Plastics Industrial Co., Ltd., and Nashua Corp. (New Jersey)  Represented patent owner in case involving aftermarket toner bottles. Obtained judgment of patent infringement and validity. Reported at 486 F. Supp. 2d 395.
Thermoplastic-Encapsulated Electric Motors, Components Thereof, and Products and Vehicles Containing Same, 337-TA-1073 (ITC)  Successfully defended automotive suppliers in investigation involving five patents relating to electric motors. The ITC found no violation of Section 337. All asserted claims were also found invalid in parallel PTAB proceedings, which were affirmed on appeal to the Federal Circuit.
Windshield Wipers and Components Thereof, 337-TA-928, -937 (ITC) Successfully represented patent owner in investigation resulting in findings of patent infringement and validity and the administrative law judge’s recommendation of an order excluding the U.S. importation of the infringing windshield-wiper replacements.
education
Juris Doctor, George Mason University School of Law, Arlington, VA
Law Review

Bachelor of Science, Systems Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
admissions
Virginia
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Supreme Court of the United States
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veteran Claims
venue experience
C.D. California
N.D. California
S.D. California
Connecticut
Delaware
N.D. Illinois
Massachusetts
E.D. Michigan
W.D. Missouri
New Jersey
S.D. New York
N.D. Ohio
South Carolina
E.D. Texas
W.D. Texas
S.D. Texas
E.D. Virginia
W.D. Wisconsin
Federal Circuit Court of Appeals
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
U.S. International Trade Commission
Patent Trademark & Appeal Board