Tom Lynch

Tom Lynch rejoined ESF in 2022 after spending the prior 10 years leading the intellectual property (IP) teams at two large, public companies, where he was responsible for all IP matters at both companies. 

Tom has been involved in the patent field since 1995, and brings a wealth of experience from his roles as:

• A Patent Examiner at the U.S Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO);
• Outside counsel at two large, multi-national law firms;
• The only in-house IP counsel at a small start-up company; and
• The head of IP at two large, multi-national companies.

Having had responsibility for all IP matters, Tom has substantial experience managing in-house IP teams and the supporting outside counsel, developing wholistic IP strategies for different businesses, and handling all aspects of running an IP practice, including prioritizing IP issues and managing IP spend. 

His broad IP background includes patents, trademarks, and online brand protection and IP enforcement.  Tom understands the variety of IP needs and considerations that companies have, and is well-positioned to help any business with its IP issues and strategies. 

Tom has handled thousands of patent applications and freedom to operate matters in a variety of technologies, including the mechanical, electro-mechanical, and chemical areas. 

Tom has counseled both large and small businesses regarding all aspects of IP legal matters, including patent preparation and prosecution, portfolio management and filing strategies, FTO issues, post-issuance procedures, licensing, and enforcement.  Tom has significant experience, as both outside counsel and in-house counsel, in providing IP-related due diligence services for mergers, acquisitions, and investments.  Having handled and supervised a variety of different types of IP agreements, including licenses, technical services agreements, and joint development agreements, Tom is positioned to handle the agreement needs of corporate clients. 

When not practicing IP law, Tom enjoys spending time hiking, running and grilling.