Derek B. Lavender

Derek is a registered patent attorney and practices in all areas of intellectual property law, with a focus on patent preparation and prosecution. He has experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in technologies such as medical devices, material science, electrical control systems, agricultural equipment, electro-pneumatic systems, electro-hydraulic systems, and transmission assemblies among others. He further applies his experience in patent law to execute patentability and non-infringement opinions and has experience reviewing and drafting patent licensing agreements. One of Derek’s primary roles at Taft includes developing and managing patent portfolios to ensure efficient and robust protection of intellectual property.

Prior to joining Taft, Derek worked for several years at Harley-Davidson Motor Company in the full vehicle test and evaluation group while earning his B.S. in mechanical engineering from Kettering University. He received his J.D. from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law with a graduate certificate in Intellectual Property Law.