Biography
Wes Derrick is counsel in the Patent Litigation practice in Weil’s Silicon Valley office and a member of the life sciences patent litigation team. He practices before U.S. federal courts and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), with a focus on biotechnology, chemical, and pharmaceutical matters.
Prior to joining Weil, Wes served for almost a decade as an administrative patent judge at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where he presided over numerous America Invents Act (AIA) proceedings and ex parte appeals. Prior to serving on the PTAB, Wes was an attorney at a large intellectual property law firm. His experience as both an APJ and advocate in private practice equips him to effectively counsel clients and litigate disputed matters on their behalf.
Wes holds a doctorate in Chemistry (Biochemistry) and has graduate level training in biochemistry, organic chemistry, molecular biology, immunology, and virology. He also has experience in broader technology sectors, such as semiconductors and green technology, from his professional legal experience. His broad technical training and experience provides him an understanding of clients’ technologies that allows him to explain complicated technical issues in a straightforward manner, as required for effective advocacy.
Wes received his J.D. from the UC Berkeley School of Law. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, and his B.S./M.S. from Iowa State University.