Professional experience
William Woodford is a Principal in Fish & Richardson's Twin Cities office. His nationwide practice focuses on developing comprehensive, cost-effective IP strategies that are consistent with the client's overall business objectives. Mr. Woodford uses his experience in law, technology, and business to obtain the best results for clients of all sizes, including both large and small companies, research institutions, and start-ups.

Mr. Woodford specializes in complex patent litigation in a variety of technological areas, including computer hardware and software, electronics, medical devices, mechanical systems, and biotechnology. He has successfully handled numerous litigation matters in district and appellate courts. His practice also includes developing and executing strategies for protecting patent rights through litigation and licensing, conducting pre-suit investigations, and counseling clients on reexamination proceedings.

Before joining Fish & Richardson, Mr. Woodford worked for several years in the areas of engineering, finance, and contract dispute management for an electronics manufacturer.

Representative examples
MIT & Repligen Corp. v. ImClone Systems - (D. Mass.) - Represented Plaintiffs in patent infringement litigation involving the use of cellular enhancers to increase protein expression in cells. The case settled for $65,000,000 on the morning of trial.

Hyperphrase Technologies v. Google, Inc. - (W.D. Wis.) - Successfully defended Google in an infringement action involving multiple patents relating to data storage and retrieval systems. Obtained summary judgment of noninfringement that was affirmed by the Federal Circuit.

Amazin' Raisins Int’l v. Ocean Spray Cranberries - (D. Mass.) - Successfully defended Ocean Spray in an infringement action involving a method of manufacturing dried fruit products. Obtained summary judgment of noninfringement that was affirmed by the Federal Circuit.

Bruno Independent Living Aids v. Acorn Mobility and Acorn Stairlifts - (W.D. Wis.) - Represented Defendant Acorn in case for patent infringement involving mobility stairlifts. Obtained summary judgment of invalidity and inequitable conduct. Also obtained an exceptional case finding that resulted in an award of $400,000 in attorney fees to Acorn. Inequitable conduct finding and fee award were affirmed by the Federal Circuit.

Tektronix v. LeCroy Corp. - (D. Oregon) - Represented LeCroy in a multiple patent case involving hardware and software for digital oscilloscopes. Obtained summary judgment of noninfringement on Tektronix’s key patent that resulted in a favorable settlement for LeCroy.

United States v. Almendares - (D. Minn.) - Pro Bono representation of Defendant Almendares, who was charged with aggravated bank robbery. Delivered opening statement and closing argument, and examined multiple witnesses in a five-day jury trial. Prepared briefs and argued appeal before the 8th Circuit.

Bar admissions
Admitted to the bar in Minnesota, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal and Eight Circuits, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota and the Western District of Wisconsin.