Bar Admissions
- Minnesota
- U.S. Court of Appeals Federal Circuit
- U.S. District Court District of Minnesota
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Biography
John Fonder’s intellectual property practice includes U.S. and international patent prosecution and litigation in many technology areas, including electronics, telecommunications, medical devices, computer architecture and software, and general mechanical arts. John also counsels clients on trademark acquisition and enforcement, IP portfolio management, and licensing strategies. In addition to counseling clients in matters related to intellectual property, John also counsels clients in matters related to government and regulatory affairs, including product safety, import duties and tariffs, international trade, and EPA program compliance. John has extensive experience in post-grant practice at the USPTO.
When it comes to assisting clients who are expanding into international markets, John has the advantage of first-hand knowledge, particularly when it comes to Asian markets. John has spent considerable time living and working in China and Taiwan, and maintains close relationships in academic, business, and legal circles in those countries, among others. John serves as a visiting professor for the China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing, lecturing on intellectual-property topics, US-China comparative law, and legal research.
Professional Experience
Before pursuing a career in intellectual property law, John was the lighting division director for a Minneapolis-based import company where he focused his time on pursuing licensing opportunities, resolving patent infringement issues, and developing new lighting products. John also worked for several years as a product manager for Emerson Electric, where he developed new products for the U.S. and Asian air-conditioning markets. As an application and sales engineer in Detroit, John designed and sold industrial HVAC systems and controls for use in the automotive industry.
Education
- University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- J.D. – 2006
- Honors: cum laude
- University of Minnesota
- B.S. – 1987
- Major: Electrical Engineering
- University of Michigan
- M.B.A. – 1997
Past Positions
- Copeland Corporation, Product Manager
- China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing, Visiting Professor
Languages
- Mandarin Chinese
Published Works
- IP in Modern Day China: A Look at the Changing IP Landscape, Ideas on Intellectual Property Law, June/July, 2010
Professional Associations
- Minnesota State Bar Association, Member
- Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association, Member
- International Trademark Association, Member