Derek P. Roller is an associate in the firm’s Intellectual Property Department. His practice spans all types of intellectual property law and several different technology areas. He is involved in all aspects of patent law, including domestic and international patent preparation and prosecution, as well as the preparation of infringement, validity, and freedom-to-operate opinions.
Exemplary areas that Derek works in include medical and surgical devices and methods, imaging technologies, process control and automation systems, power regulation and delivery systems, computer hardware and software, solar technology, and wireless communications technology.
Derek is involved in advising small and large entities on copyright infringement, as well as cutting edge issues such as fair use or the first sale doctrine in the internet age. He also has experience handling trademark prosecution and advising clients on potential liability.
A believer in the value of pro bono service, Derek devotes a portion of his practice to serving clients unable to independently secure representation. He participates in programs providing counsel in Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance hearings and the Boston Housing Court. Derek has also represented an illegally detained alien in connection with the Political Asylum/Immigration Representation Project (PAIR). Derek also serves as a director for a Chicago-area non-profit devoted to promoting the sport of rowing.
Derek is a member of the American Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, and the Boston Patent Law Association (BPLA). He recently aided in preparing an amicus brief filed on behalf of the BPLA in an appeal heard by the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals en banc related to the issue of inequitable conduct.