Richard L. Cruz

Partner

  • Richard L. Cruz
  • Phone: +1 215 979 1172

    Import to Address Book

  • Duane Morris LLP
    30 South 17th Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19103-4196
    USA

Richard L. Cruz is a seasoned intellectual property law attorney dedicated to providing strategic solutions that drive business success. Concentrating in domestic and foreign patent, trademark and copyright counseling, he focuses on offering actionable insights tailored to advance clients’ particular business objectives. This includes developing and managing intellectual property portfolios that align with client’s business goals and are cost-effective.

His experience extends to clearance, validity, and infringement investigations, providing clients with thorough analyses and strategic opinions for advancing and protecting their innovations. Richard is also adept at representing clients in matters involving challenges to patents and trademarks before both the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, respectively.

With a global perspective, Richard has successfully assisted clients in protecting their intellectual property rights in various jurisdictions, including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. He also has a strong track record in guiding clients through Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) proceedings, demonstrating a commitment to protecting clients’ online presence.

In the realm of emerging technologies, Richard’s focus includes advising clients on issues surrounding the evolving landscape of technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, Web3, and more. His proficiency also spans the electrical and mechanical arts, offering valuable insights into areas such as FinTech, online banking, securities e-trading, electronic healthcare records, and the like.

Also dedicated to the success of investors and startups, Richard is well-versed in assisting clients develop and implement strategies to protect and maximize the impact of their intellectual property, while also mitigating IP-related business risk. Richard is a trusted advisor, providing forward-thinking solutions that help propel businesses and innovators alike.

Admissions

  • Pennsylvania
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Education

  • Widener University School of Law, J.D., 2002
  • University of Pittsburgh, B.S.Eng., 1994

Experience

  • Duane Morris LLP
    - Partner, 2022-present
  • DLA Piper LLP
    - Partner, 2006-2022
  • Volpe and Koenig PC
    - Associate, 2004-2006
    - Contract Attorney, 2003-2004

Professional Activities

  • Hispanic National Bar Association

  • Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania

  • Fellow, Leadership Counsel on Legal Diversity (LCLD)

Selected Speaking Engagements

  • Speaker, "Workshop for Founders & Start-Ups: Legal 101," Latinas in Tech Webinar, February 15, 2022
  • Speaker, "IP Issues Related to AI/ML, Distributed Ledger and Cryptocurrencies," Duane Morris Fintech General Counsel Roundtable, Webinar, December 2, 2022
  • Panelist, "Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Advising Businesses on the Legal Implications of Relying on AI and ML to Develop Products and Optimize Processes," Hispanic National Bar Association 2022 Annual Convention, September 9, 2022