As a patent attorney and former patent agent, Derek helps clients protect their ideas from unauthorized use by others. He also assists businesses and their owners with legal issues surrounding setting up, operating, and expanding businesses. In addition, he aids those who own or lease commercial real estate. His experience has been invaluable in representing developers and landowners involved in the recent frac sand boom in western Wisconsin, including real estate purchases, sand leases, and state and local regulations and ordinances.

In the area of intellectual property, Derek helps inventors, developers and owners of intellectual property:

• Protect their inventions through the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in front of the Patent Office.
• Protect their ideas through non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements.
• Protect and retain their trademarks and tradenames.
• Protect or retain rights in copyrighted materials.

He also counsels and advises individuals and businesses on patent, trademark, copyright, and general intellectual property issues that arise as part of the operation of a business.

In the areas of business and real estate law, Derek:

• Helps individuals start up new businesses and address issues that may arise, particularly when there are multiple owners.
• Advises businesses on contracts and agreements related to their operations and other commercial transactions, such as service agreements and vendor agreements.
• Advises businesses and business owners on the purchase, sale, or transfer of a business or its assets.
• Helps owners or lessees of commercial real estate with the development, leasing, or sale of commercial real estate.
• Helps developers purchase or lease land with nonmetallic mineral deposits.
• Helps developers of sand mines and processing facilities with state and local regulatory and ordinance filings and analysis.
• Helps landowners adequately protect their interests when leasing or transferring mineral rights to others.

Civic Activities

• Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin, Inc. – Bowl for Kids Sake Committee Member (2007–2013); Chair (2010–2011)
• Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation – Board Member
• Trinity Lutheran Church Congregational Council – Member (2012–2016), Vice President (2014–2015), President (2015–2016), Committees (2016–2017)
• Trinity Lutheran Church – Personnel Committee, Financial Committee, and Nominating Committee (2012–present)
• UW-Eau Claire – Continuing Education Department, Legal Issues Instructor Entrepreneurial Course (2005–2015)
• United Way of Greater Eau Claire – Emerging Leaders Advisory Council (2007–present); Chair (2008–2009); Governance Committee (2009–2011)
• Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley – Member

Professional Activities

• Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors (2012–2013); Youth Leadership Eau Claire Selection Committee Member (2007–present); Leadership Eau Claire, 2005 graduate; Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley – Member (2004–present), Committee Member (2007–present), Co-chair (2011–2012), Chair (2012–2013)