Overview
Thatcher’s work and wide-ranging experience extends to diverse technology, industries and legal matters. Thatcher’s technical training in electrical and computer engineering is unique, given its focus on audio engineering topics, particularly relevant to various industries including music technology, gaming and entertainment, telecommunications, and speech and signal processing.
A native of Delaware, a top venue for patent litigation, Thatcher is well known in the local and legal community and frequently serves as Delaware counsel for out-of-town attorneys, playing substantial roles to leverage his particular skills when appropriate. He also has experience as first chair representing Delaware inmates in civil rights cases through trial. During law school, Thatcher served as a judicial extern for Judge Fred Silverman of the Superior Court of Delaware.
Recent Representative Matters
- Successfully represented Vital Pharmaceuticals in a patent infringement matter where client was accused of infringing upon plaintiff’s patents concerning nutritional compositions and methods of use. Out of 81 original defendants, Vital was one of three defendants who refused to settle. Court invalidated all 17 claims of the four asserted patents. Trial counsel team then successfully moved to have the case declared exceptional, and Vital was awarded its attorneys’ fees and expenses, which was affirmed on appeal by the Federal Circuit.
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of defendant client Proximex Corporation based on plaintiffs failure to identify its alleged trade secret.
- Successfully represented Genzyme Corporation in a breach of patent license matter, obtaining a stipulated judgment in view of a case dispositive claim construction ruling that was affirmed on appeal to the Federal Circuit.
Faculty Positions
- Widener University Delaware Law School — Dissertation Research Adjunct Faculty, 2019-21
Personal Interests
Thatcher’s interests are varied but center on film and music, particularly The Beatles, and military and British history. Thatcher is a member of the Shakespeare Oxford Fellowship.
Credentials
Bar Admissions
Delaware
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Court Admissions
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
Certifications
Registered Patent AttorneyEducation
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
J.D. cum laude, Pittsburgh Journal of Technology Law and Policy (2008)
University of Miami
B.S.E.E. (2004)
Insights & Events
Leadership & Community
Pro Bono
Professional Associations
- Delaware Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
Civic Activities
- FBA Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition — Judge
- Delaware High School Mock Trial Competition — Judge
Firm Leadership
- Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP — First Year Associate Development Program, Apprenticeship Designee
Honors
- Chambers USA — Delaware, Intellectual Property, 2024
- Best Lawyers® — "Ones to Watch," Litigation - Intellectual Property, 2024-25
- University of Miami — Eta Kappa Nu (honor society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)), Alpha Lambda Delta (national honor society), NSCS (National Society of Collegiate Scholars), Gamma Sigma Alpha (national academic Greek honor society)