Tom Dekleva combines his technology and commercial experience in the chemical industry with his legal training to focus his practice on intellectual property counseling, and the preparation and prosecution of patents for domestic and international clients across technologies. He also works with colleagues and clients on due diligence projects and freedom-to-operate and patentability analyses.
Tom brings to his clients a rich and diverse technical understanding and appreciation of the commercial imperatives of business. His technical experience includes a Ph.D. in organometallic chemistry, with associated academic experience in organic chemistry, catalysis, chemical engineering and ceramic processing. Prior to entering the field of law, Tom spent 22 years within a large international chemical company in several businesses – including those related to microwave and hybrid electronic interconnects, fluorochemicals, and natural and synthetic surfactants and lubricants – where he held various technical and commercial roles. As a technologist, he managed and contributed to hundreds of collaborative customer projects in these fields. As a commercial director, he was responsible for the North American sales and operations of an international fluorochemicals business.