BIOGRAPHIES



PRACTICE AREAS
- Patents
- Trademarks
- Copyrights
- IP / Technology Contracts
TECHNICAL AREAS
- Telecommunications
- Computing Platforms & Networks
- Software
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Amplifiers
- Semiconductor Packaging
- Systems & Power Management
- Media Codecs
- Operating Systems & Virtualization
- Encryption & Data Integrity
- Smart Lighting & Home Automation
- Optical Waveguides
- Medical Devices & Systems
- Industrial Machines
- Aerospace Technologies
CONTACT
Toll Free: 800-575-1278WILLIAM G. PAGÁN
Member
BIOGRAPHY
William G. Pagán is an award-winning patent attorney, a member of the NC State University Computer Science Alumni Hall of Fame, and an IBM Master Inventor named on over 130 U.S. patent applications. He also graduated Summa Cum Laude (highest honors) as the Evening Program valedictorian at NCCU School of Law.
Will helps clients obtain, enforce, and monetize their intellectual property rights, particularly with regard to patents, trademarks, and copyrights. In this regard, Will often represents clients seeking patents before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He also helps clients pursue or defend against allegations of patent, trademark, and copyright infringement. Clients also leverage Will for assistance with their IP valuation, licensing, and transfer objectives.
Nationally-recognized as a Luminary in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines at the Hispanic Engineering National Achievement Awards Conference, Will spent 14 years at IBM in a variety of engineering roles before joining Coats & Bennett. These engineering roles include over a decade of experience in IBM’s server development business, where his work on IBM’s Intel-based Thurley platforms earned him IBM’s Outstanding Technical Achievement Award. He also served in IBM’s IP Licensing and Assignments organization where he researched, investigated, and produced proofs of potential patent infringement.
EDUCATION
-
North Carolina Central University School of Law, Durham, North Carolina
- Juris Doctor, Summa Cum Laude
- Evening Program Valedictorian
- Top Forty Under Forty Alumni Award
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
- Master of Computer Science
- Computer Science Alumni Hall of Fame
- Pace University, New York, New York
- B.S., Computer Science
- Bronx High School of Science, Bronx, New York
- Advanced Regents Diploma, Biology Concentration
SELECTED HONORS
-
IBM
- Master Inventor, Corporate Headquarters / Office of the CIO, 2011
- Research Triangle Park Inventor of the Year, 2010
- Outstanding Technical Achievement, 2007
- Master Inventor, Systems & Technology Group, 2006
- Invention Plateau Award (37 times)
-
United States Air Force
- Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, 2018
-
Civil Air Patrol, United States Air Force Auxiliary
- Crisis Service Award, 2020
- Meritorious Service Award, 2019
- Wing Commander’s Commendation, 2016, 2017, 2021
- Major General Dwight H Wheless Legal Officer of the Year
- Mid-Atlantic Region (incl. DE, MD, DC, NC, SC, VA, WV), 2019
- NC Wing, 2019, 2020
- Outstanding Achievement Pro Bono, 2019
- NC Pro Bono Honor Society, 2017-2020
- Leaders in the Law, 2016, 2018
- Intellectual Property Rising Star, 2019-2023
- Role Model of the Week, 2008
- Luminary Award, 2007
- Star Award, 2007
SELECTED PAST POSITIONS / ROLES
- IBM
- Patent Engineer/Analyst, IP Licensing & Assignments, Corporate Headquarters, 2011-2013
- Master Inventor, Corporate Headquarters / Office of the CIO, 2011-2013
- Master Inventor, Systems & Technology Group, 2006-2013
- Software Engineer, System x Server Development, Systems & Technology Group, 1999-2011
- Distributed Management Task Force
- Chairman & IBM Representative, SMASH / Systems Management Forum, 2005-2007
PRO BONO & VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
-
Hispanic National Bar Association
- Region VI Deputy Regional President, 2022-Present
-
North Carolina Central University School of Law, Board of Visitors
- Chair, 2023-Present
- Vice Chair, 2022-2023
- Member at Large, 2020-2022
-
Civil Air Patrol, United States Air Force Auxiliary
- NCWG Diversity Officer, 2019-2022
- NCWG Legal Officer, 2017-2021
- NCWG Assistant Legal Officer, 2015-2017, 2021-2022
-
Innocence Project
- Case Manager, 2011-2012
- Researcher, 2010-2011
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers, Life Member
- North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals, Life Member
- Hispanic National Bar Association, Member
- Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois, Member
MEDIA/SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Guest Lecturer, Inventions and Innovations Class, Henrico County Public Schools, VA, January 2022
- Guest Lecturer, Subject Matter Eligibility (Abstract Ideas), Patent Law Course, University of North Carolina School of Law, Fall 2020
- Keynote Address, NC State Computer Science Diploma Ceremony, Fall 2018
- Intellectual Property: Securing a Competitive Advantage in the Marketplace, North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals, 2017
- Guest Interview, Cup of Technology, WCOM-LP 103.5 FM, 2017
- Patent Subject Matter Eligibility: Arguing Against Abstract Idea Rejections, The Knowledge Group, 2016
- IP Law Panel Discussion, NCCU School of Law, 2015
- Taking Flight: Meet William Pagán, NCCU, 2014
- Valedictory Address, NCCU School of Law Commencement Ceremony, Spring 2014
- Effective Leadership of Invention Brainstorming, IBM, 2011 to 2013
- Being a Successful Inventor: Practical Advice for All Levels of Inventors, IBM, 2007 to 2013
- Efficiently Writing Effective Patent Disclosures, IBM, 2007 to 2013
- Getting Agile in the Real World: Best Practice Adoption in Complex Environments, IBM Webcast, 2010
- Key Leadership and Advancement Behaviors, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Region VII Conference, 2009
- Best Practices in Standards Participation, IBM, 2008
- Host, Leadership in the Management and Technical Executive Tracks, Hispanic Engineering National Achievement Awards Conference, 2007
- IBM Systems Management Technologies and Importance of Interoperability Standards, Microsoft Management Summit, 2006
- SMASH Forum Overview and SMASH CLP Validation, DMTF Management Developers Conference, 2006
- Eliminating Systems Management Device Drivers via Enhanced Serial Port Architecture, IBM Tech Connect, 2004
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of North Carolina
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina