David Cochran

David R. Cochran is a principal at SLW Intellectual Property Law Firm in Minnesota and a registered patent attorney. His practice focuses on patent procurement, portfolio management, validity opinions, and freedom-to-operate analysis. Cochran works with clients developing software, semiconductors, medical devices, electronics, e-commerce systems, and transport and mechanical technologies. He helps inventors and companies evaluate patent protection, manage intellectual property portfolios, and address legal issues connected to innovation and commercialization.

Cochran earned his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1993. He received a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University in 1981, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the same university in 1977, and a B.S. in Engineering Science from the University of Notre Dame in 1973. His extensive technical education supports his ability to analyze complex inventions and communicate effectively with engineers, inventors, and business teams.

Before entering private patent practice, Cochran served as an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Clemson University, teaching solid state electronics, fiber optics, and optoelectronics. He later worked at Bell Laboratories as a systems engineer supporting AT&T’s fiber optic network. Cochran also served as an intellectual property licensing manager for Lucent Technologies, where he licensed patents and other intellectual property to companies in Europe and Canada.

David R. Cochran is admitted to practice in Minnesota, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He belongs to the American Bar Association, American Intellectual Property Law Association, and Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association. His background in engineering, academia, telecommunications, and technology licensing gives him a broad perspective when helping clients secure patent rights, assess portfolio risks, and develop practical intellectual property strategies.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal, Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.
• Member, Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association
• Member, American Intellectual Property Law Association
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Minnesota
• Pennsylvania
• New Jersey
• Florida

Education

• Seton Hall University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Southern Methodist University
  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Southern Methodist University
  Master of Science (MS)
• University of Notre Dame
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges