Wes Derrick

Counsel Silicon Valley

Biography

Wes Derrick
Wes Derrick is counsel in the Patent Litigation practice in Weil’s Silicon Valley office and a member of the life sciences patent litigation team. He practices before U.S. federal courts and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), with a focus on biotechnology, chemical, and pharmaceutical matters.

Wes holds a doctorate in Chemistry (Biochemistry) and has graduate level training in biochemistry, organic chemistry, molecular biology, immunology, and virology.  He also has experience in broader technology sectors, such as semiconductors and green technology, from his professional legal experience.

Prior to joining Weil, Wes served for almost a decade as an administrative patent judge at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where he presided over more than 125 America Invents Act (AIA) proceedings and numerous ex parte appeals.  Prior to the PTAB, Wes was an attorney at a large intellectual property law firm.

Wes received his J.D. from the UC Berkeley School of Law. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, and his B.S./M.S. from Iowa State University.

Speaking Engagements

Speaking Engagements

  • PTAB Perspectives: Behind the Scenes of Patent Trials Speaker(s): Wes Derrick

    April 10, 2025 — San Francisco, CA — Weil Patent Litigation counsel Wes Derrick spoke on a panel titled “PTAB Perspectives: Behind the Scenes of Patent Trials,” as part Practising Law Institute’s 2025 Critical Issues & Best Practices conference. The panel discussed the latest statistics on PTAB proceedings, key differences between district court and PTAB litigation, and the latest procedural and caselaw changes impacting PTAB practices, along with insights from the front lines.

  • Life Sciences – An Overlooked Career Path That is More Than Patents and PhDs Speaker(s): Edward R. Reines and Wes Derrick

    March 6, 2024 — Berkeley — Patent Litigation and Life Sciences Practice Co-Head Edward Reines and counsel Wes Derrick participated on a panel discussing potential legal careers in the life sciences field as part of Berkeley Center for Law & Technology's Careers in IP & Tech Law series.