Russell Rodriguez is a litigation associate at Avantech, specializing in complex patent cases. His experience spans a wide array of technologies, ranging from energy sector innovations like oil refining, fracking equipment, and downhole tooling, to fields within the electrical arts, including the Internet of Things, mobile applications, LEDs, and semiconductors. Russell has successfully handled litigation across various U.S. District Courts, including the Western, Southern, and Northern Districts of Texas, as well as the Middle District of Florida. Notably, he played a pivotal role on a trial team in the Southern District of Texas that secured a noninfringement verdict in a $115 million jury trial related to a fuel oil hydroprocessing technology.
Russell’s experience encompasses all phases of litigation, from pre-suit investigations to trial. His responsibilities have included pre-suit investigations, discovery, expert reports, claim construction and dispositive motion briefing, and all facets of trial. Beyond the courtroom, Russell has worked closely with inventors in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications and has performed freedom-to-operate (FTO) and patentability analyses.
With a background in mechanical engineering, Russell brings a unique perspective to his legal practice. Before entering the legal field, he served as an engineer for ExxonMobil, an experience that took him across the globe—from a shipyard in South Korea, to drilling and production facilities in Russia, and a refinery in Illinois, with project support roles in Singapore, Turkey, and Canada. These international assignments have not only honed his skills in managing complex projects and leading diverse teams but have also given him deep technical expertise in oil and gas development, drilling, production, and refining.
J.D. The University of Texas School of Law
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, The University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, magna cum laude
Texas
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
Spanish (native proficiency)