Speakers

Matt is a trusted advisor and dynamic problem solver for his clients. His practice spans a wide spectrum of intellectual property issues, making him a valuable resource. He regularly advocates on behalf of clients in legal disputes related to intellectual property, whether it is enforcing intellectual property rights against infringing parties or defending clients from claims made by others. Additionally he aids clients in the preparation and prosecution of patents and trademarks, guiding them through the complexities of the patent and trademark application process to ensure that their innovations and brand identities receive the legal protection they deserve. Matt has a degree in chemical and environmental engineering, and product development experience from his career in engineering. He provides a unique perspective and deep understanding from the client's perspective, enhancing his ability to effectively represent and advise his clients.

Matt is also skilled in helping clients navigate the complex landscape of IP portfolios, ensuring that clients' intellectual property assets are strategically planned, well organized, up to date, and in compliance with the latest legal requirements. He is also adept in the realm of IP licensing. Matt assists clients in negotiating and drafting licensing agreements and joint development and joint venture agreements, enabling them to capitalize on their intellectual property while preserving their rights and interests. His experience, legal acumen, and negotiation skills are instrumental in securing favorable licensing arrangements.

One thing that sets Matt apart is his industry experience. Prior to attending law school, he served as a product development engineer for a large automotive innovator, where he was awarded multiple patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. With a degree in chemical engineering, Matt not only understands the technology behind various industries, but also has firsthand experience in innovating and developing new products.

Matt's practice encompasses a diverse range of technology, including chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, plastics, and other specialty materials. His expansive knowledge and cross-disciplinary approach enable him to serve clients from a wide array of industries and fields, including medical devices, consumer products, advanced industrial machinery, and tactical and defense industries. As such, Matt is also a member of the firm's Retail & Consumer Goods Group, with a primary focus on the consumer goods and food and beverage subsectors. 

Whether it's protecting groundbreaking innovations, building new brands, resolving IP disputes, or strategizing for portfolio management, Matt is a trusted guide in the ever-evolving landscape of intellectual property law.

Experienced early-stage company investor with a demonstrated history of serving on portfolio company boards. With a JD from George Washington University and eight years practicing Intellectual Property law, Sreekar specializes in IP strategy and common sense governance for portfolio companies.

Matt Rhodes is the Founder and Managing Director of 1855 Capital, a State College based Venture Capital firm. Matt Rhodes comes to this role from a background as a senior executive with experience ranging from start-up funding and management to leading a $1B+ semiconductor business. He has a track record of leading product development teams and business organizations to profitable, market winning positions in hyper-competitive environments.

Matt garnered broad business experience as President of Conexant Systems, a then publicly-owned communication semiconductor solutions provider, where Matt managed an organization of over 2,000 employees, including Sales, Marketing, Engineering and Business Development. Subsequently, he was CEO of Teranetics, a 1st tier VC-backed bay area start-up focused on high-speed communication semiconductors. As CEO, he raised two rounds of funding totaling $45 Million and grew the company to more than 70 employees and establishing international presence. He also secured 1st tier design wins for the company's products, establishing Teranetics as the clear leader in the space.

Matt holds a B.S in Physics from Penn State University, an MSEE from Lehigh University, and an MBA from UCLA.

Known as a trusted strategic partner for leading technology innovators, Jim helps tech companies of all sizes develop create value and reduce risk around their most important IP assets. Jim co-chairs the firm's Technology Practice Group, previously chaired the firm's Intellectual Property Department, and serves on the firm's AI Task Force. His work in patents and technology transactions has earned international recognition from many publications, while his previous experience as an engineering project manager keeps his advice practical and grounded.
 
Jim provides IP training to companies who participate in the Ben Frankin TechCelerator, and he supports and provides counsel to participants in Invent Penn State's Summer Founders Program. In addition, he helped develop IP portfolios that led to successful exits through acquisition by technology leaders such as Amazon, Eaton, Ford, Google, Microsoft, Nielsen, Proofpoint, Sandvik, Signify, and Xerox. Jim obtained a degree in electrical engineering from Penn State University.