Intellectual Property and Tech Transactions Expert: Unleashing Innovation, Securing Technologies
Robert McCarthy, with over 18 years of IP law mastery, excels in propelling and safeguarding innovation across various technologies and industries.
As the current leader in RPI’s innovation and commercialization ecosystem, Rob translates breakthrough research into real-world impact. His responsibilities include oversight of the RPI’s Intellectual Property and Technology Licensing (IPTL) Office, the Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship, and and SCALE.Rensselaer, a newly launched tough tech startup accelerator supporting high-growth ventures. In addition, through directing strategic agreements and complex transactions for RPI's Office of Strategic Alliances and Translation (OSAT), Rob advances technology commercialization, expand industry partnerships, and support the launch and growth of high-impact ventures.
As the go-to professional for global IP portfolio management at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, his expertise spans patent applications, IP negotiations, and enforcement, with a distinct proficiency in navigating the complexities of technology across diverse industries. Rob’s commitment to advancing intellectual property protection and his skill in guiding IP strategies positions him as a pivotal asset in the continual push for technological advancement and legal resilience.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is America’s first technological research university.
Leading RPI’s innovation and commercialization ecosystem, I translate breakthrough research into real-world impact.
Aug 2025 — Nov 2025
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Natcast
Tech Transactions Counsel
Jan 2022 — Aug 2025
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
Senior Counsel - Intellectual Property
GE Vernova is a leader in energy sector solutions across various energy sectors.
Global IP portfolio and strategy leader for current and next generation nuclear reactor and fuel technologies.
Lead Counsel for all intellectual property, data, technology, and information related matters, including agreement negotiations and drafting, data protection, and AI.
Managed IP through government-funded projects and associated contracts, focusing on IP security, enforcement, and compliance.
Negotiated technology and IP-related clauses for deploying small modular reactor technology across North America and Europe.
Sep 2013 — Jan 2022
GE
Senior Counsel - Intellectual Property
GE Power provides energy solutions across the value chain, from generation to consumption.
Global patent portfolio manager for cross business core technologies, including power conversion systems and wide bandgap semiconductors.
Led a team of patent professionals in IP strategy creation, product clearances, and patent prosecution.
Acted as lead IP counsel on a multi-year semiconductor power electronics technology initiative, resulting in technology adoption and successful out-licensing.
Provided day-to-day IP counseling for internal R&D groups focusing on next-gen aircraft engines and digital twin technologies.
Aug 2008 — Sep 2013
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Moser Taboada
Associate Attorney
Advised clients on all aspects of intellectual property, including patent, trademark, copyright, and portfolio management.
Drafted patents in material science, semiconductor, mechanical, and electrical applications.
Coordinated with foreign agents on foreign-filed patent applications and prosecutions.
Conducted prior art and trademark searches, and handled all facets of patent and trademark prosecution.
May 2007 — Aug 2007
NJIT
Summer Law Clerk
NJIT is New Jersey's public polytechnic university and a leader in STEM education and research.
Examined invention proposals and disclosures for patent viability.
Performed comprehensive prior art searches.
Drafted opinion letters regarding the patentability of proposed inventions.
Jun 2001 — Aug 2005
CA
Coherent/Crystal Associates
Growth Technician
Developed lead-based single crystalline materials and calcium fluoride Ultraviolet crystal lenses.
Designed and maintained electrical systems and crystal growth stations.
Produced nonlinear optic crystals using arsenate and phosphate flux growth techniques.
