VERN D. SCHOOLEY received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University in 1961 and a Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego in 1966.  His practice over the past 40 years has concentrated heavily on the prosecution of patent and trademark applications, infringement causes and defense of patent, trademark infringement, trade libel and unfair competition claims in various state and federal courts throughout the United States, as well as the International Trade Commission.  He has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in many court and jury patent trials involving medical procedures and devices, automotive accessories, service equipment, boats, recreational and aerodynamic vehicles, recreational equipment, water treatment devices, conveyor and cargo handling equipment, construction components and tools, as well as trademarks and trade dress matters.  Mr. Schooley has extensive experience in the prosecution of domestic and foreign patent applications directed to a broad range of products, including methods and devices for treating medical disorders.  Mr. Schooley's legal experience has encompassed negotiations with domestic and foreign firms in the sale and licensing of patents and trademarks and settlement of disputes involving various technologies, patent rights, trade dress and trade secrets.

Mr. Schooley joined the firm as an associate in 1966, and became a partner in 1970.  Before joining the firm, he worked as a design engineer, first with Boeing Aircraft in Renton, Washington and then at General Dynamics in San Diego.  In addition to legal and technical activities Mr. Schooley is active in mentoring young lawyers and is an avid skier, golfer and tennis player.

He is admitted to practice in California and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  He is a member of the State Bar of California, as well as many local and national patent and trademark associations, Federal Circuit Bar Association, Association of Business Trial Lawyers and lectures on patent and trademark matters.  He is Past President of the Long Beach Bar Association, 1996 Lawyer of the Year, founding President of the Joseph A. Ball/Clarence S. Hunt Inn of Court and of the Los Angeles Intellectual Property American Inn of Court.