Expertise: Global IP Strategy, Medical Devices, and Mechanical Systems

Affiliation: Shareholder, Polsinelli PC (Houston)

Andrew Z. Weaver is a cornerstone of the global intellectual property ecosystem, recognized for his exceptional ability to transform complex technical ideas into durable competitive advantages. As a seasoned patent attorney, Weaver manages the entire lifecycle of innovation—from initial strategic counseling to the defense of high-stakes patent portfolios across international borders. His work ensures that the spark of an idea is protected wherever its commercial journey leads.

The Innovation Advocate

Weaver’s practice is distinguished by its global reach and technical depth. He serves as the International Intellectual Property Lead at Polsinelli, managing cross-border portfolios in key innovation hubs including China, Japan, Israel, Canada, and Sweden.

Key areas of his leadership include:

• Global Portfolio Management: Building and managing large-scale, international patent assets for a diverse range of clients, from individual inventors to Fortune 50 corporations.

• Technical Mastery: Expertise in technically demanding fields such as biomedical devices, electronic and software systems, and complex mechanical technologies.

• Defensive and Offensive Strategy: Actively involved in ex parte and inter partes reexaminations and reviews, ensuring that his clients' intellectual property remains robust in the face of litigation.

• Holistic IP Strategy: Providing "zero to one" guidance that considers long-term international uses and the potential legal consequences of patent filings from the very start.

Impact

What truly sets Weaver apart is his background as a Mechanical Engineer. Before entering the legal profession, he designed ceramic ball valves, biomedical devices, and metering systems—practical experience that allows him to "think like an inventor." This rare perspective enables him to anticipate engineering challenges and advocate with deep technical insight for those bringing new technologies into the world. For his career-long commitment to safeguarding the "innovation arc" and his leadership in the global IP community, Andrew Z. Weaver is a recipient of the 2025 IP Leadership Excellence Award.