R Spencer Montei headshot.

R. Spencer Montei

Partner

R. Spencer Montei

Partner

R. Spencer Montei is a partner with Foley & Lardner LLP. Spencer has broad intellectual property experience litigating patent, trade secret, trademark, copyright, and unfair competition lawsuits. This experience includes bringing and defending lawsuits in a variety of court and agency venues in all phases, from pre-suit investigation and counseling through pre-trial, trial, and appeal. Spencer represents clients in federal district court, Section 337 intellectual property-based investigations before the U.S. International Trade Commission, and in post-grant proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Spencer has counseled clients in diverse industries and technologies, including automotive (e.g., engine and emission control systems, filtration/separation, aftertreatment, electrified power, turbochargers), renewable energy (e.g., solar concentration, biofuels), IoT, personal care/health products, and software.

Spencer’s diverse background litigating all kinds of intellectual property spanning different industries and technologies in different venues have dovetailed into counseling practice, assisting clients with agreement and licensing issues and associated transactions.

Before beginning his legal career, Spencer was a project engineer for a large general contractor in Southern California, which included experience managing electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors building a state-of-the-art hospital.

Spencer is a former chair of the firm’s Associates Committee.

 

Affiliations

  • Member of the International Trade Commission Trial Lawyers Association.
11 December 2023 In the News

Foley Attorneys Author Article on ITC Automaker and Supplier Investigations

Foley & Lardner LLP partners David Hickerson and Spencer Montei and associate Jeffrey Grinde authored an article for the World IP Review.
11 April 2023 Manufacturing Industry Advisor

Automation, Electrification, and Connectivity: The Auto Industry in the ITC

Automakers and their suppliers have long been participants in unfair trade investigations before the ITC brought pursuant to 19 U.S.C. § 1337 (Section 337 investigations), but the scope and subject matter of automotive-related investigations is evolving.
01 February 2023 Press Releases

Foley Elects 23 New Partners

Foley & Lardner LLP is proud to announce the election of 23 lawyers to its partnership, effective February 1, 2023.
26 July 2022 Viewpoints

Navigating The Range Of Remedial Orders At The ITC

At the end of an investigation under Title 19 of the U.S. Code, Section 1337, the U.S. International Trade Commission will issue a final determination that determines: (1) whether a violation of Section 337 has occurred, and (2) if so, the appropriate remedy.
26 May 2022 Blogs

Foley Creates Space for Candid Conversations about Mental Health

We want people to have long and fulfilling careers at Foley & Lardner, so we are making an investment in their long-term personal and professional growth and well-being and continuing to seek new ways to foster a culture that builds relationships and humanity.
06 July 2021 The Path & The Practice

Podcast Episode 53: Spencer Montei, Senior Counsel

This episode of The Path & The Practice features a conversation with R. Spencer Montei. Spencer is a senior counsel in Foley’s Chicago office with a practice focused on intellectual property. In this conversation, Spencer reflects on growing-up in Middleton, WI, and attending the University of Wisconsin for both college and law school.