Mark A. Lemley is an intellectual property thought leader who wears many hats. Mark is the William H. Neukom Professor of Law at Stanford Law School, a founding partner of the Durie Tangri LLP law firm, and co-founder and Board of Directors member of the data analytics company Lex Machina. Mark has authored numerous books, law review articles, and amicus briefs. He has argued many federal appellate cases and has won numerous awards for his work in the field of intellectual property law. Mark recently joined SRR Managing Directors Michele Riley and David Haas to discuss his thoughts on various issues regarding intellectual property trends and the current state of affairs in U.S. courts and Congress involving patent reform measures.

SRR: Where did you grow up?

LEMLEY: I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri.

SRR: When you were growing up, were there any signals that would have predicted your interest in intellectual property law?

LEMLEY: I did debate in high school and college, so I did like to argue. I had some interest in astrophysics and astronomy when I was growing up, and I was also very interested in politics. I actually went to the presidential nominating convention my senior year in high school in Missouri to speak for a candidate — Gary Hart.

SRR: You’ve had quite a long and diverse set of experiences and accomplishments, particularly considering that you’re not yet 50 years old. You have taught law, and have practiced as an attorney. You’ve authored books, law review articles, and amicus briefs. You co-founded the data analytics company Lex Machina and clerked for a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals judge. Which of those activities have you enjoyed the most and why?

LEMLEY: You know, it’s tough. I like the mix of all these activities, but I would have to say my first love is teaching. I have been a law professor for 22 years, and I love both sharing knowledge with people and also discovering new things; teaching law is an opportunity to do both. I enjoy practicing law very much as well. Practicing law one day a week is probably about the perfect amount of time to practice law, because you can do the interesting bits but not the annoying bits.