Derek Forinash

Professional Experience

Derek Forinash serves as outside general counsel and outside patent counsel to technology-driven businesses, helping clients protect their innovations, maximize the value of their intellectual property, and grow with confidence. With more than two decades of experience spanning engineering, private practice, and in-house leadership roles, Derek brings a practical, business-focused perspective to every engagement. Clients value him not only for his intellectual property experience, but also for the strategic, day-to-day guidance he provides as they navigate complex business decisions, manage risk, and pursue new opportunities.

Derek began his professional career in Houston as an engineer, first working on construction projects in oil refineries and chemical plants before moving into the design and development of subsea equipment for the offshore oil industry, as well as downhole tools and other oilfield technologies. While attending law school, he became a registered patent agent and began drafting and prosecuting patents for a leading intellectual property law firm. After earning his law degree, he continued with the firm, building a broad patent and trademark prosecution practice for clients across a wide range of technologies.

In 2007, Derek moved in-house to serve as patent counsel for oilfield service and supply companies. There, he expanded his practice beyond patent prosecution to include litigation and transactional matters, while gaining firsthand insight into the operational and commercial challenges businesses face every day. His engineering background and practical experience designing oilfield equipment allowed him to quickly understand complex technologies and develop intellectual property strategies that aligned with broader business objectives.

Derek returned to private practice in 2011, joining a leading corporate law firm where he continued advising clients on intellectual property matters while broadening his experience in technology and commercial transactions. His practice included negotiating and drafting SaaS agreements, software licenses, intellectual property and technology licenses, joint development agreements, and other strategic contracts designed to protect and monetize innovation.

In 2018, one of Derek’s longtime clients launched a software startup and invited him to serve as its full-time General Counsel. In that role, he provided practical, hands-on advice across a broad range of legal and business issues, including employment matters, commercial contracting, corporate governance, financing transactions, risk management, and intellectual property oversight.

Since returning to private practice in 2020, Derek has drawn on his unique combination of engineering knowledge, in-house leadership experience, and law firm practice to help clients solve complex legal challenges in a straightforward and practical way. Whether guiding a financing round, structuring agreements to protect and leverage intellectual property, or advising on governance and compliance matters, Derek focuses on delivering solutions that support his clients’ long-term success.