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Who's Who at Cesari and McKenna:

Charlie Barbas

Our people are what make the difference at Cesari and McKenna. We understand that building relationships is a two-way street, so we’ve asked each member of our team to share a bit about themselves. Meet Charlie Barbas, Partner.


What is the focus of your practice at CM?

At a high level, I work with major firms and startups that invest tremendous resources in development to protect and enforce innovations to their technology, including improvements to those innovations. Most of my clients are technology companies. I have particular expertise in computer technology – high performance systems, networks, storage systems – which I was exposed to early in my career as an engineer. Patent law requires a deep understanding of the technology behind the inventions, which is why most patent attorneys are engineers or scientists who are proficient in these arts. In many instances, our direct client is the company’s in-house counsel, but it is essential that these companies hire outside counsel who can converse with their developers.


What experiences in your life and career influenced your decision to become a patent attorney?

I was introduced to patent law during high school. My father, who was involved in high tech, gave me an opportunity to work at a major engineering corporation during the summers. When I told my co-workers I was interested in being a lawyer, they suggested I look into patent law. I went on to major in electrical engineering and landed a job with Digital Equipment Corporation – one of the largest computer equipment companies in the world in the 70s and 80s. I worked in new product development while attending law school at night, and then moved into their legal department. My years of experience working on the client side gave me the opportunity to understand the needs and expectations of a client from an in-house perspective. This proved to be invaluable when I joined CM.


What are the most rewarding aspects of your work?

I’m a technologist at heart, so I enjoy working with engineers and in-house counsel to procure valid, enforceable patents for their inventions and, as well as, patents that are commercially and strategically valuable to the company’s future. After almost 40 years, I am still passionate about this work. It’s particularly rewarding to partner with young entrepreneurs to help them understand the process and to structure patents and claims that truly protect what they want to do. Most important, it’s the people who make the work so enjoyable. The team here at CM is wonderful to work with, and I am fortunate to have many longtime clients who truly appreciate the services I provide.


Why did you join CM and what keeps you here?

During my time at Digital, I worked closely with Bob Cesari, the founder of our firm. As a major client, I met a lot of good lawyers – but Bob was the best. When it was time for me to move on, he invited me to come work with him. I joined CM in 1990, and Bob’s impact on the firm is the reason I have stayed. He created a culture that emphasizes innovation, cooperation, and sustained client relationships – all of which are key to our success. The less formal, collegial environment encourages collaboration and mutual respect – I work closely with my law partners and always have. We also make sure to keep our staff involved, which fosters a shared sense of pride in our work product.


What would be your ideal getaway from the rigors of your legal practice?

Traveling with my family. I have a beautiful wife and three children, and for years I worked such long hours that our vacation time was precious. We took the kids everywhere, exposing them to cultures in other parts of the world. They loved it, especially Italy, Greece, and the south of France, which we have visited many times. I’m also part of a big, sports-loving family, and have lived in this area my entire life – so I’m all about the Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, and the New England Revolution (one of my sons works for the team!)

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