Robert P. (“Bob”) Smith is the principal of RPS High Tech Consulting. I have 30+ years experience in the high tech industry and have worked within both large companies and many startups. I am a very “hands-on” individual and enjoy working directly on and contributing to projects whether small or large.During my career I have worked in a number of segments of the industry including semiconductor, design automation software, electronics manufacturing, and technical publishing. I have extensive experience in startups and have directly participated in two initial public offerings.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, University of California at Davis, 1975. Elected to Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, 1979
Career Experience
Over the course of my professional career I have had a wide variety of experiences spanning hands-on engineering to marketing, business development, and operational management. Highlights include:- Analog and digital circuit designer
- Product marketing manager for custom telecom integrated circuits
- Co-founder and vp marketing of a silicon prototyping company
- Co-founder and president of a technical publishing company
- VP marketing and business development for two electronic design automation software companies
- “Turnaround” ceo for one software company and early-stage ceo for a semiconductor yield management startup
- Direct participation on two successful IPO teams
- Extensive experience in developing business plans, product strategy and positioning, pricing models, contract and licensing negotiations and investment pitches
- International business experience in Japan, Korea, and Europe
Expert Background
During the course of my career I have had direct experience in many activities and situations that are relevant to my role as an expert advisor and consultant:- Preparation and negotiation of technology and intellectual property licensing agreements
- Preparation and negotiation of software licensing agreements
- Preparation, negotiation and management of strategic business alliances that involved technology licensing and/or technology sharing and/or joint technology development
- Preparation and negotiation of a wide variety of business contracts and licenses including royalty agreements, international distribution agreements, and acquisitions
- Contract dispute resolution
- Re-negotiation of contracts and licenses
- Acquisition of rights to intellectual property
- Disposition and licensing of intellectual property
- Management of the patent application process and patent portfolio management
- Expert witness for the standard of care in a trade secret litigation case