Michael Risch

Michael Risch is a Professor of Law at Villanova University and former Vice Dean of Villanova Law School (2019–2025). He specializes in intellectual property and internet law, focusing on patents, trade secrets, and information access. His scholarship appears in top-tier journals like the Stanford Law Review and Duke Law Journal, and his work has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court.

• Education: Stanford University (AB in Public Policy & Quantitative Economics), University of Chicago (JD with High Honors)

His research emphasizes legal frameworks for technology innovation, including patent policy and digital rights. He co-authored a book on software development for Novell Groupwise and developed encryption software for early email systems, later acquired by Network Associates.

Risch is a practicing attorney with expertise in IP litigation, licensing, and startup counseling. He maintains affiliations with Computer Law Group LLP and previously led the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Law Program at West Virginia University. Awards include National Merit Scholar, Olin Fellow, and Bradley Fellow in Law & Economics.

• Recent presentations: 'Double Patenting and its Discontents' at Berkeley Law (2024), Penn Wharton (2025)