Richard Underwood, PhD
Manager, Biomedical Engineering
Exponent
Dr. Underwood is a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. He specializes in the tribological performance of mechanical systems and has worked on tribology and failure analysis projects in the bearing, steel, power distribution, power generation, automotive, and medical device sectors. He is an experienced metrologist, with expertise including measurement of wear and analysis of surface topography. Other areas of expertise include wear mechanisms, contact mechanics, and failure analysis. He has designed testing to comply with international standards (e.g., ISO or ASTM) and novel test apparatus, especially in the areas of tribological testing and the design of test apparatus.
Dr. Underwood is an active member of the ASTM and is chair of the ASTM Task Group for Metal on Metal Clinical Characterization. Dr. Underwood is a Visiting Research Professor at the Implant Retrieval Centre at Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems at Drexel University. His research interests include the tribological performance of explanted orthopedic devices, characterization of material loss from and factors affecting in-vivo performance of taper junctions and the effect of design, manufacturing, lubrication mechanisms, wear mechanisms, and surgical and patient factors on the in-vivo performance of hip systems. Dr. Underwood has given guest lectures on subjects including tribology, biotribology, and orthopedic devices at Imperial College, Imperial College School of Medicine and University of Pennsylvania. He is a reviewer for several orthopedic and tribology journals and has chaired sessions at international conferences.
Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Underwood worked as a researcher at the Tribology Group at Imperial College London, including two years as the tribologist at the London Implant Retrieval Centre where he analyzed over 300 explanted MoM hips. In 2008 he completed a Ph.D. on the effects of lubricant contamination on the performance of rolling element bearings. During his time at the tribology group Dr. Underwood worked on projects investigating failure of high voltage switch equipment, environmental degradation of lubricants, bearing failure in marine water jet propulsion system, and bearing failure in pump equipment on a liquid natural gas carrier. He has measured and analyzed the surface topography for projects as diverse as food technology, gas engine crankshafts, corrosion investigations, and machining trials.
Maya Eckstein
Partner
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Maya’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, with a focus on patent, trade secret and other intellectual property litigation.
Maya advises companies and organizations on how to protect their valuable intellectual property rights. She represents plaintiffs and defendants in intellectual property disputes and has significant experience planning, coordinating and executing the defense of complex litigation involving multiple defendants and jurisdictions. When allegations of infringement arise, or when clients believe that their patent, trade secret or other IP rights have been infringed, Maya collaborates with clients to analyze the situation, assess the extent of potential infringement or damages, and to develop and implement an effective response.
In addition to litigation, and when appropriate, Maya investigates and recommends alternative approaches to dispute resolution, including settlements and negotiation of licenses.
Maya represents clients from numerous industries, with an emphasis on the technology sector, including 3D printing. She has litigated cases involving hearing aid technology, cable television technology, electronic payment technology and other technologies. Maya also has achieved client victories in product liability, class action and slavery reparations litigation, and regularly represents parents on a pro bono basis in international child abduction cases.
In 2001, she served as a Judicial Clerk for the Honorable Roger L. Gregory of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Over the course of her legal career, Maya has received numerous honors from various organizations and publications, including the American Inns of Court, the Virginia State Bar, Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, Virginia Business Magazine, Virginia Super Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America (IP), and Inside Business.
Maya is the former head of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, sits on the firm’s Associates Committee, and is Co-Chair of the Richmond office’s Pro Bono Committee.
Joseph Krasovec III
Partner
Schiff Hardin LLP
Joseph J. Krasovec III works with a broad spectrum of companies to control and reduce their exposure to litigation risk. Regardless of the case, his clients’ business and litigation objectives are always top of mind.
For over 25 years, Joe has managed hundreds of cases to successful resolution, whether through a negotiated settlement, mediation, arbitration or jury trial. He performs early case assessments to determine the appropriate strategy and resources to deliver the most cost-effective outcome for his clients.
Joe has first-chaired a variety of cases, from the start of discovery to trial and through the appellate courts. He has tried many high-stakes jury trials to obtain favorable verdicts for his clients. His practice focuses primarily on the defenses of product liability matters, but he also has extensive experience in commercial litigation. Joe has also defeated several consumer product-related class action lawsuits by winning motions to dismiss or summary judgment, or through denial of class certification.
In addition to trying cases before juries in courtrooms across the country, Joe counsels product manufacturers regarding potential liability considerations, advising them on product labeling, instructions, testing and design. He also counsels manufacturers under investigation by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), both in satisfying the clients reporting obligations and working with the CPSC in structuring appropriate corrective action measures.
Specifically, Joe serves as national product liability counsel for two large consumer product manufacturers. In this role, he has successfully managed a substantial number of cases to drive down new case filings and reduce the costs associated with resolving those cases that are filed.
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