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Robbie Albert

Professor and Chair - Faculty of Law Riverdale University

  • Riverdale CT

Robbie Albert's primary research interests include the empirical study of patents, patent systems, and patent litigation.

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Bio

Robbie Albert is John R. Mary and Ralph Spence Centennial Professor of Business Administration in the Department of Business, Government, and Society. His primary research interests include the empirical study of patents, patent systems, and patent litigation.

His primary teaching interests include patents, trade secrets, copyrights, and trademarks.

Media Appearances

2 min

Why Governance Matters Good governance is basically the backbone of a well-run business. It helps set clear expectations, keeps decision-making organized, and gives everyone a better sense of direction. When a company has strong governance in place, it’s easier to build trust with employees, investors, customers, and partners because people can see that things are being handled responsibly. Building Clear Roles One of the biggest parts of a solid governance approach is making sure everyone knows their role. Boards, executives, managers, and teams all have different responsibilities, and things work much more smoothly when those lines are clear. This helps reduce confusion, avoid overlap, and make sure important decisions are made by the right people at the right time. Policies That Actually Help Policies are a big deal, but they work best when they’re practical and easy to follow. Instead of creating rules just for the sake of having them, companies should focus on guidelines that support fairness, accountability, and consistency. Simple, well-communicated policies make it easier for people to do their jobs well while also keeping the organization aligned with its goals. Keeping an Eye on Risk Another important piece is risk awareness. Every business faces challenges, whether they involve finances, operations, compliance, or reputation. A good governance process includes regular checks and balances so the company can spot issues early and respond before they grow into bigger problems. That kind of proactive thinking can save time, money, and a lot of stress. Growing and Improving Over Time Governance isn’t something you set once and forget. It works best when it’s reviewed regularly and improved as the company changes. New markets, new technologies, and new expectations all mean the process needs to stay flexible. When organizations keep learning and adjusting, they create a healthier, more resilient structure that supports long-term success.

Robbie Albert

2 min

The Advantages of Hydrogen Infrastructure Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) have gained significant attention for their potential to revolutionize the transportation industry. One of the most compelling advantages of using hydrogen as a fuel source is its ability to produce zero greenhouse gas emissions. As concerns about climate change and air pollution grow, hydrogen infrastructure offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Moreover, hydrogen fuel provides several practical advantages. FCVs boast longer driving ranges and shorter refueling times compared to electric vehicles. Hydrogen can be rapidly refueled, just like conventional gasoline, eliminating the need for long charging times associated with electric cars. In addition, hydrogen is highly efficient and can produce more torque, making FCVs excellent for long-distance travel and heavy-duty applications. Challenges on the Path to Hydrogen Adoption While hydrogen infrastructure shows immense potential, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. A major concern is the limited availability of hydrogen fueling stations. At present, these stations are few and far between, making it difficult for FCV owners to access refueling facilities. Expanding the hydrogen infrastructure network is a critical step in promoting widespread adoption of FCVs and overcoming the range anxiety issue for potential buyers. Another obstacle is the cost of establishing hydrogen infrastructure. Building hydrogen fueling stations requires significant investment, and the cost to consumers is generally higher compared to gasoline or electric charging rates. As a result, potential customers may be deterred by the high upfront costs of purchasing an FCV and the limited refueling options available. Paving the Way for Hydrogen Success To tackle these challenges, governments and private companies worldwide are actively investing in the growth of the hydrogen infrastructure. Collaborative efforts aim to increase the establishment of hydrogen fueling stations in various regions. Moreover, advancements in technology are leading to more cost-effective production, storage, and transportation of hydrogen, which can help in reducing the overall cost associated with FCVs. Furthermore, raising public awareness and promoting the benefits of hydrogen transportation is crucial. Through educational campaigns, people can learn about the environmental advantages and long-term savings offered by hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. By fostering a positive perception and addressing misconceptions, we can encourage potential buyers to embrace FCVs, thereby increasing demand and driving further infrastructure development. A Sustainable Future Powered by Hydrogen Hydrogen infrastructure has the potential to revolutionize the transportation industry, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As we address the challenges and invest in the growth of hydrogen infrastructure, we move closer to a future where clean vehicles dominate the roads. By embracing hydrogen as an alternative fuel source, we pave the way for a greener, healthier planet for generations to come.

Robbie AlbertMatthew DardenCary Marcell

Industry Expertise

Financial Services
Advanced Medical Equipment
Religious Institutions
Business Services
Education/Learning
Research
Aerospace
Arts and Crafts
Automotive
Capital Markets
Chemicals
Airport Services
Alternative Medicine

Areas of Expertise

Government Relations
Wind Dynamics
Strategic & Business Planning
Mergers & Acquisitions
Early Stage Management
Public & Private Management Models
Cyber Security
Public Policies

Accomplishments

Faculty Development Award

2010
Harvard University.

Distinguished Alumni Award

2007

Innovation Award

2003

Education

Harvard University

Ph.D.

Economics

2013

Stanford University, Graduate School of Business

M.B.A.

Business Administration

2006

Riverdale University

B.B.A.

Business Administration

2001

Affiliations

  • Harvard Alumni Association : Member
  • Institute of Business Administrators : Member
  • Association of International Business Administrators : Member
  • Board Service: Avitar Holdings, Inc., Board of Trustees of the Urban Land Institute (nonprofit), Golden West Financial Corporation, National Association of Business Economics – San Francisco Chapter (nonprofit), PMI Mortgage Insurance Co.

Languages

  • Spanish
  • French
  • Italian

Selected Media Appearances

Conspiracy Theories: Good Authority Podcast

Tulane  

2020-10-06

The Good Authority podcast features fresh perspectives and lively discussions from leading experts on global topics and issues of the day. In Episode 2, associate professor Geoff Dancy discusses current issues around conspiracy theories Who buys into them? In confusing times like a global pandemic are we more susceptible and willing to believe in them?

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Patent Reform Bill: Short on Reform?

The Atlantic  online

2015-12-01

Somewhere in the middle of the vastly differing opinions about the recent patent reform bill — officially passed in September 2011 as the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act — lies the reality of what the bill does and does not address, and what it will actually mean for U.S. businesses and the economy. While the bill represents the most significant reform of the Patent Act since 1952 and brings major changes to key aspects of the patenting process, it remains unclear what the actual short- and long-term impacts will be.

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Sadiq Khan to Lib Dems: Corbyn is only viable PM to stop no deal

The Guardian  

2019-08-16

Tim Farron, who led the party into the 2017 election, called Corbyn’s offer “a transparent and disingenuous power grab that clearly wouldn’t work and [would] only play into Johnson’s hands”...

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Selected Event Appearances

Archaeological Institute of America Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

A Night of Philosophy  San Francisco, CA.

2015-07-15

International Business Issues in Qatar

IEEE Conference on Information Reuse and Integration  Atlanta, GA.

2015-07-02

Discriminating Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Machine Learning Algorithms

Hastings International and Comparative Law Society  Stanford, CT.

2015-06-16

Sample Talks

PRSA Board Appointment

1998, Board appointment, 2003 Board Appointment, 2009 Board Appointment, Services above and beyond. Was elected into the group for my service in 2017.

CMA Conference

I was a keynote speaker at the Content Marketing Association conference.

Style

Availability

  • Keynote
  • Panelist

Patents

Replacing large bit component of electronic mail (e-mail) message with hot-link in distributed computer system

US6009462A

1997

A computer implemented method for down-loading mail messages in a distributed computer system. The distributed mail service system includes a plurality of client computers connected to a mail service system via a network. Mail messages are stored in message files of the mail service system, a particular mail message includes a primary component encoded in a first format, and at least one secondary component encoded in a second format different than the first component. The particular mail message is requested by a particular one of the plurality of client computer systems. The secondary component is replaced with a hot-link. The primary component and the hot-link are sent to the particular client computer.

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Research Grants

Studies About Frogs

National Science Foundation

2012 - 2016
Role: Co Investigator

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Selected Articles

Understanding the Realities of Modern Patent Litigation

Texas Law Review

Frederick Douglass, Temujin Borjigin, Gampopa Sönam Rinchen

2016

We evaluate all substantive decisions rendered by any court in every patent case filed in 2008 and 2009 — decisions made between 2009 and 2013. We consider not just patent validity but also infringement and unenforceability. The result is a comprehensive picture of the outcomes of modern patent litigation, one that confirms conventional wisdom in some respects but upends it in others. In particular, we find a surprising amount of continuity in the basic outcomes of patent lawsuits over the past twenty years, despite rather dramatic changes in who brought patent suits during that time.

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Patent Litigation and the Internet

Stanford Technology Law Review

2015

Among 17 major findings are: (1) Internet patents and their two subtypes were litigated at a far higher rate than other (non-Internet patents, or NIPs). (2) Within the category of Internet patents, those on business models were litigated at a significantly higher rate than those on business techniques. This paper was selected as one of the best articles on Intellectual Property Law of 2012.

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Software Patents, Incumbents, and Entry

Texas Law Review

2014

The ability to obtain patents on software always has been important to some industry incumbents, while others have exhibited little need for patents and, displayed strenuous opposition to the patentability of software. The incumbents are a diverse group. Some produce only software; others have substantial hardware product lines. Regardless of the sector in which they participate, the incumbents spend massive amounts on research and development (R&D) - about 14% of their annual revenues, more than $60,000 per employee. However, there are important patterns in patenting practices that raw data on R&D investments cannot explain.

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Answers

Robbie Albert

Riverdale University plays a direct role in driving regional growth through research partnerships, workforce development, and community-based initiatives. Our faculty and students work closely with local organizations, healthcare providers, and businesses to solve real challenges, from improving public health outcomes to supporting small business innovation.In addition, our graduates are a key talent pipeline for the region. Many stay local after completing their studies, contributing to economic stability and helping organizations remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.