Consulting and testifying expert supporting litigation teams in U.S. federal and state courts, arbitration, and international proceedings. Richard Fincher brings more than 40 years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing and economics, software and source code, embedded systems, industrial automation, and advanced manufacturing, combined with senior engineering and executive leadership experience.
Wafer cost modeling, yield and utilization analysis, equipment valuation, supply chain economics, and semiconductor market conditions.
Source code comparison, software architecture, copyright infringement, trade secret misappropriation, and functional equivalence analysis.
Patent infringement and invalidity analysis, embedded systems, semiconductor process flows, packaging, and technical claim interpretation.
Automotive and industrial electronics, accelerated life and specification testing, failure analysis, and root cause investigation.
PLC and industrial control systems, process automation, manufacturing software, systems integration, and process capability analysis.
Embedded software, technical application architecture, functional capability assessment, and software system integration.
U.S. Federal Courts
U.S. State Courts
JAMS arbitration
PRC (Shanghai Pudong)
Semiconductor Supply, Pricing & Manufacturing Economics
Retained as the semiconductor manufacturing and technology expert in a multi-billion dollar JAMS arbitration between two Fortune 100 companies, supporting two law firms with analysis of ASIC cost modeling, yield forecasting, and long-term supply agreements. Prepared an expert report and provided testimony and litigation consulting throughout the proceedings.
Automotive Electronics Failure & Reliability Analysis
Performed extensive data analysis and physical testing. Directed a two-year engagement establishing and operating a high-capability electronics testing lab. Findings contributed to successful outcomes in both U.S. and PRC courts.
Software Copyright, Source Code & Trade Secret Dispute
Testifying expert in a complex software IP dispute involving advanced process control (APC) platforms used in manufacturing environments. Analyzed alleged source code copying, misappropriation of protected design elements, and replication of graphical user interface functionality. Scope included analysis of literal and non-literal code similarity, software architecture and logic, and license and nondisclosure compliance. Prepared expert and rebuttal reports and provided deposition testimony.
Industrial Machinery Integration & Engineering Analysis
Prepared two expert reports, supported trial counsel onsite, and testified in Federal Court in an international industrial machinery dispute. Opinions addressed equipment integration, repairs, technical performance, and compliance with applicable industry standards.
Copyright, Architecture & Functional Capability Analysis
Engaged as an expert witness in Federal Court concerning immersive simulation and project-management systems. Evaluated software capabilities, architecture, marketability, and functional equivalence. Prepared an expert report and provided litigation consulting based on technical analysis and project-management domain expertise.
Multi-Patent Invalidity — Semiconductor Packaging & Process Technology
Testifying expert for the defendant in a federal patent dispute involving semiconductor packaging and manufacturing process technology. Analyzed multiple asserted patents and prepared invalidity opinions addressing seven patents across differing semiconductor technologies.
Richard Fincher Consulting maintains independent electronics and industrial-control test capabilities supporting expert analysis, failure investigation, source-code and PLC evaluation, and controlled technical testing.
Richard Fincher is a consulting and testifying expert in disputes involving semiconductors, software and source code, embedded systems, industrial automation, and advanced manufacturing. He supports litigation teams in U.S. federal and state courts, arbitration, and international proceedings.
As a VP of Engineering, CTO, and General Manager, Richard combines hands-on technical depth with senior leadership experience in semiconductor, electronics, software, and manufacturing organizations. He has led engineering and technology operations across the U.S., Europe, China, India, and Australia.
Richard holds an MBA from SMU Cox School of Business, an MS in Computer Science from SMU Lyle School of Engineering, and a BS in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Dallas. His academic work also includes doctoral-level study in computer science and software engineering, supported through faculty-directed research and advanced technical work. He holds PMP and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt certifications.
Available for initial consultation regarding expert witness and litigation consulting engagements.