Bill Oconnor

Vice President & General Counsel @Heartland Food Products Group

Carmel, IN, US

Spearhead all legal aspects at a 1200-employee legal organization and manage a multi-million dollar annual legal budget. Innovative defense of the Splenda® Brand from off-brand use of the name and marks. Drive efforts to support Heartland’s positioning in the private label liquid water enhancer category. Defended Heartland in patent litigation to protect Heartland’s ability to make and sell its product as well as to prevent future infringement. Oversee company-wide legal affairs, including negotiations, internal and external counsel management, patent/trademark pursuit, defense and licensing, advertising issues, and M&A. Deliver executive-level, expert legal advice to C-suite and Board of Directors to proactively solve problems and mitigate risk. Secured patents on new products by proactively liaising with engineers and R&D personnel. Engaged with outside counsel and maintained end-to-end compliance with company objectives while handling legal budget for all litigation matters. Devised and implemented strategies to minimize company exposure

Indiana University Maurer School of Law

J.D., Magna Cum Laude

University of Notre Dame

Bachelor of Arts - BA