SiliconBeat

Tessera Technologies, the San Jose developer of electronics miniaturization technologies, said it has a new chief executive, “effective immediately”, according to a regulatory filing Wednesday. Taking over is Hank Nothhaft, currently vice chairman of Tessera’s board.

Outgoing CEO Bruce McWilliams, who is “transitioning to a new role as chief strategy officer”, will remain as chairman. “In his new role, McWilliams will focus on strategic issues” including growing the company’s intellectual property and “expanding its presences in the debate over public policy issues involving intellectual property.”

Earlier this week Tessera lost another “office action” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office regarding patent claims involved in two investigations before the International Trade Commission. The patents, which are related to semiconductor packaging technologies, are being reexamined by the USPTO on behalf of several companies Tessera has accused of infringing on them.

Oh, and one other assignment McWilliams will take on: “building relationships with other, industry-leading technology companies.” Presumably, relationships that aren’t conducted in court.