My Approach

I enjoy working with my clients to find the best strategies for protecting their inventions, distinguishing their brands, and building their businesses. At heart, I am a problem solver and a teacher. I take pride in patiently helping my clients understand and evaluate their options before we move forward to take the appropriate legal action. A few of my favorite clients refer to me as a “patent strategy architect” – someone that helps them creatively design their business’s competitive advantage.

One of my primary goals for Richards Patent Law is to eliminate the obstacles to communication inherent in the traditional, hourly based, attorney-client relationships.

In my practice, I focus on developing and implementing intellectual property strategies for growing businesses, particularly small and mid-size businesses, as well as with entrepreneurs. I use my expertise in patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets to protect IP assets with an eye towards nurturing my client’s growth and long-term success.

I am committed to meeting the needs of my clients. Richards Patent Law is structured to deliver the best IP services and the highest level of client satisfaction.

I am often recommended to new clients based on my strong legal and technological credentials, but I am most proud of the number of clients that refer me to others based on my commitment to their long-term interests.

My Background

Prior to starting Richards Patent Law in 2009, I spent over eight years as a patent attorney with McDermott Will & Emery LLP, a large international general practice law firm in Chicago. As a partner in the Intellectual Property, Media and Technology group, I managed international patent portfolios for several large corporations, as well as a number of small and medium sized businesses.

In addition to my extensive patent prosecution experience across many technological fields, I have counseled numerous clients on matters concerning: patent portfolio acquisition and management; patent portfolio licenses, sales and purchases; joint development agreements; freedom to practice opinions; patentability opinions; non-infringement opinions; enforceability opinions; and employment and non-compete agreements.

I earned a JD from the University of Virginia, School of Law and a BS in civil engineering, with honors, from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. I am admitted to practice before the courts of Illinois and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. I also am a registered patent attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. I was named as an Illinois Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2012 and 2013 and I was honored to be profiled by Chicago Lawyer Magazine in an article about entrepreneurial Chicago lawyers.

Software

• iPhone and mobile apps
• trading systems
• audio processing software
• financial services and investments
• relationship management systems
• business method patents

Electrical Systems

• wireless networks
• electronic control systems
• security systems
• automated advertising systems

Medical Devices

• surgical instruments
• home use medical products
• dental products

Green Technology and Sustainable Technology Patents

Electromechanical Systems

• gaming devices
• automotive systems
• railcar systems
• loudspeakers

Mechanical Systems

• athletic equipment
• machining and tooling systems
• construction equipment
• musical products

Plastic Packaging

• injection molding systems
• extrusion systems
• product packaging

Chemical Products

• electrolytic compositions
• polymeric materials