Don Studebaker is a co-founder of Studebaker and Brackett PC. He provides effective counseling on diverse intellectual property (IP) issues for both domestic and international companies, including utility and design patents.

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with Certificate in Technical Writing from The Pennsylvania State University.
• J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University.
• Former USPTO Examiner with an Examiner’s perspective on issues relating to patent prosecution and patent procedures.
• Formerly the co-managing partner of the IP law firm of Sixbey, Friedman, Leedom & Ferguson; which merged with Nixon Peabody, where he was managing partner of their Northern Virginia IP office and a member of the firm’s governing committee, working closely with the other managing partners, representing the interests of the firm’s Technology and Intellectual Property (TIP) group, and leading the International Team of TIP.
• Over 30 years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution, design patents, reissue applications, ex parte and inter parte reexaminations, and patent opinions.
• Technical expertise in automotive technology, consumer products, electromechanical devices, medical devices, optics, and green technology.
• Member of the American Bar Association and the American Intellectual Property Law Association, where he is an active member of the IP Practice in Japan committee and frequently travels overseas delivering lectures relating to current U.S. patent practice and USPTO procedures.
• Admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. and
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Tim Brackett is a co-founder of Studebaker and Brackett PC. He is a sought-after counselor for clients with complex intellectual property (IP) issues, having recognized expertise in patent infringement, validity, enforceability, and design around strategies; creating and implementing corporate intellectual property programs; developing and implementing patent filing strategies; and conducting IP due diligence.

• B.S. in Marine Engineering Systems with honors from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
• J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University.
• Formerly a partner with the IP law firm of Sixbey, Friedman, Leedom & Ferguson; which merged with Nixon Peabody.
• Over 25 years of experience handling patent matters, including patent prosecution for a wide variety of technologies in the electrical, mechanical, and software arts.
• Technical expertise in power generation, including vehicle, engine, and emissions solutions technologies; electronic components; computer systems; automated system controls; business methods; medical devices; and automated tools.
• Member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association and the Intellectual Property Owners Association.
• Admitted to practice in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. and
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Dr. Sinn’s practice focuses on drafting technically-accurate descriptions of inventions and then obtaining commerically-valuable patent claims that advance client objectives in the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering, biotechnology and life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and materials science; client counseling; and developing worldwide patent strategies.

• B.S. in Biology with honors from the California Institute of Technology.
• Ph.D. in Genetics from Harvard Medical School (produced and characterized the first patented animal, the Harvard “OncoMouse”).
• Postdoctoral research at The Rockefeller University.
• J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.
• Publications in Cell, Nature, Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal of Experimental Medicine, Oncogene, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, and Genes & Development.
• Over 25 years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications for small molecule drugs, proteins, antibodies, other biologics, medical devices, plant patents, optical fibers, coatings, batteries, solar cells, toners, and petroleum extraction and processing; patent infringement and validity, product clearance, and freedom to operate opinions; IP support for mergers, acquisitions, and security offerings.
• Lead patent counsel for pharma companies ranging from large multinationals to small startups.
• Admitted to practice in Virginia and New York; and
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Dr. Tanigawa’s practice focuses on counseling companies of different sizes, universities and research institutions, and governmental organizations about intellectual property (IP) matters by gaining in-depth technical understanding of their inventions and explaining their options for IP protection; using patents to achieve their commercial objectives; working collaboratively with corporate patent departments, foreign law firms, and technology transfer offices; providing continuity over the entire patent life cycle and adjusting to shifts in client priorities.

• B.S. in Biology with honors from the California Institute of Technology.
• Ph.D. in Genetics from Harvard Medical School.
• J.D. cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center.
• Predoctoral research with Susumu Tonegawa (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
• Postdoctoral research with Jim Rothman (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center).
• Former USPTO Examiner for immunoassay and vaccine inventions.
• Over 20 years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications, especially in the fields of biotechnology, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals; counseling clients on their patent portfolio and strategy; technology licensing, IP transactions and due diligence.
• Technical expertise in molecular biology, cellular biochemistry, human genetics, and immunology.
• Admitted to practice in Virginia; and
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Mr. Scherer’s practice focuses on preparation and prosecution of patent applications in the mechanical field, as well as extensive experience with design patent applications. He relies on his background as a former USPTO Examiner to successfully negotiate patent claims while conducting frequent interviews at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

• B.S. in Ceramic Engineering from Alfred University.
• M.S. from West Coast University.
• J.D. from Pace University School of Law.
• Over 35 years of experience prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications, counseling clients in all aspects of securing meaningful patent protection, providing opinions on patentability, infringement, validity, and enforcement of patents.
• Technical expertise in medical devices, beachfront remediation, pressure control valves, dampers, electromechanical devices, and retaining wall anchors.
• Admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and New York; and
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Mr. Buczynski’s practice focuses on intellectual property law, with an emphasis on patent prosecution.

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Wilkes University.
• J.D. from The George Washington University Law School.
• Industry experience as an electrical engineer for a large defense contractor.
• Over 25 years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the U.S. and foreign countries; legal opinions concerning patent validity, enforceability, and infringement; technology licensing; patent portfolio analysis; and patent litigation.
• Technical expertise in the electrical and mechanical arts, telecommunications, computer software, Internet, semiconductors, and biomedical technologies.
• Member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association.
• Admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. and
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Mr. Yabe’s practice focuses on handling patent prosecution matters for U.S., European, and other foreign clients involving mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical technologies.

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with honors from The University of Akron.
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Akron.
• LL.B. from Kobe University.
• LL.M. from George Washington University Law School.
• Four years as a mechanical engineer at Mitsubishi Electric Engineering Corporation.
• Named inventor on two U.S. patents for automotive parts technology.
• Nearly thirty years of experience in patent prosecution; providing advice and legal opinions concerning the validity, infringement, and enforceability of U.S. patents and client counseling.
• Since 1997, maintaining the first Japanese-language website about U.S. patents (www.tatsuoyabe.aki.gs), summarizing evolving case law as well as changes in Federal statutes and USPTO regulations.
• Proficient in English and Japanese; holds seminars in Japan on U.S. patent laws, rules, and practices; and, since 2013, has lectured in Japan Intellectual Property Association programs
• Member of the American Bar Association, the American Intellectual Property Law Association, and the New York Bar Association.
• Admitted to practice in New York. and
• Achieved passing score on the U.S. patent registration exam.

Mr. Jackson is a patent agent. His wide technical knowledge and deep understanding of patent prosecution enhances client service by efficiently analyzing patent issues and finding practical solutions to complex problems.

• B.A. in Physics with minor in Biology from Boston University.
• Former USPTO Primary Examiner for semiconductor device inventions and awarded a Bronze Medal by the Department of Commerce.
• Experience prosecuting patent applications in the fields of electrical engineering and physics, including semiconductor and optoelectronic devices.
• Technical expertise in bipolar transistors, field-effect transistors, LEDs, lasers, thyristors, semiconductor packages, metallization, single-electron transistors, heterojunction devices, qubit devices, and their manufacture; and
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Ms. Bush’s practices patent law, focusing on computer science and software.

• B.S. in Computer Science from Coastal Carolina University.
• M.S. in Internet Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology.
• J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University.
• Over five years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications.
• Technical expertise in wireless communications, wireless standards, computer hardware and software systems, computer network technologies, and navigation systems.
• Admitted to practice in Virginia; and
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Mr. Guay is senior manager of patent prosecution.  His practice focuses on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications.

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.
• Chief trainer of new attorneys and agents, and quality reviewer of their work product.
• Over 15 years of experience prosecuting patent applications in private law firms.
• Technical expertise in electrical, mechanical, biomedical, computer software, Internet, solid state device, and telecommunication technologies.
• Former USPTO Primary Examiner for semiconductor inventions and awarded a Bronze Medal by the Department of Commerce. and
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Ms. Kamiguri is a Japanese patent attorney (Benrishi). Her practice focuses on U.S. prosecution of design and utility patent applications, as well as advising clients on issues relating to both Japanese and U.S. patent law and practices.

• B.S. and M.S. in Environmental and Natural Resource Science from the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT).
• Research in France at the University of Pau and Pays de l’Adour.
• Worked towards a doctorate in Polymer Science at the United Graduate School of Agricultural Science at TUAT.
• Over 12 years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications at Japanese and U.S. patent law firms.
• Technical expertise in electro-mechanics (digital cameras, printers, vehicle peripheral devices, and medical devices), computer-implemented technology, and chemistry (functional polymeric materials, organic compositions for medical use); and
• Received limited recognition to practice in before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Mr. Holder is a patent agent. His hands-on experience working on sophisticated military laser and radar systems while enlisted in the U.S. Air Force strengthens his advocacy on behalf of clients applying for patent protection.

• A.A.S. in Electronics from Yuba College.
• B.S. in Physics with honors from the University of Missouri
• M.B.A. in International Business with honors from Webster University.
• Published in IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics.
• Named inventor on 55 patents.
• Practical knowledge of computer programming, optical and laser system design and analysis, hydraulic drive system design, electrical circuit design, and mechanical design gained through more than 20 years of working as an airman or defense contractor at the Naval Weapons Center China Lake, McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), and Hydro-Gear.
• Over 15 years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications, counseling clients on IP strategy and portfolio management, analyzing patentability of inventions, and assisting in-house and law firm attorneys to analyze patent infringement and validity.
• Technical expertise in hydraulic components and drive systems, electronic circuits and systems, medical equipment, artificial intelligence, mobile communication systems, internal combustion engines and systems thereof, drilling equipment, and maintenance equipment; and
• Registered patent agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Mr. McQueen’s practice focuses on patent procurement in the field of chemistry, where his extensive research experience combined with practical knowledge of related technologies are used advantageously.

• B.S. in Chemistry from Texas Christian University.
• M.S. in Chemistry from The University of Texas at Arlington.
• J.D. from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law.
• Former research scientist at Alcon Laboratories for over 12 years.
• Named inventor on eight U.S. patents.
• Over 13 years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications, drafting legal opinions, counseling clients on patent matters, technology licensing, and IP due diligence.
• Technical expertise in batteries, fuel cells, medical devices, semiconductors and their fabrication, electromagnetic devices, polymers and silicon rubbers, foam-molded articles, electrically-conductive resins, sound and thermal insulation, photo-curable compositions, coating films, adhesives, dyes, toners, metal alloys, catalytic converters, automatic components, paper manufacturing, lubricants, and industrial cleaning.
• Admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and Texas. and
• Registered patent attorney with the USPTO.

Mr. Pilaud represents domestic and foreign corporate clients before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, counsels their in-house patent departments or outside law firms to overcome rejections, and advises them about U.S. patent practice and Office procedures.

• B.S. in Civil Engineering with minor in Fine Arts from Clemson University.
• J.D. (Intellectual Property Law Concentration and Patent Law Track) from the Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University.
• Former Engineer at J.A. Jones Construction and Charles H. Tompkins.
• Formerly a patent agent at Nixon Peabody and Robinson Intellectual Property Law Office.
• Over 20 years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications.
• Technical expertise in electrical engineering (semiconductors, display devices, light emitting elements, integrated circuits, field effect transistors, memory devices, laser irradiation, optical devices, photoelectric conversion devices, power devices, mobile and wireless communications, signal processing, data transmission and reception, and communications protocols), computer-implemented inventions (control systems, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, machine-to-machine learning, human-to-machine/user interfaces, data management, database systems, computer systems, and bioinformatics), automotive engineering (structural systems, heavy machinery, metal manufacturing, heat exchangers, and fluid dynamics), and ornamental designs.
• Former USPTO Examiner for mechanical inventions. and
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Mr. Kang’s practice focuses on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications for U.S. and non-U.S. clients in the field of electrical engineering.

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Korea University.
• J.D. from American University Washington College of Law.
• Over 10 years of experience at Korean and U.S. patent law firms, where he counseled multinational companies on their IP portfolio and patent strategy.
• Technical expertise in various areas of electrical/computer engineering, such as smart multimedia systems, wireless/cellular mobile communications including 4G LTE/3GPP wireless communications, signal processing, image processing, computer engineering, radio frequency, user interfaces, augmented reality, digital and analog circuitry, automotive systems, semiconductors, semiconductor devices and their fabrication, and construction machinery.
• Member of the Korea Patent Attorney Association.
• Admitted to practice in the District of Columbia; and
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Korean Intellectual Property Office.

Mr. Hertzler’s practice focuses on strategically procuring and enforcing patent rights for his clients, both foreign and domestic, while developing and managing their intellectual property (IP) portfolios in accordance with business strategies and objectives.

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering with minor in Mathematical Sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University.
• J.D. (Intellectual Property Law Concentration) from the Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University.
• Formerly an associate at Reed Smith and Nixon Peabody.
• Over 10 years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications for the U.S. and foreign countries, and successfully reversing Examiner’s rejections at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
• Technical expertise in semiconductors, circuits, mobile communication systems, computer network technologies, software and business methods, digital rights management, network security, mobile device security, data encryption, browser and navigational interface security, visual/graphical identification methods, and digital watermarking.
• Admitted to practice in Virginia and the District of Columbia. and
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Dr. Drye’s practice focuses on preparation and prosecution of patent applications in the fields of electrical engineering, materials science, and chemistry.

• B.S. in Physics from Clemson University;
• Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from the University of Maryland, College Park;
• Research at Sandia National Laboratories;
• State-of-the-art research in the semiconductor and superconductor fields leading to numerous scientific publications, including a dissertation on iron-pnictide superconductors, and the synthesis of new materials;
• Former USPTO Examiner for semiconductor inventions, including semiconductor devices, processes for their manufacture, and apparatuses for producing them;
• Technical expertise related to display devices, packaging techniques, power semiconductor devices, memory components, nanomaterials and devices, photoelectric and electroluminescent devices, and wireless communications;
• Cross-disciplinary knowledge of materials science, chemistry, and condensed matter physics; and
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.