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I believe our clients benefit from the real-world engineering experience that our practitioners bring to the firm. This experience enables us to interface efficiently with inventors and provides a practical and business-minded foundation for all of our work.

I represent numerous large corporate clients involved in a diverse range of electrical, software, and mechanical technologies, and I have extensive experience in all aspects of patent prosecution and counseling including freedom-to-operate analyses, non-infringement and invalidity opinions, and reexaminations.

Prior to practicing law, I was a design engineer specializing in switching power supplies; analog circuitry; and a variety of pressure, temperature, and position transducers. I am also an inventor on several patents relating to piezoelectric biomorphs.

As one of the founding members of HFZ, I have over 20 years’ experience in patent litigation, patent prosecution and patent counseling. My experience representing clients includes a diverse range of technologies, including software, telecommunications (PSTN, AIN, Cellular and VoIP technologies), analog and digital circuitry, microprocessor architecture, virtual private networking, internet technologies, audience measurement technologies, cloud computing, virtualization, data warehousing, network security, memory architectures, green technologies, safety products, window coverings, dock safety equipment, surgical equipment, firearms, and child care products.

My focus is on our client’s business objectives. Our ultimate goal is to provide counsel and patent prosecution strategies that advance our client’s agenda. This is best achieved in a long-term relationship that fosters an in-depth understanding of our client’s business and the competitive landscape in which they operate. On the prosecution side, this level of commitment ensures we do not just secure patent claims; we issue claims that are tailored for ready enforcement when the need arises.

I’m actively involved in defensive and offensive patent issues including ex parte and inter partes reexaminations, reissues, Public Use proceedings, European opposition proceedings, and due diligence investigations in support of product releases, enforcement actions and/or company acquisitions. I have represented clients in litigation and licensing involving patent infringement, trade secret misappropriation, trade dress infringement, and contract disputes. Leveraging my deep experience in such a wide range of issues and technologies, I’m able to help my clients build and manage valuable patent portfolios and avoid the pitfalls of competitive holdings.

Martindale-Hubbell has identified me as an AV Preeminent Attorney every year since 2013. Read more.

As a founding member of Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, I have experience in U.S. and foreign patent prosecution and client counseling with particular emphasis in the electrical and mechanical fields. In addition to patent prosecution, my experience includes directing post-grant proceedings in the USPTO and acquisition negotiations. Additionally, I’ve rendered numerous non-infringement and invalidity opinions as well as testified at trial.

I’ve worked with technologies including, among other things, mobile telephones, networks, semiconductors, remotely-readable meters, industrial equipment, spray nozzles, kitchen fixtures, and firearms.

Before starting a legal career, I worked as a design engineer at Motorola Cordless Products, specializing in RF and audio circuit design. I earned my JD from DePaul University College of Law, with honors. I also earned an MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from University of Illinois, Chicago, and my BS in Electrical Engineering, magna cum laude, from Marquette University.

As General Counsel for Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, I bring twenty years of business and employment law experience to assist the firm with its legal, human resource and operational needs. For the past ten years, I have managed a law firm which specializes in business and employment law. Prior to that, I served as Vice-President and General Counsel for Kolcraft Enterterprises, Inc., an international consumer product manufacturing company where I oversaw the legal, human resources, compliance and domestic operations departments.

I believe our clients are best served by offering a comprehensive, strategic solution to their intellectual property and business needs. At HFZ, we’ve built a team to provide our clients a wide variety of non-litigation, intellectual property services, which they can leverage to develop and grow their businesses.

I have extensive experience in a wide range of legal arenas including patent drafting and prosecution, patent portfolio development and management, brainstorming and IP capture, patent landscaping, patent reexamination, litigation, licensing, and due diligence and opinion analysis. I also serve as seconded in-house counsel for a Fortune 5 client to advise them on patent strategy matters.

My experience in technology spans a wide variety of consumer products and manufacturing systems as well as imaging systems, image processing, analog and digital audio, casino gaming systems, telecommunications and data networks, distributed computer systems, electronic storage devices, financial trading systems, anti-virus and security software, and signal processing applications.

Prior to practicing law, I worked in the field of computer architecture and am an inventor on a patent related to runtime software optimization.

We strive to know each client’s business. Leveraging that knowledge, we facilitate clients’ ability to use their intellectual property to expand operations with confidence. With a focus on the medical, electrical and mechanical arts, my practice provides non-infringement and invalidity opinions to clear products or assure clients freedom to operate.

Working with engineers and in-house counsel, I help our clients generate patent portfolios and expand their businesses by developing and executing prosecution strategies including post-grant proceedings. I also coordinate with overseas counsel in opposition proceedings, procure federal trademark registrations, and manage global trademark portfolios, which includes managing and litigating trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings. Additionally, I draft and negotiate licensing agreements, provide counseling related to copyright issues and procure federal copyright registrations.

I work with various large and small corporate clients in a diverse range of technology areas including software, electrical, and mechanical technologies. I believe there is no single, rigid approach to serving all clients, neither from a technical standpoint nor from a business perspective. The best IP legal services are customized to meet the needs of each client.

I spent several years as an electrical engineer before joining Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman in 2003. I developed electrical hardware architectures for multimedia platforms of next-generation mobile phones at Motorola, Inc. In that capacity, I worked with several different microprocessor families, digital multimedia codecs, LCD controllers, compression algorithms, and communication protocols. At Palm, Inc. I developed electrical hardware architectures for Palm’s line of premium handheld PDA devices, and I wrote firmware and software for mobile computing.

My current practice involves preparing and prosecuting domestic, international, and foreign patent applications. I also counsel clients on non-infringement and invalidity positions as well as other patent related matters.

Prior to joining HFZ, I was the engineering manager for DSP development at PrairieComm, Inc., where I designed and managed the development of physical layer technology for WCDMA (UMTS) and GSM/GPRS/EDGE mobile cellular systems. I also worked at Northrop Grumman Corp., where I designed and implemented DSP algorithms and communication protocols for wireless systems. I am a named inventor on six granted U.S. patents.

At HFZ, I specialize in both electrical and mechanical arts. My real-world engineering experience allows me to thoroughly understand the scope and breadth of our clients’ inventions and technology portfolios, and I strive to provide guidance and pursue patent protection targeted to each client’s specific objectives.

The most enjoyable aspect of my work is having the opportunity to work with inventors to facilitate the development of their ideas into patentable inventions. My engineering background allows me to speak the inventors’ language and to recognize where further development of an application is needed.

As a member of Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, I have prepared and prosecuted U.S. and foreign patent applications in the areas of software systems, digital media systems, cellular timing circuitry, and low-level computer operations software. I’ve also conducted patent litigation assistance for both defensive and offensive investigations and patent assertions, and I’ve prepared and assisted with the preparation of non-infringement and validity opinions.

Prior to attending law school, I performed validation procedures on software and embedded medical-monitoring devices at GE Medical Systems, Inc. I also developed hardware and software tools for automated testing of monitoring devices. I also worked for an internet service provider, managing network equipment and providing customer support.

I earned my JD from Chicago Kent College of Law. I also earned my MS and BS, magna cum laude, in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Marquette University. My thesis was on signal processing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence algorithms for processing cardiac signals to detect cardiac malfunction. My work was published and presented at the 2003 Computers in Cardiology Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Prior to entering the field of patent law, I was employed by Agilent Technologies, specializing in test systems design and development for industries involved in electro-optics, medical applications, and aerospace defense. I was also part of General Electric’s Technical Leadership Program (Edison Engineering Program), where I was involved with internal code and standards, electronics products design, and next generation product research and development.

At HFZ, I enjoy the inventive diversity brought by the clients that we serve, which always ensures new and interesting intellectual property challenges to tackle. I often find that my prior experience as an engineer and consultant bolsters my ability to comprehend new inventive subject matter and efficiently communicate with inventors.

At HFZ, I represent fortune 500 and 100 companies on all aspects of patent application preparation, prosecution and patent portfolio development. Additionally, I provide counseling regarding patentability, product clearance, validity and infringement matters in various technological fields.

My patent practice focuses on mechanical and electro-mechanical arts in a broad range of technologies including: aerospace, child care products, fluid control devices and systems, mobile devices, medical devices, window coverings, industrial door and loading dock equipment, marine equipment, firearms, printing technologies, mailers and binding equipment, and coil processing & roll forming systems.

I work with inventors and engineers to quickly grasp and analyze our clients’ inventions and provide the highest level of quality and protection for their intellectual property. HFZ’s collegial work environment enables attorneys to provide a team-oriented analysis of all our clients’ IP matters.

Earlier in my career, I was a mechanical engineer at Abbott Laboratories where I designed several disposable medical devices and provided equipment support to improve manufacturing processes and performance. Later, I practiced law at a general practice firm before joining HFZ.

Before practicing law, I worked in the research and development department of a healthcare data analytics company. In this role, I saw firsthand how innovation can drive a company’s success. During law school, I interned with the Office of General Counsel at the American Medical Association, where I came to recognize the unique role of in-house counsel in protecting the interests of a business. In my patent prosecution practice, I draw upon these experiences to work with our clients in obtaining intellectual property protection that advances their business goals.

At HFZ, I prepare and prosecute U.S. and foreign patent applications in the mechanical and electro-mechanical arts. I have experience pursuing our clients’ patent rights in a variety of technologies, including medical devices, neuromarketing tools, child care products, information systems, and process control devices. I also assist in counseling our clients with regards to patentability, validity, and infringement matters. Additionally, I help clients obtain trademark protection and manage their trademark portfolios.

Prior to joining HFZ, I was a software automation engineer at Motorola where I designed automated protocol and hardware test systems for testing mobile devices. I was responsible for interacting with clients and developers around the world to help deliver comprehensive test platforms.

At HFZ, my practice areas include preparing and prosecuting applications in the electrical and computer arts. My experience in the mobile device and software arenas gives me a unique background, which allows me to communicate effectively with clients and to quickly understand their technology and related inventions.

Prior to joining HFZ, I worked as a patent agent drafting and prosecuting patent applications involving a variety of consumer products. Before attending law school I interned at Clean Air Engineering where I provided emissions testing services to coal power plants throughout the U.S.

At HFZ, my practice focuses on preparing and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications in the mechanical and electro-mechanical arts. My background in mechanical engineering provides me with the expertise needed to work on a wide range of mechanical technologies including medical devices and process control devices.

Additionally, I assist in counseling clients regarding patentability, validity, and infringement issues.

Before joining HFZ, I managed the development of an international patent portfolio for The Nielsen Company. In that role, I oversaw patent prosecution, litigation and opinion drafting. I also drafted and negotiated technology licenses, and evaluated patent assets for merger and acquisition activities.

I have experience with a variety of technologies in the areas of software, electrical and mechanical engineering. Before law school, I worked as an electrical engineer in the Nuclear Power Industry where I developed and co-authored a paper about a technique for determining drift tolerance levels of instrument loop devices.

I have great interest in innovation and how the law adapts to ever-changing technology both domestically and abroad. Before joining HFZ, I taught at Chicago-Kent College of Law where I instructed students on principles of international intellectual property law and on academic writing on topics in IP law. My interest and understanding of both U.S. and foreign law, coupled with my background in mechanical engineering, enable me to quickly grasp the details (both legal and technical) that are relevant to the needs of our clients to secure the broadest protection possible for their IP rights.

At HFZ, my practice focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the mechanical, electro-mechanical, and computer arts. Since joining HFZ, I have enjoyed the wide array of new technologies and novel ideas developed by the clients we serve and the opportunity and challenge to turn those ideas into protectable interests. For example, I have represented clients in areas as diverse as computer hardware and software, fluid control systems, electrical connectors, media consumption measurement, and manufacturing processes. Assisting to turn those ideas into protectable interests is a challenging and rewarding experience.

I’ve always had a personal interest in innovation and emerging technologies. My industry experience includes working at both Motorola and Brunswick. At Motorola, I worked as a design engineer on cellular phones and base stations. At the Life Fitness division of Brunswick, I designed treadmills and exercise bicycles.

At HFZ, my practice focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the mechanical, electro-mechanical, manufacturing processes, and computer areas. I also assist in counseling matters. My experience in dealing with multifaceted and complex issues helps me grasp our clients’ innovative technologies quickly.

Prior to joining HFZ, I spent ten years representing plaintiffs and defendants in patent litigation proceedings conducted in Federal courts throughout the United States and in inter partes proceedings before the USPTO. In that capacity, I was responsible for all phases of the litigation process, including preparing and responding to discovery requests, taking and defending depositions, preparing expert reports, preparing and arguing motions of all varieties, preparing and arguing claim construction positions, preparing for trials, examining trial witnesses, and preparing post-trial motions and appellate briefs. Representative matters that I worked on as a litigator involved a diverse range of technologies, including medical devices, power wheelchairs, power tools, injection molding, smoke detectors, cellular communication protocols, MP3 players, flash memory devices, relational database architecture, logistics operations, online ad serving, and social networking platforms, among others.

At HFZ, I leverage my extensive litigation experience to draft and prosecute enforceable patents that will withstand third party challenges and result in victories at trial.   I also utilize the insights gleaned from my years of experience in Federal court and inter partes patent office proceedings to provide legal counsel on infringement, non-infringement, validity, invalidity and product clearance issues. My practice focuses on the mechanical, electro-mechanical, and computer arts. Representative technologies with which I have been involved since joining HFZ include information and measurement systems, cellular technologies, computer software, virtual computer platforms, microprocessors, printers, and child care products.

Prior to joining HFZ, for more than 22 years I handled a diverse range of technologies for Honeywell in the automotive and aerospace industries. During my years as in-house counsel for both large and small corporations, I implemented strategies that generated and expanded intellectual property to protect clients’ businesses and products, and to derive additional value from licensing the commercialization of intellectual property.

At HFZ, I focus on the mechanical, electro-mechanical, and composition of matter arts. In addition to my experience preparing and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications, client counseling, and opinions, I have also drafted and negotiated license agreements for patents and software, supported university research, and handled intellectual property matters arising within mergers and acquisitions.

Prior to joining HFZ I was in-house counsel for Hewlett-Packard where I managed a number of different intellectual property portfolios including LaserJet and Inkjet printers, desktop scanners, cameras, storage devices and industry standard servers. I handled both the software and hardware assets for these portfolios. This has given me broad experience in prosecuting patents, as well as, counseling clients in managing their intellectual property assets.

Before I began my legal career I was an engineer for Hewlett-Packard for over 15 years where I developed products for desktop scanners, disk drives and surveying equipment. I designed the opto-mechanical elements as well as the firmware and software components for these products. I am an inventor on over 20 granted US patents covering these type of products.

My current practice involves preparing and prosecuting domestic and foreign patent applications. I also counsel clients on non-infringement and invalidity positions as well as other patent related matters. With my experience as both an inventor and an attorney working on patents I can relate to inventors in a broad range of technologies to develop the broadest coverage for their inventions.

At HFZ, I am honored to protect the innovation and technologies of our clients. Prior to joining HFZ, I was a mathematics teacher at Noble Street College Prep, where I taught trigonometry. At Law Bulletin, I programmed automated test software for new developing applications. At Continental Automotive Group I ran a series of EMC tests and programed transmission control units for 4×4 SUVs.

HFZ allows me to use my diverse background and skill set to problem solve during the preparation and prosecution of patent applications.

Prior to HFZ, I worked as a Mechanical Engineer at Transco Products Inc. where I designed piping systems for nuclear power plants. In this work I studied references and other engineering documents to determine the structure and operational characteristics of complex devices.

As a Patent Engineer at HFZ, I use my engineering experience to assist in the preparation and prosecution of patents in the mechanical, electro-mechanical and computer arts. My primary focus is on conducting prior art, patentability and clearance searches in order to assist clients with their intellectual property portfolio management decisions.

Before joining the HFZ team, I worked as a senior electrical engineer at Schlumberger Oilfield Services in the Well Services and Coil Acquisition Software and Hardware product group. I designed, developed and commissioned electrical control systems on next generation land and offshore mixing equipment for high pressure pumping fluid delivery applications. I have extensive experience in electric, hydraulic and pneumatic control systems and a knowledge base in a wide array of commercial and industrial sensor technologies.

At HFZ, I am encouraged to leverage my industry experience along with my passion for learning about emerging technologies to protect our clients’ intellectual property.

Prior to joining the HFZ team as a Patent Engineer, I studied Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Case Western Reserve University. As part of my education process, I co-oped with GE Aviation as a Product Design and Mission Analysis Engineer. I became interested in Intellectual Property Law during my junior year of college as President of Case Western’s Mock Trial program. Patent Law enhances my dual interests in engineering and law. At HFZ, I exercise my engineering know-how and passion for cutting edge technology to assist in the preparation and prosecution of patents for our clients.

Before I joined the HFZ team, I studied electrical engineering at Marquette University. While at Marquette I worked in the power electronics lab assisting in the design of power electronic converters. Additionally, I interned at S&C Electric designing control systems for power converter test fixtures.  I also interned at Johnson Controls in the Power Solutions division. Here, I conducted design verification of a solid-state relay for use in lithium ion battery control. Throughout these roles, I worked alongside skilled engineers and production staff to further the goals of innovating new products and systems.

At Hanley, Flight, and Zimmerman, I am able to utilize my technical background and interest in new and innovative technologies in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications for our diverse client network.

Before joining HFZ, I studied electrical engineering at Marquette University. During this period, I spent two summers working at a high-voltage switch manufacturing plant and one summer at an engineering consulting firm. I assisted in designing high voltage/ high current test cages and low voltage/medium voltage electrical systems, as well as, designing arc-flash potential for various electrical systems. During my time spent working, I gained valuable insights into the design and implementation of new innovative systems and processes. These experiences have helped form a passion to work with inventors and to help protect their innovations with strong intellectual property rights.

I come from a large family where six of us are electrical engineers. Growing up in a highly-skilled technical family instilled in me a passion for emerging technologies. Working with the HFZ team has allowed me to apply my engineering background while simultaneously fueling my fascination and curiosity for innovative technologies.

Prior to joining the HFZ team, I studied Electrical Engineering Technology at Purdue University. Project and design work at Purdue included developing embedded control systems for digital washing machines and performing a design/build for an Atomic Force Microscope. Additionally, I interned with Grote Industries assisting in the design and manufacture of the newly emerging thin film LED technology for truck and trailer interior and exterior lighting. I also tested optical, electrical and mechanical compliances and specifications for LED technology within the industry. I was introduced to Intellectual Property working as a summer intern for an IP law firm.

Working at HFZ has allowed me to grow my knowledge and passion for new and emerging technologies while working alongside intelligent, seasoned patent attorneys. I strive to help our clients attain their Intellectual Property rights which contributes to the overall health of our economic system.

Having over 10 years of experience working with engineers and scientists in university-based research laboratories, I appreciate the effort and dedication that goes into the development and validation of novel technologies. As a doctoral student, I authored and co-authored research and review articles in Advanced Healthcare Materials, Dental Materials, and Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, obtaining substantial practice in the communication of novel concepts. I also worked as a Tech Transfer Fellow at the University of Michigan Office of Technology Transfer (OTT)—evaluating a wide range of invention disclosures, assessing prior art, drafting marketing abstracts, and identifying potential licensees—which significantly strengthened my interest in patent law. After completing a doctoral thesis, I worked with engineers and surgeons as a Biomedical Innovation Fellow in UM’s Pediatric Surgery Section to identify medical device needs through clinical immersion. This process inspired design and development of new product solutions to fulfill the needs and expectations of the Michigan Pediatric Device Consortium (MPED) program. This work expanded my knowledge of medical device technologies and commercialization strategies.

At HFZ, I work together with patent attorneys and patent engineers to help clients secure protection for their innovative ideas and maximize the economic value of their patents. At HFZ, I can utilize my previous experiences to help advocate for inventors and assist in securing the full extent of intellectual property protection to which they are entitled.

As the Accounting Director for Hanley Flight & Zimmerman, I bring 20 years of accounting experience to the company. I oversee all financial aspects of the business, from billing and payroll to planning and forecasting. During my career, among other things, I spent many years at a public accounting firm preparing tax returns and becoming familiar with the accounting operations of various businesses. I also worked as part of a consulting team for a publicly traded company during a post-merger integration.

Prior to joining HFZ, I worked at The Chicago Board Options Exchange for 17 years in different capacities, from Administrative Assistant in the PR Department, to Assistant to the Executive Director of Business Development and Program Director in the Educational arm of the Exchange, where I travelled extensively throughout the United States and Canada coordinating options seminars for investors and brokers.

Since joining HFZ, first as a part-time receptionist, currently as the IP Docketing Manager, I bring my attention-to-detail and organizational skills to help our attorneys and patent engineers achieve success for our clients in their IP endeavors.

At HFZ, I am fortunate enough to support knowledgeable and courteous attorneys, who are some of the top in their field, while helping to protect the inventive concepts of our clients. Before coming to HFZ, I attended Arizona State University, where I majored in Business and minored in Justice Studies. I then earned my paralegal certificate at Elgin Community College while working as a senior litigation paralegal at a law firm in Chicago.
Being a part of the HFZ team grants me the unique opportunity to assist in the patent prosecution process from start to finish, not only in the U.S., but also internationally as the firm’s foreign filing paralegal.

At HFZ, I am pleased to work with a tremendously talented team of attorneys, engineers and staff that perform their best work for our clients on a day to day basis. My work includes directing a recruiting strategy for the hiring of engineers, attorneys and staff, facilitating the onboarding and training of new employees, overseeing the office management and facilities, and planning the special events and celebrations for the firm throughout the year. Prior to working at HFZ, I was a public spokesperson for various companies within the automotive, textbook, technology and consumer goods industries.

At HFZ, I manage the annuity payments for specific clients within the firm and act as the lead trainer for new legal assistants joining our HFZ team. Prior to working at HFZ, I studied and practiced Trademark law in Venezuela after my studies at Universidad Catolica Andres Bello. My interest in Intellectual property brought me to the US to pursue my LLM at Chicago Kent. At Hanley, Flight and Zimmerman, I always feel challenged, and I’m lucky to work with seasoned and talented patent attorneys.

I am the Administrative Coordinator at Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman. I have been part of HFZ for 7 years overseeing the Front Reception Desk and staff, working with various vendors providing office services to our firm, while also supporting specialty projects for other administrative departments.  I enjoy helping HFZ maintain good relationships within building management and building services, as well as, our outside vendors. Prior to working at HFZ, I attended Fox College and graduated with a certificate of Applied Science in Administrative Assistant.

I am a Clerical Assistant at HFZ. This year will mark 7 years working with the firm. At HFZ, I help run the Front Reception Desk, work on various clerical tasks within the firm in support of legal assistants, attorneys, docketing, recruiting and operations. I work with managing the physical files in the office as well. Prior to joining the HFZ team, I received my Associates of Applied Science in Administrative Assistant at Fox College. I also attended DeVry University and received my Bachelor of Science in Technical Management.

I have been with Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman since 2016 assisting in all steps of the patent prosecution process, to ensure accuracy in our filings and to make sure all docketing deadlines are timely met.  Previously, I worked as an assistant at a law firm focused in foreclosure practice. I earned a B.A. in Art and Management from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. I also received my paralegal certificate from the ABA-approved paralegal program at Loyola University.

I have been with HFZ for seven years. At HFZ, I am assistant to the managing partners. I assist them in all aspects of patent prosecution and with client-facing administrative tasks including monthly reporting preparation and maintenance. Prior to joining HFZ, I was an Office Representative at State Farm Insurance agency. It gives me great pride to apply my previous experience of organization and personalized client relationships to HFZ and its clients. I'm proud to be part of HFZ's team in developing and protecting the ideas of innovators.

In my time at HFZ, I have enjoyed helping clients meet their patent prosecution needs and have been able to apply my creativity and problem-solving skills throughout the prosecution process.  I work closely with engineers and attorneys, I provide back-up to foreign-filing, and also assist with the training of new assistants. My previous experience includes working in Estates and Trusts, and I appreciate being able to apply the broad set of legal skills from that experience to my work here.