Mark G. Hanley, JD, MBA, BSEE

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.

In 2023, I was Recommended for Patent Prosecution by the IAM Patent 1000 and was designated a Patent Star in the United States (national) and Illinois from Managing IP’s IP Stars, an annual guide to the top intellectual property attorneys in Illinois and nationwide. IP Stars Read Here

James A. Flight, JD, BSEE

As one of the founding members of HFZ, I have over 30 years’ experience in patent litigation, patent prosecution and patent counseling. My experience representing clients includes a diverse range of technologies, including software, telecommunications, analog and digital circuitry, semiconductor structures and fabrication techniques, microprocessor architecture, FPGA technology, virtual private networking, internet technologies, audience measurement technologies, cloud computing, virtualization, data warehousing, network security, memory architectures, green technologies, safety products, dock safety equipment, industrial doors, ventilation, surgical equipment, 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.

I was recently recognized among the IAM’s 300 Global Leaders for 2023-24. I was chosen as one of The World’s Leading IP Strategists 2022-23 for the IAM’s Strategy 300. I was also recommended for patent prosecution in 2023 by the IAM Patent 1000. IAM’s Strategy 300 Global Leaders 2024 is a publication that showcases intellectual property professionals who innovate, inspire, and go above and beyond to deliver value for clients Read More here

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


Christopher N. George, JD, MSECE, BSCompE

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.

Joseph T. Jasper, JD, BSBME

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.

Sergio D. Filice, JD, BSME

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.

Marianne Buckley , JD, BSBME

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.

Brandon J. Dube, JD, BSME

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.

S. Nazeer Ali, JD, MSME, BSME

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.

James C. Redondo, JD, BSEE

At HFZ I prepare and prosecute software and electrical-based patent applications. HFZ allows me to be exposed to new technologies and face new challenges.

Prior to joining HFZ, I taught high school mathematics at Noble Street College Prep where I developed the skill of explaining complex mathematical ideas in a clear and concise manner. Because patents may need to be analyzed by judges or juries, I am able to leverage this skillset in my patent practice by describing complex technical ideas at a level that can be understood by those with a limited technical background.

While working as a software engineer with Law Bulletin, I programmed automated testing for software application development, and as an electrical engineering intern with Continental Automotive Group I conducted EMC tests and programmed transmission control units for 4×4 SUVs. Through these industry experiences I developed skills in problem-solving, engineering, and teamwork which I utilize while working with inventors and drafting technically accurate patent applications.

My legal education through Chicago-Kent College of Law sharpened my legal reasoning, writing, and creative thinking skills which I now leverage in developing persuasive arguments that advance effective prosecution and secure Intellectual Property rights for our clients.

Working at HFZ allows me to utilize my teaching, engineering, and legal background to develop strong patent protection that targets the business goals of our clients.

Alyssa M. Prindiville, JD, BSME

Prior to joining HFZ, I was a career student. I started my university studies in engineering, where I received an Associate of Science in Engineering. Before completing my Bachelor of Science, I made the tough decision to leave engineering and, instead, pursue a career in law. I received my Bachelor of Science in Political Science and went on to attend law school. Between my 2L and 3L years, I was introduced to the field of patent law. I knew immediately that a career in patent law was the right path for me. After graduating from law school and passing the bar exam, I went back to university and received by Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

 

I have always felt a desire to learn as much as I can during my lifetime. It is this appetite for knowledge that drew me into the engineering field in the first place and what led me to a position as a patent attorney. As a patent attorney, I get to combine my passions for learning about engineering advancements and for legal and technical writing. At HFZ, I enjoy working with clients to learn about their inventions and innovations and to helping clients protect their intellectual property.