Sophia P. Pilipchuk, Ph.D. BME, MSBME, BSBME

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.

ERIC D. HA, Ph.D.EE, MSEE, BSEE

Prior to joining HFZ, I built a multidisciplinary career spanning academia, federal research, and industry. I served as a tenured Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Physics at Eastern Illinois University, conducted postdoctoral research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) after earning a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland, and gained industry experience at SK Hynix Semiconductor, a global leader in semiconductor memory technology.

My multidisciplinary technical expertise spans electrical engineering and engineering physics, including semiconductor devices and fabrication, analog and digital mixed-signal circuits, electronics and optoelectronics, optics and photonics, computer architecture, embedded systems, materials science, nanoscale science, and quantum physics. This broad yet deep foundation enables me to quickly understand complex technologies and provide practical, business-oriented guidance to clients across diverse industries.

I have received multiple national, state, and institutional honors and awards, authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications, served as a reviewer for leading scientific journals and National Science Foundation proposals, and held professional roles with IEEE, APS, MRS, and SPIE.

Driven by a longstanding interest in innovation and intellectual property, I transitioned to patent practice to apply my technical expertise in a strategic, client-focused environment. I leverage my multidisciplinary experience across academia, government research, and industry to help clients protect, strengthen, and maximize the value of their intellectual property.