John Stathis
John Stathis is a patent attorney with experience working with technology across various industries, including software, mechanical systems, and medical devices. He has worked in strategically developing both expansive patent portfolios with multiple patent families in addition to focused patent filings on specific devices. John’s experience extends to systems related to operations of the electric power grid, battery tech, various medical devices, and polymers for advanced materials, among others.
John focuses on understanding client business goals to inform a strategic approach to patent portfolio development, as well as providing counseling regarding patentability, freedom to operate, non-infringement, and overall patent portfolio assessment to provide suggestions on areas to improve the quality of clients’ existing patent and trademark strategy.
John’s experience includes patent applications, office action responses, freedom-to-operate evaluations, patent portfolio assessments, patentability searches and opinions, validity opinions, and contracts concerning sale or transfer of patents and trademarks.
- J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law
- B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Duke University
- United States Patent & Trademark Office
- North Carolina
- Member, North Carolina Sixteenth District Judicial Bar
Patent Prosecution
- Mechanical Devices:
- Multi-level parking apparatus
- Kelp growth apparatus
- Smart hockey puck with signal transmitter
- Tag device for golf swing capture
- Drone tether system
Materials:
- Nanolayered structures including recycled content
- Multilayer dielectric films
- Flow battery configuration
Software and Networking:
- Broadcast synchronization for engagement with live events
- Low-latency mesh network communication system
- Brand-aware video formatting
- Anti-leak digital document marking system
Practice Areas
Industry Experience
Brant Cook – Patent Attorney
With a vast background in patent preparation and prosecution, Brant Cook is a skilled patent attorney with extensive experience in managing and building patent portfolios for a Fortune 50 company. Drawing on his experience with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Brant offers comprehensive patent counsel that combines patent strategies with real-world applications.
His career spans the full spectrum of intellectual property, including, but not limited to, patent preparation and prosecution, design-around strategies, and post-allowance considerations. One of Brant’s favorite things to do is working with inventors and clients to tailor patent claims to meet their needs and expectations.
Before joining the firm, Brant spent a couple of years as an associate patent attorney at Thompson Hine (formerly Thompson Hine & Flory) and then joined The Procter & Gamble Company as inside counsel for over 25 years, supporting multiple business units to help them protect product and commercial innovations. Brant’s passion for identifying and protecting innovations, and managing and building commercially valuable patent portfolios, is boundless.
- The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law – Juris Doctorate
- Miami University – B.A. Chemistry, Cum Laude
- Ohio
- United States Patent & Trademark Office
Practice Areas
Industry Experience
Drew Hagerty - Patent Attorney
With an extensive mechanical engineering and R&D background, Drew Hagerty is a skilled patent attorney with extensive experience managing complex global patent issues for a Fortune 50 company. Drawing on his experience as an engineer, inventor, and business partner, Drew offers comprehensive patent counsel that combines practical legal strategies with real-world applications.
His career spans the full spectrum of intellectual property, including patent strategy and portfolio development, freedom-to-practice analysis and opinions, invalidity and design around endeavors, due diligence and patent-valuation considerations, litigation and dispute strategy, support and resolution, and post-grant efforts. One of Drew’s favorite things to do is competitive landscape analysis for commercialization efforts.
Before joining the firm, Drew spent multiple years as an associate patent attorney at Woodcock Washburn (now part of Baker Hostetler) and then went in-house at the Procter & Gamble Company for 18 years, supporting several of its business units to help them achieve their goals and objectives while minimizing the company’s liability.
Additionally, Drew worked as a process engineer for Eastman Chemical Company and then in product development for Johnson and Johnson before attending law school. He spent considerable time analyzing competitors’ patents and pursuing his patents as an engineer, ultimately catalyzing his love for developing and protecting intellectual property.
- Temple University, Juris Doctor
- University of Tennessee, BS Engineering Science & Mechanics
- Ohio State Bar
- United States Patent & Trademark Office
Practice Areas
Industry Experience
Cameron Applegate – Patent Agent
Cameron Applegate is a registered patent agent based in our Greenville, S.C., office and a valued member of the NK Patent Law team. Known for her problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and practical, client-focused approach, Cameron works closely with inventors to draft and prosecute patent applications across a broad range of technologies.
With a strong foundation in the life sciences—backed by a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Biomedical Science—Cameron brings firsthand experience from laboratory research, clinical environments, and surgical settings. This real-world scientific insight gives her a unique advantage when translating complex ideas into strong patent applications, particularly in biotechnology and medical devices.
Cameron also has a keen interest in mechanical inventions and demonstrates a natural ability to understand and articulate the workings of mechanical devices and systems. Her technical versatility makes her an asset in matters involving both biological and mechanical subjects.
Clients value Cameron’s clear communication, responsiveness, and dedication. She takes the time to understand each client’s goals and tailors her strategies accordingly—bringing not only technical expertise, but also a strong sense of care and professionalism to every engagement.
Outside the office, Cameron enjoys spending time with her family and is especially devoted to her three children. She’s actively involved in her local community through school and youth athletic programs—and when time allows, she enjoys hitting the tennis court for a few spirited sets.
- Medical University of South Carolina, M.S., Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Pharmacology
- Clemson University, B.S., Microbiology
- United States Patent & Trademark Office
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
- Surgical systems and methods
- Medical technologies and devices
- Medical diagnostics
- Orthodontic devices
- Healthcare systems
- Laboratory assays
- Bioengineering
- Food science
- Complex mechanical devices
- Automotive technology
- Large machinery
- Fiber technology
- Recreational devices
Practice Areas
Industry Experience
Randy Tucker – Intellectual Property Attorney
Randy Tucker is an experienced intellectual property attorney with 10+ years of experience in patent prosecution and related patent litigation in a wide range of industries and technologies. Randy’s prior experience includes work with chemical, mechanical, computer, networking, and software technologies.
Before becoming a lawyer, Randy worked as a nuclear waste intern at a United States Department of Energy facility and as a process engineer at a well-known South Carolina chemical company.
Randy’s practice focuses on patent prosecution before the USPTO and enforcement after that. He assists small, mid-sized, and large companies with developing strategic intellectual property portfolios to effectively protect their valuable intellectual property interests. He has experience working with clients in a multitude of business sectors. In addition, his experience enforcing and protecting clients’ intellectual property rights through federal court and administrative proceedings allows him a unique and valuable perspective in prosecuting and counseling clients regarding their intellectual property rights.
Randy’s extensive patent prosecution experience includes freedom to operate clearances, patentability searches and opinions, applications, office action responses, and appeals before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).
- J.D., Charlotte School of Law
- B.S., Computer Science, Oregon State University
- B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina
- South Carolina
- USPTO
- Member, Carolina Patent and Trademark Law Associate
Agricultural Devices
- Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener
- Drain Assembly Panels and Arrangements
- Seed-Spreading Combine Attachment
- Gravity-Fed Spiral Flow Agricultural Material Treatment Apparatus
- Worksite Storm Water Drain Filter
Industrial and Construction Devices
- Wheel Chock
- Dry Fog Density Detection System
- Upgraded Planetary Gearbox
- Tapered Fastener Devices
- Gear Puller Assembly
- Footwear Molding Device
- Residential Water Circulation Systems
Consumer Goods
- Weighted Mopping Head
- Closet Organizing Divider
- Impotence Prevention Bicycle Rest
- Waitperson Notification and Feedback Indicator
- Climber Exercise Machine
- Releasable Bottle Cap
- LED Light Hair Dryer
- Hinging Spray Bottle Attachment
- Arm Strength Training Device
- Merchandise Display Stand
- Infant Observation Mirror Temperature Display Assembly
- Razor
- Collapsable Table Assembly
- Collapsible Air Filter Assemblies
Vehiclular Devices
- School Bus Stop Sign Deployment Systems
- Fuel Tank Lifting System
- Coating Thickness Monitoring System
Firearm Accessory Device
- Ballistics Resistant Armor
- Adjustable Ammunition Carriers
- Quick Release Holsters
Medical Devices
- Orthodontic Appliance
- CPAP Mask and Nasal Assemblies
- Stowable Bed Assemblies
- Micro-Catheter Device
- Mixing Syringe
Software and Electrical Devices and Systems
- 3D Concrete Printing Monitor
- Document Lineage Tracking System
- Structured Finance Monetization System
- Video Content Collection and Usage System
- Server Performance and Application Health Management System
- Optical Parametric Oscillator
- Cable Testing Systems and Repair Instruction Device
- Wireless Charging Assemblies
Chemistry Equipment and Methods
- Toxic Gas Production and Storage Vessel
- Controlled Probiotic Delivery Composition
- Electrode Production Methods
- Exothermic Reaction Generation and Control Systems
- Electrochemical Microscopy Electrode Assembly
- Ion Gradient Membrane Electrode Assemblies
Practice Areas
Industry Experience
Wesley A. Sheffield – Patent Attorney
Wesley Sheffield, a seasoned patent attorney with over 15+ years of experience, brings a unique perspective to patent practice. His focus lies in patent prosecution before the USPTO and in foreign countries, and he excels in assisting inventors with strategic IP portfolio development. His success in obtaining patent protection for diverse technologies is a testament to his unique approach. Prior to his legal career, Wesley earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, specializing in microprocessor design.
He has assisted clients, including startups, large companies, and universities, in obtaining technology patents for medical devices, nuclear and electromagnetic gauges, 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular systems, software-as-a-service business methods, smart electronics, quantum encryption, and networking equipment. Wes’s experience extends to the drafting and prosecuting of patent applications in the realm of rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. He has a deep understanding of neural networks, large-language models (LLMs), machine learning, and other cutting-edge AI technologies, along with the underlying hardware and software that enable these technologies to operate at scale.
Wes also advises clients on patent prosecution strategies and provides research on patentability, freedom to operate, validity, patent litigation support, software licensing and non-infringement.
- J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law
- B.S., Electrical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
- North Carolina
- USPTO
Patent Prosecution
Software: non-AI
- Making event routing decisions based on a standardized messages format
- Whitelist-based anti-phishing browser extension
- Family chore management system using personalized digital tokens convertible to regular currency
- Software as a service (SaaS) for continuous monitoring, notification, and updating of cyber risks associated with assets under management
- Distributed computational graphs that execute transformation pipelines on streaming input data from heterogeneous data sources
- Automated surrogate training performance incorporating simulator information into a learnable architecture
- Automatic differentiation of discrete and discrete-continuous stochastic programs
Software: AI
- Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted video-based multi-object tracking
- Natural language processing (NLP)-based artificial intelligence (AI) parsing of computer-aided dispatch (CAD) notes
- Artificial intelligence-based monitoring of a geographical region of interest by a mobile video source
- Loss prevention using artificial intelligence video tracking
- Automating the building of software pipelines using an expert system-based ai model
- Artificial intelligence (AI) tagging of airline fault codes
- A cloud-based system configured to automatically identify which ads users are exposed to while watching tv using one or more artificial intelligence (AI) models
Quantum
- Entropy-based payment methods and systems that are secure against quantum computing techniques
- A differential extractor for eliminating non-random components of a Barkhausen effect signal
Core Network / Mobile
- Telecommunications services between a session initiation protocol (SIP) network and a signaling system 7 (SS7) network
- Managing roaming preferences of mobile subscribers
- Presence registration and routing node
- Short message service (SMS) messages between signaling system 7 (SS7) network entities and -short message peer-to-peer (SMPP) network entities
- Providing wireless subscribers with access to telecommunication services within different geographical areas
- Delivering a messaging service message to a recipient without querying the recipient’s home network
- User Equipment (UE) for determining a transmission data block size
- Network management of a UE operating in a suspended state in a RAN
- Frequency multiplexing of multiple Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) modulation scheme
- New Radio (NR) 5G wireless communication system for Mobile Broadband (MBB) and low-latency applications
- Methods for multi-antenna transmission and reception using codebooks and precoding for spatial multiplexing
- Phase reference symbol format for phase synchronization in a multi-carrier communication system
Medical Devices / Healthcare
- Secure drug dispensing device
- System for managing healthcare workflows as a service (SaaS)
- Managing exposure and response prevention (ERP) treatment healthcare workflows
- Multi-sensory stimulation and sensor feedback system for inducing targeted biological reactions including neurostimulation
- An app for personalized adaptive auditory training using a synthesized audio representation of an input text using an AI model
- Accelerating quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models by training machine learning (ml) approximations on simulations
Physical devices with software or electromechanical component
- High frame rate transmission electron microscopy
- Determining a surface characteristic of a roadway using an imaging device
- Nuclear density gauge for measurement of a paving-related material
- Pavement material microwave density measurement
- Continuous thermal treatment of a flowable food product
- Remotely operating a device in real time or near real time using a digital user interface to produce a physical artwork
- Aneutronic fusion plasma reactor and electric power generator
Practice Areas
Industry Experience
Taylor Langley – Patent Attorney
Taylor Langley is an experienced patent attorney who collaborates with clients in the mechanical and medical industries. He has helped clients obtain patents in various technologies, including medical devices, battery packs, software platforms, smart electronics, and apparel. In addition to patent prosecution, Taylor advises clients on patent prosecution strategies and provides research on patentability, freedom to operate, validity, and non-infringement.
Taylor’s practice focuses on patent prosecution before the USPTO and IP agreements. He assists clients ranging from independent inventors to large corporations by developing strategic IP portfolios that align with clients’ goals. His experience developing strategic IP portfolios and IP agreements allows him to provide a unique perspective for pursuing patent protection.
Taylor’s IP experience includes patentability searches, clearance reports, provisional applications, nonprovisional applications, office action responses, trademark consent agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and licensing agreements.
- J.D., Campbell University School of Law
- B.S., Biomedical Engineering, NC State University
- United States Patent & Trademark Office
- North Carolina
- Member, Tenth District Judicial Bar
- Member, Wake County Bar Association
- Volunteer, Capital Area Teen Court
- Guest Lecturer, Biomedical Engineering Senior Design, NC State University
Technology – Patent Prosecution
Chemistry
- Method of producing isopropanol from electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide and related copper-based electrocatalysts
- Reaction process involving capillary condensation within a microporous catalyst
- Nanostructured Silicon Carbonaceous Composite Material and Methods for Producing the Same
- Oral fluid collector
- Apparatus for dispensing additive into a liquid
- Garments designed for slow-releasing additives (e.g., fragrances)
Medical Devices and Systems
- Junctional Assistance Device for Extremities
- In-Vivo Breast Tissue Imaging Using Coded Aperture X-Ray Scatter Tomography
- Blister Pack Tool
- Bioimpedance Device
- Audiovisual Therapy Device and Systems
- Methods of Achilles Tendon Repair
- Ligation Bands
- Bio-optical physio-logging device and systems
- Continuous suturing devices
- Face Covering
- Angiographic Catheter
- Electronic Health Care System
- Bio-wearable sensors
- Penile Erection Device
Agriculture
- Pollen Filtration
- Internet-of-Things (IoT) Agriculture system
- Plant Growth Stimulation System
- Mechanical Packer Systems for Controlling Fluid Flow
- Multipurpose Devices and Methods for Sealing, Measuring, and Surging Fluids in Casings
Gregory M. Evans – Patent Agent
Greg Evans is an experienced patent agent with an extensive industry background in electrical engineering. Greg’s unique combination of intellectual property experience and technical background (including being an inventor on ninety-plus patents) allows Greg to efficiently connect with a client, understand their invention, and give recommendations for meeting their intellectual property goals.
Greg’s practice primarily focuses on drafting and prosecuting patent applications in electronics, semiconductors, RF and optical wireless communication, computer hardware and software, power conversion, solar technologies, wind turbines, battery systems, associated green technologies, and mechanical innovations.
Additionally, Greg’s experience includes patent applications involving the training, implementation, and application of neural networks, large-language models (LLMs), machine learning, and other quickly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, along with the underlying hardware and software that allow these technologies to scale.
Greg further supports his clients with patent strategies, disclosure analysis, valuation, invalidity and infringement analysis, and litigation/licensing support.
Before becoming a patent agent, Greg spent twenty years managing new product development and government-funded research for military, telecommunications, and consumer products/systems. Greg began his career with ITT Telecom in fiber optic system development. Greg has held various R&D positions, including principal engineer, hardware manager, engineering director, CTO, and principal scientist for such companies as Broadband Technologies (founder through going public), ECI Telecom, MCNC, and Research Triangle Institute (RTI).
Greg is also a licensed professional engineer in the state of North Carolina. As needed, Greg conducts electronic circuit analyses for investigative research, consults on fire investigations, and provides A/V engineering support for small venues. Greg is an active member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and is one of the manuscript reviewers for the “Journal of IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management.”
- North Carolina State University, BS Electrical Engineering
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Member
- Journal of IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Manuscript Reviewer
- Secured design patents for an EV technology company covering charging station enclosures and GUI elements critical to the consumer experience.
- Assisted a semiconductor company with building a significant patent portfolio covering numerous innovations in free-space-optical (FSO) communications.
- Assisted a green energy company with building a significant patent portfolio covering numerous innovations in electric vehicle (EV) charging systems.
- Assisted a technology company in obtaining numerous patents related to managing and optimizing mobile traffic for wireless carriers.
- Assisted a product-based company specializing in large uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems in obtaining numerous patents related to battery backup and battery monitoring.
- Assisted a product-based company specializing in camera-based quality control systems in obtaining numerous issued patents related to automated inspection of manufacturing processes.
- Assisted a product-based company specializing in automated cleaning systems in obtaining multiple patents related to automated ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection for industrial facilities.
- Assisted a green energy company in obtaining multiple patents relating to environmental monitoring for large cold storage facilities.
- Assisted a research-based company in obtaining multiple patents related to precision global positioning systems.
- Assisted a large international company in obtaining multiple patents related to machine sensor technologies.
- Assisted a software company in obtaining multiple patents for medical diagnostics relating to dementia.
- Assisted a start-up company in obtaining multiple patents for medical imaging processing and storage.
- Assisted a start-up company in obtaining multiple patents related to kiosks for automated check-in.
- Assisted an inventor in obtaining multiple patents for hardware-based cloud security.
- Assisted an inventor in obtaining multiple patents for improved user interfaces.
- Assisted multiple research-based universities in continuing to build their patent portfolios in technologies related to electrical engineering, including semiconductor, medical diagnostics, innovative displays, linear accelerators, and clean energy technologies.
- Assisted multiple foreign agents on obtaining US patents for their international clients.
- Successfully appealed multiple patent applications before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).
- United States Patent & Trademark Office
Practice Areas
Industry Experience
Ani Agrawal – Patent & Trademark Attorney
Ani Agrawal is an experienced patent attorney focusing on IP strategy and patent and trademark prosecution before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in foreign countries. His diverse experience includes consumer- and technology-focused clients in the medical device arena, retail, and computer technology, among other industries. Most recently, he has worked with online retailers to assist them in complying with Amazon’s new “Brand Registry” requirements.
Since joining NK Patent Law, Ani has concentrated on helping clients build their patent and trademark portfolios by preparing, filing, and prosecuting chemical, biomedical, and mechanical patent applications. In addition, he renders patentability, validity, and freedom-to-operate opinions and counsels clients on a variety of intellectual property issues.
Before joining the firm, Ani spent six years in intellectual property litigation work for numerous corporations and universities across a broad spectrum of technologies, managing several attorneys in IP litigation matters.
Mr. Agrawal works locally and nationally with startups and mid-sized and large corporations.
Before obtaining his law degree, Mr. Agrawal worked in cryogenics research and taught organic chemistry for over six years at the University of Illinois Chemistry Department.
In addition, he stays abreast of current legal issues while teaching continuing legal education courses. Recently, he led a course on intellectual property issues, including patents, trademarks, and M&A.
Ani regularly volunteers time with local entrepreneurial groups in the Triangle and Charlotte.
- Franklin Pierce Law Center, Juris Doctor
- University of Illinois, BS Chemical Engineering
- North Carolina State Bar
- United States Patent and Trademark Office
Legal 500 U.S. Elite (2025)
Business North Carolina Legal Elite (2020, 2023-2026)
- Carolina Patent Trademark & Copyright Law Association, Board of Directors, and NC CLE Committee Member, 2025
- Volunteer, First Flight Venture Center
- Lecturer in Intellectual Property, North Carolina Central University School of Law (2012-2013)
- Adjunct Professor, College of Computing and Informatics, UNCC
- Advised a mid-sized SaaS company on the identification, protection, and enforcement of its trade secrets during an employee transition. Trade secret confidential information included proprietary algorithms, client data processes, and internal pricing models. Drafted comprehensive confidentiality agreements tailored to technical employees and senior staff.
- Developed a comprehensive patent portfolio for an electronic waste recycling company, strengthening its intellectual property position and contributing directly to its successful acquisition by a multinational corporation.
- Successfully negotiated a settlement between an electric vehicle technology company and a multinational engine manufacturer, amicably resolving trademark dispute and bringing an end to protracted and costly proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
Justin R. Nifong – Patent & Trademark Attorney
Justin R. Nifong
Patent & Trademark Attorney
Contact Information
Justin Nifong is a founder of NK Patent Law and is recognized as a preeminent North Carolina Patent Attorney by peers and publications. Justin’s practice focuses on patent prosecution before the USPTO and in foreign countries. Justin also renders patentability and clearance opinions and counsels clients regarding preparing for intellectual property litigation.
Justin has experience in United States reexamination and European opposition practice and has represented clients in various intellectual property litigation matters, including patent infringement, patent invalidity, patent ownership, trade dress, and trade secret matters.
Practicing as a patent attorney, Justin has represented many international companies, universities, and startups across the country. He has worked as outside counsel for a Fortune 10 company, with various venture funds on due diligence matters and intellectual property procurement, with university projects that have received private funding, and with established companies to add value to their IP portfolio. He has managed and created patent portfolios valued in excess of 50 million dollars and has been responsible for over 600 issued patents.
Justin is a frequent speaker on intellectual property issues for entrepreneurial and business organizations and is recognized in various publications. Justin serves on the board of academic organizations and is involved in the local startup community. Additionally, he is a member and accredited investor with Harbright Ventures, a North Carolina-based investment group, and is a current investor in multiple startups within the entrepreneurial community.
- J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law
- M. Eng., Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University
- B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- B.S., Physics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- North Carolina
- USPTO
Legal 500 U.S. Elite (2025)
Business North Carolina Legal Elite (2014-2021, 2024-2026)
North Carolinas Super Lawyers® for Intellectual Property, Rising Star (2013-2022)
- North Carolina Bar Steering Committee for the establishment of the Certificate in Trademark Law
- Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), member and ambassador
- First Flight Venture Center, volunteer and sponsor
Doug Meier – Intellectual Property Attorney
Doug Meier
Managing Partner
Intellectual Property Attorney
Contact Information
Doug Meier is an experienced patent attorney and managing partner of NK Patent Law. With a background in electrical engineering and in-depth experience practicing patent law, Doug brings a unique combination of legal and technical experience that allows him to understand complex electrical, computer, and software technologies quickly.
Before becoming a patent lawyer, Doug worked as an electrical engineer for a major defense contractor in Houston, Texas, where he designed and developed software tools to support NASA’s Space Shuttle Program.
Doug’s practice focuses on patent prosecution before the USPTO and IP strategy and general guidance on other patent-related business issues.
Having experience with various electrical technologies covering smartphones, computers, wireless communications, networking, semiconductors, and digital image processing, Doug has represented numerous small and large companies.
Doug loves helping clients develop strategic patent portfolios covering a wide variety of technology areas. However, he understands that patent protection is often just one aspect of a larger, multi-faceted business strategy. As a result, he looks for ways to maximize business value through patent assets.
Doug has represented numerous multi-national companies in high-stakes, multiple-patent cases at the International Trade Commission (ITC) involving technologies ranging from computers, mobile devices, telecommunications, and networking hardware (including base-station antenna and radio technology), wireless communications (such as 3G/4G/LTE, 802.11 Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth standards), texture compression/decompression in mobile devices and computers, digital image processing in smartphone cameras, and nonvolatile memory.
Additionally, he has been involved in all aspects of litigation, including working closely with clients to manage discovery across multiple related cases, working closely with technical experts on complex infringement and validity issues, and depositions and briefings of all types.
- J.D. with honors, University of Texas School of Law
- B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Texas – Austin
Emphasis in high-level software design and programming
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- District of Columbia
- Texas
- Western District of North Carolina
- Middle District of North Carolina
- Eastern District of North Carolina
Legal 500 U.S. Elite (2025)
Best Lawyers® in America – Intellectual Property (2025, 2026)
Business North Carolina Legal Elite (2023, 2025-26)
- The Bakewell Foundation
- Board of Directors, Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED)
- Association for Corporate Growth
- North Carolina Bar Association
Patent Prosecution
- Assisted a mobile-technology company with building an expansive patent portfolio covering network traffic and device management with 100+ patents across dozens of patent families.
- Assisted a FinTech software company with building an industry-specific patent portfolio with numerous issued patents.
- Assisted a wireless-technology company with building a significant patent portfolio with numerous issued patents covering numerous innovations in mobile-device technology.
- Assisted a group of data scientists with patent applications related to a new programming language for complex mathematical modeling.
- Assisted an electron-microscopy company with building a significant patent portfolio with dozens of patents and patent applications covering numerous cutting-edge aspects of electron microscopy.
- Assisted an AgTech startup with numerous patents around state-of-the-art indoor-farming systems.
- Assisted an individual inventor with defending petitions for Inter Partes Review (IPR) filed by industry leaders on two different patents covering solar-energy technology, with the PTAB denying institution on both patents.
Patent Litigation
- Represented a new startup company in district court against claims of patent infringement related to clock-management systems for sporting events brought by an incumbent industry competitor.
- Represented a manufacturer of fishing lures in district court against claims of patent infringement and trade-dress infringement by an industry-dominant competitor company.
- Represented a manufacturer of aircraft ground-support equipment in district court against claims of patent infringement by a larger competitor company.
- Represented a multi-national communications company in a multiple-patent ITC investigation involving a wide variety of smartphone, tablet, and laptop computer technologies.
- Represented a memory-chip maker in a multiple-patent ITC investigation involving design of nonvolatile memory products.
- Represented a multi-national communications company in an ITC investigation related to LTE base-station communications technology.
- Represented a major smartphone/tablet manufacturer in a multiple-patent ITC investigation relating to wireless communications of LTE-enabled smartphones and tablets.
- Represented a computer-graphics and mobile-technology company in a multiple-patent ITC investigation relating to texture compression and decompression (i.e., graphics processing) in smartphones, tablets, and computers.
- Represented a major smartphone manufacturer in an ITC investigation relating to digital image processing in smartphone cameras.