Derek Abeyta is a patent attorney with considerable experience in preparing and prosecuting patent applications for clients, both in the United States and in foreign countries. Such patent applications relate to a variety of mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical fields, including telecommunications, extended reality systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning, camera processing, power electronics, video coding, aerospace systems, autonomous vehicles, and medical device arts. Prior to joining Harrity & Harrity, Derek practiced as a patent attorney at Quarles & Brady, LLP in Arizona. Previously, Derek worked as an IP associate for Shumaker & Sieffert, P.A. and Knobbe, Martens, Olson, & Bear, LLP. His law practice has focused on patent preparation and prosecution, as well as patent infringement and validity counseling.

Shruti Costales is the Owner & Founder at Shruti Law PLLC®. Shruti is a licensed US patent attorney and has worked in private practice, in-house, and with the Federal Government. She has 20+ years of deep legal experience in handling patent application drafting and prosecution, patent counseling, patent litigation, IP transactions, complex commercial transactions including drafting and negotiating XaaS agreements and handling FED/SLED agreements, supply chain agreements, product counseling, and due diligence and mergers& acquisitions related assessments. Her experience includes working in the electrical & computer technologies, mechanical technologies, chemicals/materials technologies, and life sciences/healthcare technologies. Shruti has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and a JD from Franklin Pierce Law Center (now the University of New Hampshire School of Law).She is the Vice Chair of the Patent Pathways® Board of Directors. Shruti is currently one of the Vice-Chairs of IPO's Artificial Intelligence (AI),Data, and New Emerging Technologies Committee. Over the last decade, Shruti has co-led IPO's DEI and Women in IP committees where she co-authored many white papers, guides, and toolkits. Recently, Shruti co-authored the Data Use Agreement Template for IPO's AI/D/NET Committee.

Dave Easwaran is a partner and patent attorney at K&L Gates LLP.  He manages a team of patent attorneys, agents and technical specialists to support the IP objectives of a diverse client base.  In this capacity, he helps clients build patent portfolios that provide leverage to accomplish business goals, and he helps clients resolve contentious IP matters.  Having in the past held positions as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and as an in-house attorney at a Fortune 50 company, Dave understands how to position patent applications for success and how to allocate limited IP spend in a cost-effective manner.  Beyond representing his clients, Dave is passionate about engaging with industry stakeholders and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to improve the U.S. patent system and ensure it promotes the development and deployment of new technology.

Priscilla Reyes is a patent agent with diversified experience in medical devices and oil and gas industries. She has expertise in chemistry, medical devices, control release technologies, and oil and gas technologies. Priscilla is known as a dependable, innovative, goal oriented team player/lead who possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills to achieve bottom line results. She is also fluent in Spanish.

Serena Farquharson‑Torres is an Assistant General Counsel at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she leads pharmaceutical patent matters and serves on the IP Leadership Team. She is Vice Chair of the IPO International Patent Law and Trade Committee and a recognized advocate for inclusivity in IP and STEM. Prior to Bristol Myers Squibb, she practiced patent law in private practice and held in‑house roles at Schering‑Plough/Merck and Sanofi. Serena earned her J.D. from the University of North Carolina, her Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Minnesota, and her B.S. in Chemistry from Howard University.

Justin Hasford has experience in all areas of intellectual property law. His practice focuses on complex patent litigation at the trial and appellate levels on behalf of pioneer pharmaceutical companies. He has particular experience with cases arising from Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) under the Hatch-Waxman Act and in post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Justin has also litigated trade secret, antitrust, and business method patent cases.

Sarah Tully works at Genentech as Director and Assistant General Counsel, Neuroscience and CVRM IP Lead. In her role, she works on IP policy issues with a particular focus on the biopharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining Genentech, Ms. Tully did a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Judge Raymond T. Chen at the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Before her clerkship, she worked as an associate at Haley Guiliano and Cooley and as a patent agent at Ropes & Gray. Ms. Tully holds a J.D. from Stanford Law School, a Ph.D. in chemistry from California Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry from Barnard College, Columbia University.

Brandon Clark is a legal professional with extensive experience in intellectual property and technology law. Currently serving as Chief IP Counsel & Legal Director at SLB, Brandon has previously held roles as General Counsel for Intellectual Property and for Artificial Lift & Completions at the same company. Brandon also worked as a Patent Attorney at Air Liquide USA LLC and began their career as an Engineer at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Educational credentials include a Juris Doctor in Intellectual Property from the University of Houston Law Center and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delaware.

Shruti Costales is the Owner & Founder at Shruti Law PLLC®. Shruti is a licensed US patent attorney and has worked in private practice, in-house, and with the Federal Government. She has 20+ years of deep legal experience in handling patent application drafting and prosecution, patent counseling, patent litigation, IP transactions, complex commercial transactions including drafting and negotiating XaaS agreements and handling FED/SLED agreements, supply chain agreements, product counseling, and due diligence and mergers& acquisitions related assessments. Her experience includes working in the electrical & computer technologies, mechanical technologies, chemicals/materials technologies, and life sciences/healthcare technologies. Shruti has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and a JD from Franklin Pierce Law Center (now the University of New Hampshire School of Law).She is the Vice Chair of the Patent Pathways® Board of Directors. Shruti is currently one of the Vice-Chairs of IPO's Artificial Intelligence (AI),Data, and New Emerging Technologies Committee. Over the last decade, Shruti has co-led IPO's DEI and Women in IP committees where she co-authored many white papers, guides, and toolkits. Recently, Shruti co-authored the Data Use Agreement Template for IPO's AI/D/NET Committee.

Sean Kim is a Corporate Counsel for Microsoft's Intellectual Property Group, supporting Microsoft’s Office Cloud and Apps business under Experiences and Device (E+D) division. Sean provides guidance on a broad spectrum of intellectual property matters including strategic patent portfolio development, IP ownership analysis, and assessment and management of IP-related risks. Beyond providing IP-related counseling, Sean is active in engaging Microsoft inventors and reviewing AI tools. Before joining Microsoft, Sean worked as an IP counsel at a medical device company treating heart diseases and as a patent attorney at a private IP law firm in Southern California. Prior to his legal career, Sean worked as an engineer for a renewable energy company and a wafer fabrication equipment company.

Edoardo Mirabella is a European patent attorney based in Germany. He is responsible for drafting and prosecution of German and European patent applications in the field of computer implemented inventions (hardware and software), inventions involving mathematical methods (including blockchains and artificial intelligence), and optics, mechanical and process engineering. He handles opposition and appeal proceedings before the European Patent Office. He also coordinates and assists in the prosecution of patent applications in the US. 

Lisa Ulrich works as an intellectual property attorney for IBM in North Castle, NY. Ms. Ulrich’s body of work encompasses standard-essential patents, policy issues related to artificial intelligence, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining IBM, Ms. Ulrich was a patent litigator and prosecutor for an intellectual property law firm in NYC. Ms. Ulrich serves as co-chair of IPO’s Standards Setting Committee and was a former chair of IPO’s Trademark Office Practice Committee.

Jennifer Carnahan is an intellectual property attorney at The Dow Chemical Company in Lake Jackson, Texas. She provides global IP support for certain polyethylene technologies, as well as for the corporate functions.  Additionally, she serves as Dow’s Trade Secret Protection and Enforcement Counsel, acting as a focal point in the Legal Department for trade secret related matters.  She negotiates and drafts intellectual property agreements, including those related to licensing, joint development, divestitures, and nondisclosure. She also has responsibility for patent portfolio management, freedom of action assessments, and general counseling. Jennifer received a JD from the University of Houston, a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Rice University and a BS in Chemistry from the University of Texas – Austin.

Leland G. Hansen is a shareholder at McAndrews with extensive experience in intellectual property litigation involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, unfair competition, and antitrust claims. Leland has served as lead counsel before federal district courts, the International Trade Commission, and the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, and in contested proceedings at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, including reexamination and inter partes review. Leland has also served as lead counsel in alternative dispute resolution proceedings such as mediation and binding arbitration, both domestically and internationally.

Wallace Feng’s practice focuses on patent and trademark infringement litigation. His practice includes representation of clients in U.S. District Courts and the U.S. International Trade Commission. Wallace also has experience in patent matters relating to medical devices and biological sciences. In addition, he litigates “Schedule A” trademark infringement actions in a wide variety of jurisdictions, including the Northern District of Illinois and the Southern District of Florida. He has experience in pre-suit investigation, discovery, motion practice, pre-trial and trial preparation, and negotiating case resolution. In addition to his litigation matters, Wallace has been involved in prosecuting patent applications in the biological sciences and has experience in opinion work.

Nicole Kopinski practices in the field of intellectual property law, with an emphasis on patent litigation and counseling in the pharmaceutical, biological, and chemical arts.  She is experienced in all aspects of federal patent litigation, including pre-suit investigation and case strategy, fact and expert discovery, claim construction, dispositive motion practice, pretrial preparation, trial, and appeal.  She has litigated complex patent disputes in a wide range of technologies, including pharmaceuticals (Hatch-Waxman litigation), medical devices, and biochemical and chemical products.

Joe Simone is the co-chair of East IP, a Chinese intellectual property firm. He obtained his BA in Chinese studies from the University of Pennsylvania (1984) and his JD from American university (1987). Joe has been assisting companies with IP protection in Greater China since 1988. Most of his work focuses on trademark, copyright and unfair competition matters, including registration and enforcement. Throughout his career, Joe has actively supported research and advocacy in IP protection in China, with a particular focus on bad faith trademark registration, anti-counterfeiting and intermediary liability. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the IPO’s International Trademark committee.

Tony Bonner represents Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and individual investors with respect to patent prosecution, trademark prosecution, copyright registration, patent opinions, open source issues, IP licensing and related litigation. He has unique experience in IP prosecution, litigation and licensing in the electrical, computer and mechanical engineering fields. In the electrical and computer fields, Tony's experience includes DSL technologies, microelectronics, GPS technologies, integrated circuits, networking, communications, semiconductor, computer architecture, Internet technologies, personal communication services, software and digital logic. In the mechanical engineering field, he has experience in manufacturing and medical devices. Tony also provides guidance on open source issues including performing open source audits, analyzing open source compliance, and counseling clients wishing to submit software to the open source community.

Michael Carey is an Member of F. Chau & Associates. Mr. Carey regularly prepares and prosecutes utility patents with an emphasis on the technology areas of software, and electrical and mechanical engineering. Mr. Carey also develops technology and processes to increase the efficiency of patent preparation and prosecution. Prior to becoming a patent attorney, Mr. Carey was a Major, Chief of Command Post, and Judge Advocate in the United States Air Force, and flew a C-130 in multiple combat deployments.

Alex Zumbulyadis has extensive experience in preparing and prosecuting patents across a diverse range of industries, including non-invasive sensors for medical and identification applications, commercial and residential heating and cooling solutions, transport refrigeration, handling of materials in medical processes, machine learning and automated control software, and components for semiconductor manufacturing. Alex also has significant experience with patent landscaping and strategy, helping clients identify open spaces where high-value patents can be pursued and confirming freedom to operate. In particular, he has led landscaping efforts around machine learning systems in various applications, such as utility grid controls.

Uğur Aktekin joined the firm in 1999 and has been a partner since 2003. He is co-chair of the firm’s intellectual property practice and the technology, media and telecom industry practice. Uğur’s Intellectual Property practice focuses on trademarks, designs and copyrights. He advises on implementing IP protection and enforcement strategies and portfolio management, representing clients before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, as well as cancellation, infringement and other court actions and domain name ADR proceedings, filing for interlocutory and precautionary injunctions, negotiating and drafting co-existence, settlement and licensing agreements. Uğur has been involved in numerous anti-piracy campaigns, civil litigation, criminal raids and litigation involving software copyrights, cinematographic and musical copyrights, cartoon character copyrights, architectural copyrights, databases and television film formats. His TMT practice covers media, advertising, consumer, internet, technology licensing, information technologies, computer software, computer games, data protection, data privacy and security. He advises on all aspects of advertising and media laws, including clearance of advertisements, contracts, promotions and sweepstakes to various local and multinational companies primarily on food and beverages, technology, media, telecom and entertainment sectors. Uğur also advises on data protection legislation, website privacy policies and terms of use under Turkish law.

Benjamin Fontaine is a Partner at Plasseraud IP. He is a qualified French and European Trademark & Design Attorney as well as a Spanish-qualified lawyer. He has been coordinating the Trademark and Litigation practice of the Alicante office since 2003. He also acts as a panelist at WIPO. Benjamin brings his know-how in geographical indications and UDRP procedures as an expert of Plasseraud IP Appellations & Origins and Plasseraud IP Internet & Data. He has a broad range of experience in trademarks and related matters. He guides clients from the early consultation stages, to consolidation of rights and through disputes in France, Spain and before the EUIPO or the General Court of the European Union. He has many years of experience in EU proceedings and disputes. Benjamin is particularly well known for his expertise in geographical indications and the EU trademark system. He regularly publishes and intervenes on these subjects, notably at WIPO, the EUIPO and several universities. He was the chair of the geographical indications committee of ECTA during six years. He is currently the chair of the EUIPO-Link committee of this association. He was also an auditor of the quality of the decisions of the EUIPO, on behalf of ECTA, for several years. 
Benjamin joined EGYP, a company of Plasseraud IP Group, in 1999. He became a Partner in 2014.

Jimmy Huang has been advising clients on intellectual property matters for over 20 years, working with leading international as well as domestic law firms. His practice is particularly focused on trademarks prosecution and enforcement, as well as copyright, domain names, and unfair competition. In March 2024, Jimmy and a team of 36 professionals joined East IP. Jimmy was born in Sichuan Province and obtained his L.L.B. from China Youth University for Political Science in 2003. He then obtained his L.L.M. from University College London (UCL) in 2005. Jimmy was admitted to practice law in China in 2006. Jimmy excels at understanding the needs of clients and helping them solve problems through proactive and comprehensive advice and with the aim of achieving positive outcomes. Jimmy was recognized by The Legal 500 as a recommended lawyer in 2020 and a leading individual in 2018, 2019, and 2021 through 2023; and as a ranked lawyer by Chambers & Partners from 2022 to 2024. He was also included as a top practitioner in the World Trademark Review 1000 in 2017, 2019 through 2023.

Emily Scott advises on a wide range of UK, European Union and international trade mark cases for a diverse client base. She has particular experience of working across the food and beverage, manufacturing, retail and security sectors, with strong skills in trade mark filing, prosecution and maintenance, as well as portfolio management, reviews and audits. I have also assisted in a range of contentious proceedings before the UKIPO and the EUIPO. She also negotiates amicable settlement of trade mark disputes and prepares co-existence agreements.

Shruti Costales is the Owner & Founder at Shruti Law PLLC®. Shruti is a licensed US patent attorney and has worked in private practice, in-house, and with the Federal Government. She has 20+ years of deep legal experience in handling patent application drafting and prosecution, patent counseling, patent litigation, IP transactions, complex commercial transactions including drafting and negotiating XaaS agreements and handling FED/SLED agreements, supply chain agreements, product counseling, and due diligence and mergers& acquisitions related assessments. Her experience includes working in the electrical & computer technologies, mechanical technologies, chemicals/materials technologies, and life sciences/healthcare technologies. Shruti has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and a JD from Franklin Pierce Law Center (now the University of New Hampshire School of Law).She is the Vice Chair of the Patent Pathways® Board of Directors. Shruti is currently one of the Vice-Chairs of IPO's Artificial Intelligence (AI),Data, and New Emerging Technologies Committee. Over the last decade, Shruti has co-led IPO's DEI and Women in IP committees where she co-authored many white papers, guides, and toolkits. Recently, Shruti co-authored the Data Use Agreement Template for IPO's AI/D/NET Committee.

Ed Lin is an experienced IP attorney for Caterpillar Inc. He currently oversees IP support for supported business units, including: coordinating international support (Asia, Europe, and the United States), managing to IP budget, and providing practical and creative legal solutions. He has extensive experience negotiating and drafting agreements, overseeing patent prep and prosecution, managing outside counsel, running patent review boards, supporting M&A and VC deals, providing highly customized presentations to senior leadership, and working in a matrix organization. 

Cynthia Mitchell is Assistant Chief IP Counsel at Solventum, where she brings a wealth of IP, M&A, divestiture and spin experience as well as experience in Fortune 500 medical device, electronics, telecom and renewable energy companies. Cynthia leverages more than two decades of experience as a patent attorney and in-house counsel in her work representing clients in a full range of intellectual property matters. She grounds her counsel in the day-to-day realities her clients face. Cynthia partners cross functionally with business partners to navigate complex business and intellectually property issues including IP agreements, strategic IP portfolio development and management, litigation and a myriad of other intellectual property matters.

Erik Perez is an experienced Intellectual Property and Legal Operations Leader with a strong background in the oil & energy and chemical industries. Erik brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership, with a proven track record in driving operational excellence, managing complex legal ecosystems, and fostering innovation. Erik holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry and an Executive MBA focused on Leadership and International Business. Erik has a deep understanding of chemistry and R&D environments paired with firm/vendor management, data & analytics, and business strategy. He’s also passionate about developing people, transforming processes, and leveraging digital solutions to streamline legal functions. As an internationally invited speaker, Erik has enjoyed sharing insights on intellectual property, legal finances, operational excellence, process improvement, and leadership.

Thomas Wong serves as patent counsel for the Experiences and Devices Division at Microsoft. In that role, he is responsible for building, managing and utilizing patent portfolios associated with Microsoft’s M365 products.

Adam Bramwell is an experienced legal professional, currently serving as Assistant Chief Intellectual Property Counsel and Business Counsel at Solventum, where his responsibilities include developing and executing intellectual property strategies, managing patent portfolios, negotiating and drafting IP-related agreements, supporting innovation and R&D initiatives, and advising on global IP litigation, licensing, and enforcement matters.  In his capacity as Business Counsel, Adam provides strategic legal guidance on commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, and risk management to support business objectives across the enterprise. His past roles include Assistant Chief Intellectual Property Counsel at 3M and Associate in Dorsey & Whitney’s Minneapolis office. His educational credentials include a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

Shruti Costales is the Owner & Founder at Shruti Law PLLC®. Shruti is a licensed US patent attorney and has worked in private practice, in-house, and with the Federal Government. She has 20+ years of deep legal experience in handling patent application drafting and prosecution, patent counseling, patent litigation, IP transactions, complex commercial transactions including drafting and negotiating XaaS agreements and handling FED/SLED agreements, supply chain agreements, product counseling, and due diligence and mergers& acquisitions related assessments. Her experience includes working in the electrical & computer technologies, mechanical technologies, chemicals/materials technologies, and life sciences/healthcare technologies. Shruti has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and a JD from Franklin Pierce Law Center (now the University of New Hampshire School of Law).She is the Vice Chair of the Patent Pathways® Board of Directors. Shruti is currently one of the Vice-Chairs of IPO's Artificial Intelligence (AI),Data, and New Emerging Technologies Committee. Over the last decade, Shruti has co-led IPO's DEI and Women in IP committees where she co-authored many white papers, guides, and toolkits. Recently, Shruti co-authored the Data Use Agreement Template for IPO's AI/D/NET Committee.

Erik Perez is an experienced Intellectual Property and Legal Operations Leader with a strong background in the oil & energy and chemical industries. Erik brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership, with a proven track record in driving operational excellence, managing complex legal ecosystems, and fostering innovation. Erik holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry and an Executive MBA focused on Leadership and International Business. Erik has a deep understanding of chemistry and R&D environments paired with firm/vendor management, data & analytics, and business strategy. He’s also passionate about developing people, transforming processes, and leveraging digital solutions to streamline legal functions. As an internationally invited speaker, Erik has enjoyed sharing insights on intellectual property, legal finances, operational excellence, process improvement, and leadership.

Derek Somogy is Assistant General Counsel and a patent attorney at Caterpillar Inc. Derek currently leads Caterpillar’s U.S.-based patent obtaining team, and before that he was lead IP counsel for a business unit. Prior to joining Caterpillar, Derek worked at Wood Herron & Evans in Cincinnati and Renner Kenner in Akron. He studied law at The Ohio State University Moritz College of law and physics at The College of Wooster.

Hunter Yancey Jr.  practices intellectual property law focused on patent law while leveraging over two decades of experience. His current Qualcomm role is lead patent counsel for wireless connectivity and compute technologies. This dynamic role includes patent preparation and prosecution; legal support for advocacy, litigation, and licensing activities; providing counsel to business and technical leads on various patent matters; and partnering with IP team colleagues to develop and hone protection strategies for Qualcomm’s intellectual property. Prior to Qualcomm, his firm experience included an array of intellectual property matters at Troutman Sanders in Atlanta. Hunter holds a EE bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech and a JD from UNH’s Franklin Pierce School of Law.

Lauren Robinson is a partner in Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner’s Washington DC office. She is experienced in intellectual property litigation and transactional matters. She focuses on complex patent litigation before U.S. district courts and post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in a variety of technologies, including the chemical and pharmaceutical fields. In particular, she has extensive district court litigation experience involving energy technologies, catalytic processes, and representing pharmaceutical patent holders in litigations arising under the Hatch-Waxman Act, which governs the approval of pharmaceutical products.

Mark Twilley is an experienced legal professional specializing in intellectual property, currently serving as Senior Intellectual Property Counsel at Dow since January 2019. Past roles include Intellectual Property Counsel at Price Heneveld LLP, where responsibilities encompassed patent preparation and prosecution across various engineering disciplines and training new attorneys. Mark's legal career began with positions including Summer Associate at Harness, Dickey & Pierce and Intellectual Property Legal Extern at Michigan State University Technologies. Educational credentials include a J.D. in Patent Law from Michigan State University College of Law and a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Michigan Technological University.