2022 Intellectual Property/Cyber Security Q&A

Xsensus LLP, Alexandria

Title: Co-founder and patent attorney

Other legal specialties: Sounding board for everyone in my friends-and-family circles who has an invention! 

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Pennsylvania State University; law degree, American University

Family: Spouse, Alyssa Harry; children, Sean, 10, and Brynn, 8

Career mentors: Fellow Xsensus co-founder Brad Lytle, who taught me and continues to teach me, the value and importance of fostering strong personal relationships with colleagues, clients and the community. Brad also leads by example with a tireless work ethic and endless creativity. I continue to learn from him every day.

First legal job: Patent examiner at the U.S Patent and Trademark Office 

Bingeworthy TV show: “Welcome to Wrexham.” It combines my love of entrepreneurship and sports and is a great example of the impact that can be made by taking a risk, fostering a sense of community and always looking for creative ways to push the envelope.  

What is most important for clients seeking patents to know? I think most people are surprised to learn that an idea does not need to be groundbreaking to be patentable. Some of the most commercially successful inventions solve everyday problems. However, it is essential to have a trusted patent attorney guide you because the process is complicated, and they know best how to negotiate with the examiners. It is also important for the inventor to stay involved in the process.

What technology is currently most active in terms of intellectual property law? Artificial intelligence seems to be pervasive in almost all technology spaces, from optimizing tire-tread design to developing groundbreaking medicines, and everything in between. Companies are really pushing the envelope on how they are envisioning the use of AI in their research and development.

Read the 23rd edition of the Virginia Business Legal Elite here.

Read the Intellectual Property/Cyber Security list here.